Hello: I am in the process of converting to DCC. I went with Digitrax Zephyr and a couple of UT4’s. Working great. I model N-Scale. I am having the retailer install the decoders, Digitrax decoders are what was quoted (so I am assuming recommended). I experienced a minor backorder with the Zephyr and UT4. There seems to be a huge backorder on Digitrax decoders for my N-scale loco’s - Atlas & Kato. They loco’s are a couple of years old - plug-in play will work I was told. I was told NCE decoders could be installed right away - but there was no time table for the Digitrax. Has any one else experienced this? I assume NCE and Digitrax decoders are of similar quality. Comments appreciated. Thanks.
ALL decoders meet NMRA specs. The function and workmanship are the difference. All I use is Digitrax, NCE. NO MRC had nothing but problems with the two I tried. I am in HO and get a LOT of my decoders from Tony’s.
Take Care
I know the Digitrax one that fits most Atlas models has been in short supply. I’ve always been able to find them somewhere, but this is an ongoing saga. Last time I got them from Tony’s when Empire Northern was out and had no outlook. I think he was offering to substitute NCE for that, but if I remember right it had too few functions for what I was needing.
If what you need is the DN163A0, www.dcchobbysupply.com claims to have 4 in stock, but his site also said that a month ago when somebody else was asking.
I just got a Zephyr on Saturday, with a digitrax plug in play decoder (163K1B), I installed it in about 30 seconds, and neither were on backorder, TonyTrains had them at the National Train Show in stock.
As far as I know you can use any decoder, however how can you beat plug in play decoders especially if you are new to DCC?
Try calling tony’s trains (tonystrains.com), they had them in stock a couple of days ago, and at a great price.
Not a big deal, they’re all like this. These aren’t huge companies with unlimited production capability. Typically they will set the line up to produce one particular decoder, run off a bunch, then switch to another. On some sort of production schedule.If the first one gets sold out before they come around to making more -then it’s backorder time. N scale is a little tougher because of the specific fitments - and I don’t think there is a ton of overlap between the manufacturers. But if NCE or TCS or Lenz has a drop-in decoder for your loco, do not hesitate to use it, it will work fine with your Zephyr.
–Randy