I have been looking here but I am still confused.
It seems like not all DCC systems work with all decoders. If this is true then how the heck are you able to make sure your lenz or bachman etc will work with the engine that you buy?
I was looking at a nice shay that has a decoder in it already. I plan to get a DCC unit, but if they are not compatable that would be a HUGE waste of money for me.
ANY info would be appreciated. Thanks guys.
I think basically all motor decoders are created equal. The deciding factor would be the current rating, type of connector on the decoder and the size as to wether it would fit a particular loco. You just have to make sure the decoder you are considering has the proper current rating for the loco you are putting it in. That isn’t a problem generally if you stick with and HO decoder for an HO loco etc. Mate the connector in your loco to the decoder and you should be good to go. If you go to the digitrax website it has a chart that shows what type of decoder will work with most locos. I am sure the other major decoder manufurers have some thing similar.
I just re-read your question. I am pretty sure any brand of decoder will work with any DCC system. The decoder and DCC manufacturers have standards they go by to make sure their is interopterability between manufacturers.
Terry[8D]
Stephen,
All DCC system are supposed to work (or read) all decoders. The only exception might be the European brands that run a more proprietary product, like Marklin. (The Marklin systems will only work and read Markin decoder-based trains.) Either system you have mentioned will be able to read the Bachmann shay.
Tom
Cool thanks guys. As I first read about DCC when it came out they had issues. But now I know most of the issues have been dealt with and was just wanting to be sure.
This forum is great. Thanks guys.
In a few cases, especially sound, there may be other considerations. Many DCC systems have a limited number of function keys, but some of the newer decoders can use more (up to 14, I think). And some decoders don’t allow re-mapping of function keys, or limit it.
For example, the Soundtraxx Tsunami comes with the coupler crash sound actuated by F12. It can be reprogrammed, but only to F10 or F11. So if your DCC system doesn’t support functions above F9, you can’t use coupler crash.
The decoder still works, of course, in all other respects. I realize this might be thought of as nit-picking, and is certainly rare, but might be a consideraton.
Thanks again. That relieves a lot of frustration for me and makes me want to look into DCC even though I have a small layout.
Thanks a lot again everyone.