Help choosing decoders for P2K GP30 and Athearn GP38-2

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
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Buying a DCC system with tax refund! Wahoo! I’ve decided to purchase motor only DCC decoders for my current locomotives. I have two P2K GP30’s and I’m aware of two drop decoders: NCE P2kSR and TCS LL8. The TCS decoder is $12 more. Both have same specs for continuous (1 Amp) and peak (2 Amps) currents. No resistors are needed with either decoder if I stay with the 1.5 V bulbs (probably change to LED). The P2KSR has been around for quite awhile but generally gets good reviews. Go with the P2KSR?

My Athearn GP38-2’s have been made DCC ready with a nine pin connector and motor isolation. I’m debating between the Digitrax DH126D (economy) versus the DH166D (premium). I will only use one function (lights) so both would work in regards to functions. The DH166D is $11 more. I don’t know if it has better running characteristics then DH126D to justify higher cost. Anyone know if there is a difference?

Thanks for your time!

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Put a TCS T1 in both of them, and repalce the incandescent bulbs with LEDs.

Better motor control than any of the non-TCS options you mentioned.

The DH126 has no BEMF, which is why it is so cheap.

–Randy

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Thanks Randy! I was hoping you would chime in! You have always given me excellent advice! Hat tip!