Help With Decoder Choice

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

As a newbie to DCC, I’m ready to order some decoders.

I get conflicting answers to the following key question: back EMF or not?

My DC power packs have a similar compensation feature which works great at keeping speed constant despite changes in load due to grades. In straight DC, I have only operated multiple units using locos with the same motor and drive train and this, too, has worked fine.

So should I use back EMF decoders in the following situations or not:

Steam loco that will be consisted only with locos with the same motor and drive train.

Steam loco that may be consisted with non-matching locos.

Diesel loco that will be consisted only with locos with the same motor and drive train.

Diesel loco that may be consisted with non-matching locos.

I’ll ask specifically for recommendations on the following:

My new Athearn-Genesis A-B-A F7 set that will always be consisted together.

My Precision Craft Models Y6-B that probably will not be consisted.

I’m starting with DCC-ready models and the simpler the install, the better.

Thanks in advance for responses.

2

Just getting this back onto the active page in hopes of getting a response.

3

The question is…why wouldnt you want BEMF??? It tends to be a common feature these days.

David B

4

I am new to this back EMF stuff, but it seems to help. For sure it doesn’t hurt and the DCC ready locomotives will make life simple and fun. As to brand and features, i prefer the NCE ones - good instructions, good features and good results for an admittedly ham fisted electrics sort. J.R.

5

My understanding is that when running in a consist back EMF is not such a good thing. Some may even disable it automatically (though that could be misremembered). Otherwise, I think it is a good thing in most cases.