How to choose a decoder?

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I’ve been poking around and haven’t been able to find this info - maybe I haven’t poked in the right places…

How do I choose the right decoder for a specific loco? Is it subjective, based on features I want (I’m too new at this to know what I want), or is it “this decoder for this specific loco”?

I have a Digitrax Zephyr (still in the box) and am getting close to wiring my practice layout (HO). I also have a Stewart FT that’s DCC-ready and I think I know what decoder I need based on a table I saw. However, I’m considering buying the new IHC 2-10-2 and I can’t find it listed on any decoder table. I’ve asked IHC but they haven’t responded yet.

I’ve read the DCC topics recommended in this forum but don’t know how to determine which is the right decoder if it’s not listed in some table.

Sorry for being a little windy.

2

Jim,

Tony’s Train Exchange (TTE) has a “Decoder Comparison Matrix” on their web site so that you can compare the different decoders to figure out which particular features they have and which ones you are looking for. Here’s the direct link:

http://www.tonystrains.com/productcompare/decoder_comparison.htm

I mostly resort to just getting recommendations for other folks like TTE, Litchfield Station, and Empire Northern Models.

As far as the Stewart FTs, contact Tim Smith at Empire Northern Models:

Web site: http://www.empirenorthernmodels.com
E-mail: sales@empirenorthernmodels.com

Tim is very knowledgable about DCC, does great work, and his prices are the best on the market.

Tom

3

Thanks Tom

Empire’s D121P decoder looks like the ticket for the FT - and really inexpensive.

I’m still a little overwhelmed by the TTE table, but I guess a phone call or email will help.

4

Jim,

I hear ya’. That’s why I talk to Tim and the other sites to get their recommendations on decoders. Keep Tim in mind when you are looking for DCC stuff and/or need advice. I’m going to be getting that NYC “Cat Whisker” FT A-B locomotive (with sound) that’s on the web site.

The TTE table is good for just comparing one decoder with another so that you can see what features it has or doesn’t have.

Tom

5

Also look at each vendor’s site. I know for sure NCE, Digitrax, and TCS have listings on their respective sites as to which decoders fit certain locos. Naturally there is overlap but there are also instances when, say NCE makes a specific decoder that no one else does.

–Randy