I’m looking for basic decoders with forward/reverse lights, no other FX functions or sound needed. I seem to remember someone here mentioning buying them in bulk for about $10 or $12 each.
Any ideas?
Jay,
Pop onto Tony’s Train Exchange site (http://www.tonystrains.com) and go to their Decoder Comparison Matrix. Here’s the direct link:
http://www.tonystrains.com/productcompare/decoder_comparison.htm
You’ll be able to find and compare all the different decoders side-by-side and see which one would be the best fit for you. I would still ask Tony his recommendation. Most the time, you should be able to find a decoder in your price range that will do MORE than what you are wanting.
Tom
TCS Decoders offer a goof-proof guarantee. They’ll replace it even if it’s your fault. This may be an important feature if you’re outfitting an entire fleet, and you’ve never done much of this kind of thing before.
NCE D13SRJ, under $12 each if purchased in a 10-pack, at least from Tim and Empire Northern. I use these for anything that does not have a specific decoder made for it. 4 function outputs, so it’s ok for just about anything unless you ar an SP modeler. Very good motor drive and adjustment, although at this price, no back-EMF. It IS silent running, and has a 9-pin JST connector with harness so you can later remove the decoder if necessary - or snap it right on to one of the new Athearns with the DCC quick-plug.
The only other decoder I believe you can find at this price is the Lenz LE1001 or something - or the Bachmann. And those have very poor motor control.
–Randy
This was what I was looking for!
I’ve been installing decoders for other people for the past few years, but my own layout has been stuck in DC. A couple of friends and I are pooling our money and are going to convert to DCC during the next month or so and wanted to buy some cheap (but good) decoders in bulk to get a large chunk of the fleet converted quickly.
The locos are D&H Alcos/GE/Emd of the 1965 to 1979 era, so we don’t need ditchlights or beacons, etc. All of the models are Atlas, Kato, P2k or have had complete drive upgrades and are well broken in. We also have a few store bought decoder equipped units and I have installed sound systems (Soundtrax) in a couple of my Alcos (you should hear my RS-36s growl down the track!).
Thank you Tom, as well.
Yup, and cheaper in bigger bulks. That is what the club I belong to purchases. No complaints with the product. I got one bad one and NCE replaced it no questions ask.