I have digitrax decoders in most my units but would like to try other brands. Would the operating characteristics be very different? I have two tunnel motors one with a digitrax, I would like to get an nce for the other but am concerned about matching them up speed wise. Would it be as simple as changing the voltage cv’s?
Looking for any advise related to decoders.
Thanks Guys,
All decoders that conform to the NMRA DCC Standards and Recommended Practices are compatible with any DCC system. The only differences are going to be in the number of functions supported, such as ditch lights, strobes, mars light, etc.
Check Tony’s Train Exchange’s decoder comparison chart at http://www.tonystrains.com or Loys Toys at http://www.loystoys.com
In a Atlas Genesee Wyoming MP15 DC I installed a Digitrax DN143IP and in another Atlas CSX MP15DC a NCE N14IP. Both engines run together beautifully, they start moving at the same throttle setting and run forward and reverse at the same speed. They are very well matched and I did not speed matched them in anyway. I guess that decoder of different manufacturers have the same behavior after all.
Hope this answer your question.
Jack
Thanks Jack. Thats exactly what I was asking.
Meanwhile I purchased 2 NCE decoders, one for the other tunnel motor and one short decoder for Atlas locos .I finaly got the one decoder to work for the SD9, it had a bad solder. The wife said maybe you should have an extra? So of coarse I bought the extra with another SD9 in mind. I look forward to the NCE units. I also Purchased a TCS for a VO1000.
Any thoughts on a sound unit for an N-scale GS4 that will fit in the tender?
Well, I installed the NCE into the tunnel motor and the two unit run sooooo different, although they did as dc units too.
I have been playing with the high and mid range power limits but haven’t had any luck yet. Will changing the start voltage help or would it cause it to jump?
When in doubt, I either call or drop Tony’s a line with what I am considering and how the locos will be used or what they will be consisted with. He usually has some words of wisdom.
Please let us know how the TCS VO1000 decoder works out. I just got two myself, but the locos are packed away in anticipation of a move so it will be a while before I get them installed. The Atlas version is not available as a standalone part, and the TCS decoder looks to be a more capable unit anyway.
I’ve tried running 2 Atlas GP40’s, one with an NCE decoder and one with a Digitrax decoder together and I can’t get them to run at the same speed. I bought the NCE because it was cheaper. I think I’m going to stick with the same brand decoders from now on.
Adelie, the TCS went on back order[:(], but when I get it and run it I will share the results.
TA462, Thats what my conclusion is to. Its hard to say which one is better, but the Digitrax seems a bit smoother. The NCE came with some vague dirrections on how to program for mars lights but I can’t get it to work properly.
Hey Guys, I once spent hours trying to get an Atlas GP38 to run with a Kato AC4400. I now match loco manufacturers when consisting and try to use only TCS decoders with no problems. I know there are ways to have different loco maufacturers run the same but I think it just takes to long.
hoscalephil, I have a few Atlas locos that run great togther but the two Intermountain tunnel motors just plain suck. I am very dissapointed in them. I do have thier F3 A&B and they run awesome. The question here was concerning the decoders. I do agree that it is probably easier to match same brand locos as they usually share the same driveline. The Kato locos seem a bit smoother than the Atlas so maybe they use tighter tollerances.
I did send the original decoder for the tunnel motor in for repair/replacement as I do not like the NCE with the Digitrax. I will update on the results.
ta462, received e-mail that the TCS decoder for my VO1000 is in transit to me, YA!
I put the TCS decoder in the V1000 and it runs great. I had to spread the board tabs a bit as the TCS is a bit hticker than the original light board. I must say I like the leds on this decoder, and I look forward to some play time with it.
I was thinking about the difference in decoders and I will check out the Digitrax site as I think the decoder halves the voltage when the unit is MUed…