I just purchased a Genesis GP38-2 dcc/sound ready locomotive and am looking for a good plug and play non-sound decoder. But if the install is easy for sound, I could be easily talked into it. This locomotive is the latest Southern release with the LEDs.
Thanks,
Ralph
Soundtraxx, NCE, and TCS make good non sound decoders. Sound decoders: Soundtraxx, TCS, and Loksound. For sound, TCS has an install procedure on its web site. Will be simelar for other board style decoders.
The TSC site seems down, at least for me. Martin have you seen sound locos in person? I don’t think youtube is a good representation, because everyone wants to show off that the horn and bell works and it becomes obnoxious noise.
Regardless some people don’t like it. If you do, you are going to want more locos converted to sound.
Unlike converting locos made in the 1980’s current production has places in the frame so speakers will fit. I don’t think you would be making a mistake with any of the previously mentioned decoders. ESU also makes lokpilot non-sound decoders.
I couldn’t get on either.
Mike.
Ralph, there are so many decoders out there that would work- pick a price and move on.
easy install- there not any jonnie jump them self decoders-
you are going to do some work for sound install.
TCS site is working for me. They do not have a non-sound picture install for the Genesis GP38-2, but any 9 pin will plug in to the board. There is a WOWSound install
https://tcsdcc.com/installation/ho-scale/559
–Randy
Hello All,
My vote would be for Digitrax non-sound decoders. Great decoders at a reasonable price.
If you only need a 2-function decoder the DH 126 series offers a list of features and is available in 9-pin NMRA compliant plug or wired.
The DH 166 series is a 6-function decoder with the same features and wiring options.
I also run Bachmann 2-function decoders- -these are extremely basic decoders that don’t support many CVs. These cam installed as OEM on several of my locomotives and I haven’t bothered to upgrade.
The price difference between the Digitrax 126 series and the Bachmann is so close that I would opt for the Digitrax.
If you are looking at non-sound decoders with built-in “keep-alive” capabilities and are LED “ready” I would recommend TCS. The price difference between the Digitrax and TCS is significant but the proverbial “bells and whistles” are significant too.
The KAM4-LED offers 4-functions, “keep-alive” and is LED “ready” (no resistors are needed to power LEDs) all in a neat little package.
With an NMRA compliant DCC system all these decoders will work with whatever system you use.
Some folks recommend standardizing on one brand of decoder for simplicity of programming and consisting.
All my consists use the same manufacturer of decoders- -all Bachmann or Digitrax. The exception is my MOW snowplow train.
In that consist I have successfully mixed Digitrax and TCS decoders. These support the same CVs over the basic Bachmann decoders that do not support more in-depth CVs.
If by “dual decoder” you mean the ability to run on both DCC and DC all of these can do that through CVs.
If by “dual decoder” you mean the ability to add sound at a
Thanks everyone, you all have been a big help. Looks like I will have at least two more weeks with the new “shelter in place” mandate here in Indiana to look at all your suggestions. Henry, I have not really had much experence with listening to live sound, most have been on Youtube and I guess I should really get out to more places like train shows or vist some layouts where people are using sound.
I work in a noisy auto plant so sometimes it’s nice just to come home and run trains and hear only the wheels clicking on the track joints. But I thought sound might be fun to play with every now and then but I think I would also be happy with just a motor/light function decoder. I purchased this unit to run with two IM GP10 locomotives that already had non sound decoders installed.
Anyway I really appreciate everyones advice and start checking the websites you all listed.
Thanks again.
Ralph
Hello All,
To clarify, a “function output” would be a lighting or set of lighting functions in addition to motor control.
Two-function decoders control the motor and typically front and rear lights separately.
Four-function decoders control, not only the front and rear lighting functions separately, but can also add things like interior cab lights, specialized lighting effects like ditch lights, rotary beacons, mars or strobe lights.
Six-function decoders can control- -wait for it- -six separate lighting functions; front and rear lights, interior lights, ditch lights, beacons; rotary, strobe, mars and truck lights, etc.
Sound is not considered a “function” even though you control sounds by “function” buttons on the controller.
As an example, I use 2-function decoders on all my locomotives- -diesel or steam. I only need motor control with separate front and rear lighting capabilities.
On my rotary snowplow I use a 4-function decoder.
This unit is unpowered so it is not self-propelled. The motor function of the decoder controls the motor that turns the fan blades of the plow. I can vary the speed of the blades, through a DCC address, rather than just having it “on or off”.
One function controls the forward headlight. A second function controls the rear-facing light. The third function controls the dual floodlights of the plow (forward) and the fourth function controls a beacon mounted to the top of the cab. This function can be set to “rotary” or “strobe”.
The number of “functions” depends on how many lighting functions you require, not the number of sounds you want.
Hope this helps.
JJ, thanks, yes this does help!
Ralph
Now it does. Wasn’t before.
Mike.