I have a 2-6-0 with the DSD-090LC decoder and it is not as good as the
Micro in another 2-6-0 for speed control. Even at a slow chuff rate
the speed for the Micro did not waver going around a curve or climbing
a grade. As far as I can see, no JST connector and lower current are
the two differences between the standard and Micro decoders.
I also have a Spectrum 4-4-0 that I installed a DSD-100LC and it will
get a Micro.
My Roundhouse 4-4-0 DCC/sound will get a Micro. The factory decoder
does not compare to the Micro.
I will order the Roundhouse 2-8-0 old timer as DCC Ready.
When Soundtraxx gets the diesel Micro to market there will be some
happy people.
If you can afford it, I would go only with DCC ready when buying Roundhouse engines.
Rich
Going with engines that are DCC ready in this specific case such as the Roundhouse 4-4-0 or the others and choosing a decoder that offers better control is a good and wise decision.
The MRC Supplied Decoder onboard the engines are really not good. No matter what you do with the CV’s on either end of the chart it will start with a jerk and stop with a jerk. Finally I scrapped my engine after it started cogging very badly when pushed by it’s own train downgrade.
I cannot say enough how good it is to buy one of these engines ready to recieve a DCC Decoder of YOUR choice and NOT use the factory one.
I MAY be buying the B&O 2-8-0 around christmas but have already determined that it will be DCC READY and find a decoder for it. Your choices of decoder are quite worth pursuing.
The last I heard is the old time 2-8-0 will be released sometime in Jan. 2008. Caboose Hobbies has it for $97.97. Maybe someone will put a reserve order note under the tree. [:)]
Caboose Hobbies has it under Model Die Casting, not Athearn or Roundhouse.
Horizon Hobby sells it for $229.98. I believe Horizon Hobby owns Athearrn/Roundhouse. Not sure.
Rich