I am constructing my new layout–my first endeavor into DCC–and will be converting several locomotives to DCC. Does anyone have suggestions for good, basic, inexpensive decoders for N scale locomotives. I want to support consisting, but need little else in special features beyond basic lights. Any input is appreciated.
Ron
Digitrax DZ123?
Since your era is 2000 and BNSF I’ll assume you need decoders for mostly modern diesel power. The ‘problem’ with N scale is that most decoders are specifically designed to fit a certain model. Even in the big modern power there’s not a lot of free space under the shell to install and wire a decoder. Most recent vintage locos have a specific decoder available from one of the manufaturers that simply replaces the existing light board. On older models that don’t have a board repacement available, you generally need to mill space from the frame to locate the decoder, or have it done by one of the services that handles this, like Aztec. With limited space, you have to use the smaller decoders, and they aren’t exactly ‘cheap’. No one current makes an N scale decoder that I’ve seen for under $15 like you can get a generic HO ‘fleet’ decoder for. $25 and up seems to be the rule here. The Lenz Silver Mini is about $30 and probbaly has the best motor control of anyone. The Digitrax DZ143 is a bit less then the Lenz and also has Back-EMF, although not as good as Lenz’s. The DZ123 is only $16 but does not offer Back-EMF.
–Randy
Randy, does TCS not offer anything in that area?
yep, they have the MC2 which will work in many cases and the M1 which is smaller but a little more expensive. I have used many of both in HO engines, they have a robust 1 amp motor circuit and basic lighting and consisting.
Randy pretty much nailed the N-scale situation. If your fleet is going to be a modern one, there are probably decoders that fit those specific locos. While these are going to be more expensive than installing a DZ-123 or equal the time and effort has to be worth something. The light board replacements are about a 20-30 minute job, including the test run.
So the real question is “what locos are you going to run?”
Yes, I am running modern equipment–mostly Atlas and Kato. I can cerainly buy the replacement boards, and probably will. I just wondered if I could find a way to save some serious $$$ by going another route.
Ron
As mentioned. TCS has the M1 and MC2, and while they are small, they are actually quite large compared to the Digitra DZ and the Lenz Minis. I don’t have a picture, but I am helping a friend with his layout and he scratchbuilds 4-4-0 Camelbacks in N scale, generally with a tender drive. He uses Lenz and Zimo decoders, and they are actually small enough to fit in the tiny tender along with the motor and drive!
–Randy