I was wondering if there were any advantages of picking your own decoder, versus a factory installed one? I guess the best example of what I'm talking about is Atlas N Scale locomotives. Many if not all are now available in a standard "DCC ready" configuration, and also in a "DCC Equipped" version. There is $30 difference between the 2 versions on the models I see available. I don't as of yet own a DCC system, but was curious as I am strongly considering one. Please keep in mind I very little about DCC and especially the decoders, so feel free to educate me and don't assume I'm aware of anything. Things such as, I assume some decoders have sound, and some don't? Or, is that wrong? Trying to learn.....
I would say all the advantages are with "pick your own". The decoders supplied in Atlas locos are furnished by Lenz and are basic decoders only. Many folks want more features. Drop in decoders made to fit many locos are available from Digitrax, NCE, TCS and perhaps a few others for less than the $30 price difference you mention. With one exception all my decoders are "after market" drop ins. The exception is an Atlas GP-40 which I purchased with decoder installed. If I ever get out from under honey-do projects, that decoder will be replaced by a more capable unit. Sound is beginning to appear in N scale, but is still kinda pricey. Some decoders include sound, most don't. Digitrax offers an add-on sound decoder whcih is designed to be wired into a loco with an existing DCC decoder. I don't personally do sound, so can't comment beyond that. Spend some time browsing the various manufacturer's web sites, and read the on-line or downloadable manuals for more in-depth info. If you are a DCC newbie, there are excellent DCC tutorials at a number of sites. Here are three: http://tonystrains.com/tonystips/dccprimer/index.htm http://litchfieldstation.com/lobby/u_university.htm http://www.siliconvalleylines.org/dcc/presentations.html
One of the biggest deficiencies in using one of the OE Atlas/Lenz decoders, is the lack of suppport for CV6. This is the mid-voltage setting and it is very useful while doing speed matching. One can generally be successful in speed matching locomotives using just CV2, CV5, and CV6 (sometimes called a "3 entry speed table") without having to resort to the normal 28 slot speed tables. In some cases you can also get surprises from the Atlas decoders. Apparently at least some of the OE decoders in the N scale SD26s did not support any speed tables. This was confirmed in discussions with Atlas tech support. So like Doug, I have taken to installing my own decoder choice in all the locomotives I now buy.
Thanks. I'm embarrassed to say I don't even know what a "CV" is. I'm pretty green I guess... Don't worry, because I'm not. I saved the links that Doug was kind enough give me. I'm gonna study up when I get a free moment. bottom line is, I guess you all agree to skip the factory decoder which is good. Does anyone make a decoder that is especially popular, or does it all depend on the loco and what dcc system you own? I mean any brands that stand out as a good value or good support?
One positive for the stock decoders...if you're green, you can "get in the game" with whatever new system you decide on and not have to worry too much about the decoder installs. Not that they're that difficult, but it lets you hit the ground running and realize the benefits of DCC and how much fun it can be. Up to now, I have been buying my Atlas locos with the decoder. For one, I'm only paying about $20 delta, not 30. If it was 30 that would definitely push me the other way. But, I like the fact that I can test the loco immediately upon receipt. I haven't had a layout, so I figure the longer I wait for an advance decoder the better of I'll be...in the meantime I can still run the loco. The other thing is, it has historically been tough to find decoders, especially for new models, and especially Digitrax tends to get backlogged from time to time. My e-tailer only recently got a consistent stock, and my LHS seems to have a billion decoders in stock but never, ever the one I need. I will almost assuredly replace the stock decoders with Digitrax when the time comes, but I figure for now the benefit of having an already installed decoder is worth $20. Keep in mind that I'm not a "heavy hitter" loco collecter, either....I have less than 30 locos and no immediate plans to greatly expand that number. Having said that, and as easy as most of the "plug & play" installs are, I will probably take a serious look at changing my philosophy. Especially now that my layout is getting far enough along that it will matter.
EverettO, decoders are not all the same. Generally, the more expensive decoders drive a locomotive much nicer and smoother, offer much more functions and are often better protectet against over-current and temperature. My advice is to try a few different brands of various price levels to see the difference before you settle on a particular brand/price. Regards, Art ZIMO Agency of North America http://www.mrsonline.net
This is the definition from Loy's Toys website: 'Changing how a loco runs is done with memory locations inside the locomotive decoder. These memory locations are called Configuration Variables (CVs for short). Why "Configuration Variable"? Programming is a term used to describe the process of changing a CV. When programming the decoder, you are "configuring" it to the loco's needs and/or your desires. Since that may be different from loco to loco, and it may change from time to time, CVs can be programmed and re-programmed at any time - making them variable. Hence, "Configuration Variables".' My main problem with preinstalled decoders in Atlas locos is the lack of a CV for controlling load compensation. This is important to me because my layout has grades, up to 2 percent, and controlling load compensation permits consistent speeds without constant operation of the throttle if the train is traveling upgrade or downgrade. Ben
"Variable" is a term used in programming for any value stored in your computer's memory that may be changed by the program. It actually comes from the mathematical term, because early programming was done by and for mathematicians. After a long career as a programmer I taught programming for years, so don't get me started. <grin> Because these variables configure the behavior/performance of your locomotives, they are called configuration variables, or CVs for short.
