I am considering a decoder for my n scale ConCor M10000, the Digitrax site shows DN146IP and DN136PS are both shown for this unit. Does anyone have experience with these? Suggestions for which would be best for this application? Thanks, Chuck.
If you have a Digitrax DCC system, those should work well. The size of their recommended decoder indicates there would be other decoders from other manufacturers that would also be compatible (the Digitrax-recommended decoders are fairly large.) However, Digitrax uses a non-standard transponding system that is unsupported by other DCC systems. TCS, Zimo and ESU decoders & DCC systems support the NMRA-standard Railcom transponding system. Zimo and ESU also have particularly good motor control features.
BigJake-Thank you for your reply. I am using a Digitrax DCS52 now so compatibility should not be an issue. I was hoping for something plug-in as I have not yet tried to do an install where soldering each wire is required. I will research ESU and Zimo to see if they have something. HAPPY, and SAFE, NEW YEAR!
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're unsure, consulting online forums or your local hobby shop for insights from other modelers with experience using these decoders in M10000 locomotives is highly recommended.
I believe you are referring to if a person wants/needs RailCom transponding. If that isn't important, for instance I don't need it, then the decoders should work fine with any DCC command station. Sumner
Transponding is not critical to DCC model railroading by any means, but it does provide specific locomotive/railcar location & identification. Railcom transponding is also much faster than using the programming track for readback of decoder registers, and does not affect motion/position of the locomotive being read. Railcom is usually disabled from the factory on decoders until programmed otherwise. Railcom is supported by command stations and decoders from TCS, ESU, Zimo and Roco.
