About Loy's Toys
Retirement Sale
Decoder Selection by Loco:
Bachmann
 HO-Scale Diesels
DCC Compatibility
 
 

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About Decoder Selection
Some simple things that will help you decide which decoder is right for you, your loco, and your way of operation.
Acela
Any decoder with an NMRA plug on a short harness.
No recommendations.
Doodlebug
Any HO-size or smaller decoder with an NMRA plug on the end of the wire harness. NOTE: look up in the shell to see the place in the roof for the decoder - for size comparison.
No recommendations.
FA (newer, see note) D-DH163L0 or NCE-P2KSR No recommendations.
GE 44-Ton Switcher (early)
DZ143, TCS-M1. This is a hard-wire job with two motors to isolate and wire, and is a more difficult job than others. Wiring the motors in series makes the loco go half-speed and is easier on the decoder. Be sure to use heavy wire between the two motors. Wiring the motors in parallel makes the loco run at the factory speed.
No recommendations.

GE 44-Ton Switcher (2002)

DZ143, TCS-M1. This loco has a light board with pads to connect the various decoder wires - very easy.
No recommendations.
Note: How do you tell if you have an old version FA1 or FA2, or a new version? Open your loco and look at the existing circuit board to compare with those shown at right.
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