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Decoder Selection by Loco:
Stewart
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.

Many Stewart locos can use the DH165A0. Some can even use the NCE-DASR. While the NCE-DASR and DH163PK0 are direct-replacement drop-ins, any wired decoder can also be used to replace the light board. Also, some have the NMRA socket. In this case, any wired decoder with an NMRA plug can be used.

Alco Century 628/630
Any wired decoder with an NMRA plug on a 1.75" GS Harness.
No recommendations.
Baldwin AS-16 and AS-616
The TCS-DP5X and D-DH163IP plug right in - no wires. The DN121IP won't work - it cannot be plugged in in the correct orientation. Decoders with an NMRA plug wire harness will work. But which decoder you choose will determine how difficult the installation will be. Obviously, the Z- and N-scale decoders will be easiest. HO-scale decoders can work, but require either the short (mounting it in rear) or long harness (mounting it in front). All-in-all, I recommend the TH150DP. If transponding is needed, use a D-TL1 in conjunction with the TH150DP, or use the D-DH163IP, DZ143PS or TCS-M1PS.
No recommendations.
Baldwin S-12 D-DH163IP,DZ143PV or TCS-TCS-M1PV. The TCS-DP5X won't work, nor will normal-length HO- or N-scale decoders. No recommendations.
Baldwin VO-1000
Any wired decoder with our WHPV NMRA plug harness.

TU doesn't have Baldwin sound and doesn't make a decoder specifically for the VO-1000. But you can retrofit a TUADA (Alco) by taking the brass tabs from the Stewart board and fitting them onto the TU board. Note: This is NOT an easy drop-in installation. It requires some ingenuity on your part.

F3A/B, F7A/B, F9A/B (original)

Any wired decoder. These are, hands down, the easiest locos there are to hard-wire a decoder into.

No recommendations.
F7 (2002)
Any wired decoder. with an NMRA plug.
No recommendations.
FT
Any wired decoder. with an NMRA plug.
No recommendations.
RS11
Any wired decoder.
No recommendations.
RS12
TCS-DP5X or any decoder with an NMRA plug on the harness.
No recommendations.
U25B
TCS-DP5X or any decoder with an NMRA plug on a short harness. Note: The Digitrax DN121IP does not work.
No recommendations.
U25C (Kato drive)
TCS-A1XX, NCE-DASR, or any wired decoder.
No recommendations.
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