I'm confused about decoders. I see them listed as "2 function, 3 function, etc." but then the discription will say something like "it controls lights, this and that, so forth and so on." Is there a decoder standard that says all decoders control X,Y, and Z and the other 2 or 3 or 4 functions are above and beyond, or am I just not getting it???? Thanks!
Espeeman, I'll have to do some homework and see if I can get a "definitive" answer. However you should know this: decoders are the one thing in DCC that have been "evolving" and are still evolving. For example, no decoder exists that can do all the things a group of decoders can do. For example, you can't find a decoder that auto-uncouples, has sound, back emf, USP (less relieance on track - an electronic flywheel), etc. So guys are nervous about coming into DCC because they fear the sytem will change. That isn't likely to happen, but what could happen is that decoder technology will radically change over time - they will be able to do more things at a cheaper cost. The first decoders were pretty simple, and some of the really cheap decoders out there are pretty simple, which works just fine if all you want them to do is run your engine backwards and forwards. More functions were added so that people could have their Mars lights going, etc. So you will find a decoder out now (and the higher price range) will have more goodies in it.
The basic function count is 2. This provides one function to control a headlight and a second function to control rear end light. If you also want to have beacons, number boards, firebox flicker, etc, you need additional functions. Typically, the more functions the more expensive the decoder. The next part you are talking about is how each of those individual functions work. Are they basic on of functions like you would use for a headlight? Then you get into FX functions. A FX function can be programmed to make a light appear to be a mars light, a beacon, dimable, alternate flashing with another function, firebox flicker, etc. As with the number of functions, adding FX capabilities adds to cost. David
