Hey all, I installed 1 digitrax decoder on a little 0-6-0 steam engine I got dirt cheap, just to use as a test bed. Looking for advice on "better" decoders now. Both sound and non- sound. Preferably without breaking the bank. (Although I realize you get what you pay for!!) Not that I can complain about the digitrax, just don't want to buy a couple more, just to find out later they aren't great, for whatever reason. Any advice?? Thanks!!
https://laisdcc.com/ I have about 30 of them, all working excellent, and programmable without issues with JMRI (both program track and ops track). Very good customer service too.
I have digitrax also and nce. I've had no problem with either and nce will replace any dead decoder with theirs for 10$ you can't beat that! I've used this feature a few times.
For sound, the ESU LokSound is rapidly becoming the de facto standard. It is used by many manufacturers as an OEM sound decoder, and has the largest set of very realistic, prototype-specific sound files (especially for diesels) available. Virtually all of ESU's North American prototype sound files have been recorded from actual running prototype locomotives during the past 5 years. Not cheap ($90 street price), but as you note, you get what you pay for. For motor/lights only, pretty much anything will be fine. I prefer using ESU LokPilot, because it has some features that make it easier to MU engines with LokSound decoders, but nearly any modern motor decoder with BEMF capability will be fine. John C.
