Haven't been on the Trainboards in a while, so I apologize if this question has been recently posed as a topic. Anyway, I am looking for a reliable chart or matrix that matches varioius decoders from various DCC manufacturers to Atlas, Life Like, Bachman, Athearn engine lines, etc. I have a Digitrax Super Empire. Seems everytime I go into a hobby shop, nobody can tell my what the best decoder is for a particular engine. This is especially annoying to me given that it appears 99% of the currently manufactured loco's from good manuafacturers are rigged for plugging in decoders. Probably, I should just get on the horn w/ Digitrax and ask the question for the array of engines I own. But I wanted to see a chart because I am open to decoder manufacturers other than Digitrax. Anyone ever see anything like a chart for this stuff?
Take a look at Tony`s TrainsXchange Decoder Comparsion Matrix Stefan Railfan`s Homepage My Railimages gallery
These two pages have some actual decoder/loco combos, but it would be a big table to cover all the engines out there. Digitrax LoysToys Of course you can 'reverse engineer' from these tables (especially the DT one as they don't usually suggest other makes ) by looking at the specs of the recommended decoder (size, plug, etc) and then see what other makes have one that would also fit the bill. Also don't forget to look for decoders that directly replace the circuit board in specific locos or ranges, as these are usually very easy to fit. Later! I just visited the NCE site. If you go to Product Info -> Decoders there is a drop down box for most decoders that shows the specific locos it will fit. [ 06. December 2003, 17:19: Message edited by: Mike Sheridan ]
Kitbash, Stefan and Mike have given you good resourses to start your search. I think the key is "fit". Of course you need to be aware of stall current and all the other electrical components that need to be addressed. But does the decoder fit in the space and have the functions you need. Try that angle.
