smallest nscale decoder

I am putting decoders in my two LL SW1200 locomotives. I was wondering who makes the smallest decoders.

 

the one that first comes to mind is the DZ123 by digitrax. someone else might know of a smaller one.

 

A TCS M1, a Digitrax DZ 123, or a Lenz gold mini will fit just fine in the nose with a very small amount of material removed from the frame.
Your choice may depend on how many functions you'll require.
The DZ123 is a 2 function and the M1 is a single function.
I believe a DZ143 four function is the same size as a 123 and a TCS M3 three function is the same as the M1 although I don't have experience with either of these.
I'm installing a DZ 123 in a CN SW1200 right now with operating front and rear lights and also an operational cab roof beacon all done with no cab weight modifications.
Here's a link to the TCS site and Ron Beardon's install pictures.

http://www.tcsdcc.com/decoderpics/N_LL_SW1200_M1_in_Nose.pdf

Hope this helps,
Jim

 

A Lenz mini silver decoder is one of the smallest. It is however four function.

It is about 2/3 the size of a Digitrax DZ 143.

Stay cool and run steam....

 

So how are you doing a roof beacon with a two function decoder? I've looked at the photos and you've used the white and yellow for the headlights.


Thanks,

Jason

 

you will need a DZ143 or lenz mini if you want the extra roof light.
the 123 is a two function decoder, and you have three.
front, rear, and roof.

 

On mine, I put the headlight and cab end light on the same function wire which makes them non-directional and either on or off at the same time. The second function wire is used for the beacon and programmed with the lighting effect.
The headlight housings on the LL switchers are quite small and I was happy with the effect this produced.

 

Just to make a little correction that I noticed. The TCS M1 is a 2 function decoder, The M3 is a three and the M4 is a four function they are all Length .570, width .355, and height .132.

The Lenz Gold Mini and Silver are, Length .430, Width .350, And height .110

The DZ143 four function and the DZ123 two function decoders are the same size, length .550, width .360, and height .130.

They are all pretty close to the same size however the lenz is the smallest.

I have used several of the TCS decoders and find them to be a fine product. I am sure the others are good as well.

Good Luck

Al

 

I am pretty new to DCC, and have been installing DZ123's in my locos with good results. But, I find they fit much nicer if you carefully cut and remove the heat shrink insolation wrap from them. Just be sure to use Kapton, or some other thin tape to be sure nothing shorts it out.

 

Sounds like a Miniature Question

A miniature Question requires a miniature Answer!





When you need something smaller than N scale, try asking those guyZ in the Z scale section!!! These are the DCC Decoders they are using!!

For more info please contact Robert Ray in the Z scale section!!!

Hobo Tim

 

I am so glad someone brought this one up. I have been trying to figure out which decoder I am going to use, too, and I have two LL SW1200's. How perfect!

I was also thinking about putting a light on the cab end. The thing does not have one at present, but I don't think it would be impossible to put one on. I like running them cab end first, maybe because that's how I see them run around here so often, and without a headlight it just looks weird.

Adam