NCE Decoders-Referral

What has been anyone's experience here using NCE decoders? I have a HO Atlas MP15. I looks as though the only decoder that will properly fit is a NCE N14IP (photo from the NCE site). Sound decoder is not required.

 

You might what to check out the DP2X made by Train Control System.
If you are tight for space it might be a better fit.
TCS has very good slow speed control too. Just the thing for a switcher.

 

Woodone, Thanks.

I tought my question would set a record for no response.

 

Woodone,

I contacted TCS directly. They recommended a M1P-15 a full featured, very small decoder. It mounts in reverse (decoder forward) away from the cab. The installation was a snap. The service was phenominal. The decoder was a bit pricey; but if I would have called them in the first place; the price difference would have more than saved the multiple trips to the hobby shop. They are my source for future purchases believe me.

Thanks for steering me in the right direction.

 

Well I am glad they were able to put you on the right track.
Nice decoders- good slow speed control.

 

Another good thing about TCS is the no goof warranty.

 

Difference in Decoder Size

I just had this discussion with a friend yesterday. He prefers TCS and I prefer NCE for decoders. The difference is that I am in H0 scale decoders and he is in N scale decoders. I wonder if that makes a difference? Perhaps the size difference translates to different characteristics?

BTW, he preferred the N scale TCS because of slow speed characteristics and I preferred NCE H0 scale for the same reason.

 

What's that mean exactly?

 

As I said to Woodone; Im running a HO MP15-1 a switcher. The characteristics of the TCS are excellent especially at slow yard speeds. It is a full featured decoder and very easy to install.

 

Within one year of purchase, you fry a decoder for whatever reason, including your fault, send it in and they will replace it for free. No handling or shipping fees.

 

TCS has a full return policy. If you fry the decoder or break a decoder wire during installation you can return the decoder for replacement. Discuss you specific unit and ask their recommendation for the proper decoder. This is what I did. They made a recommendation. It was VERY easy to install. I paid more than hobby shop price but I had peace of mind with the guarantee. My next purchase will be a TCS also.

 

I wish I had know about TCS earlier. This was my seventh install. The time savings, recommendation and guaranty are well worth the additional cost.

Again many thanks.

 

Yesterday I had a chance to try the NCE and the TCS side by side in identical engines. I can't really say there is much difference in the two. NCE seems to give a larger throttle movement for slow speeds than the TCS but both have excellent slow speed control. If I knew more about the speed tables I could probably make corrections to get them to run together.

BTW, the NCE I am using is much too large for the MP15 installation. All of my TCS decoders are smaller than my NCE.

The reason I post this is that I had preferred the NCE over TCS for slow speed control. Now I can't really see why I thought that. I was using Proto 2000 SD9s and the NCE seemed to do better. Certainly not so yesterday. They were different, but the slow speed was excellent on both.

 

Thanks,

This started as a slow response post. Your comments are appreciated. I was ready to install the NCE. However a post here redirected me and as mention the customer service convinced and put me at ease. My local hobby stores (both very good) did not stock either. So the phone service etc sealed the deal and the results confirmed it especially the easy install. I my be getting another MP 15-1 with sound so I will get another TCS. Thanks for your response. Stay in touch.

 

How does a TCS decoder work with the NCE system?

 

I do not know. I have a MRC Advance Square System. I can run 3 trains simultaneously by myself with 4 other units idling. I have had no power failures. The TCS unit is on a MP15-1 good low speed which is required on a switcher. Maybe others can comment on this. But, a good decoder can run with any reliable system. I have Digitrax decoders in other units. The decoder in 2 of my units are unknown (put together for me)(I dont want to take them apart). I have had some problems with Digitrax decoders in Athern units. They work ok but getting consistant speed control has been an issue. The CV range for SV ACC has needed adjusted. But, you can have those issues with any decoder. Thanks for asking. Stay in touch.

 

i have 3 atlas mp15's use nce dasr decoder,unbelevable control.

 

Same as any other decoder, Jase. The TCS decoders are very nice with great speed control. The BEMF which is standard with most, if not all by now, TCS units and it is adjustabloe to cut out at low speed settings or easily disabled.

The primary difference between the TCS and NCE decoders is the BEMF which is not on the NCE's and I think NCE's lighting effects are better.

 

I use Digitrax, TCS,Lenz and NCE. I would probably want to use the same decoders in a consist.

 

Same Decoders on Different Systems

Doesn't the same decoder operate the same on different systems? For example, I would have thought that an NCE decoder would operate the same on either a Digitrax system or on a Lenz system or on an NCE system.