Bob, I have plenty of "project" locos that need something on my workbench (decoders, renumbering, detailing, etc), so there's no big hurry on the MP15's. Harold
They can be as "superior" as you want, but if they don't have transponding (aka a form of bi-directional communication) and you need it then that's kind of a big deal. However, Matt you might want to think about what you will be doing with the locomotive. A switcher may not need to have transponding depending on what you are doing. From what I understand, a switcher (in the real world) isn't allowed to occupy a mainline for more than a brief time period without explicit permission, so as long as you followed those "rules" your computer assisted trains would have no problems....kinda like the real world. I ultimately intend to have my big time road locos (mostly the 6-axles like SD40-2's, SD70MAC's, AC4400's, C44-9W's, etc.) with transponding and just convert the fringe 4-axles as needed, and maybe never convert any switchers unless the need arises. I could see more need for transponding if your MP15 is a short line loco, though.
Doug: Not all of us need transponding. I would rather have a more reliable decoder with better support from the manufacturer. Namely if a decoder blows out Lenz will replace it " no questions asked". I haven't found this type of support with Digitrax and that goes for their DCC systems as well. Stay cool and run steam.....
Very good points by all. Lenz does have an awesome return policy. I never thought about what the loco would be doing and you are right....I would not use it anywhere but a yard. So for the switchers.....I will most likely use Lenz and stay with Digitrax for the road locos. Am I correct to assume only Lenz has a decoder for the MP15?
Matt: On page one of this thread, a post was made that TCS came out with a decoder for the MP-15. TCS decoder for MP -15. Stay cool and run steam.....
I was looking at the following page on the Lenz website: http://www.lenz.com/products/decoders/currentdecoders/Gold-jst.htm At the bottom they talk about Rail Com. Is that the Lenz version of Transponding or something different?
I can't say that I'd only use my MP15's in a yard... I have seen them and SW1500's MU'ed with other units, so the ability to adjust them to run together would be a plus. Harold
Harold: I'm sure you could do that by hardwiring decoders in both MP-15's. How is the speed in both loco's on DC? They should be very close as is. Stay cool and run steam....
Railcomm is Lenz's implementation of the NMRA Bi-Directional communications RP. It's not the same as Digitrax's transponding, but it has the same function. Paul
Both of the units run very similarly... however, I might want to stick them in a consist with GP38's or other Kato units, so I'd like to be able to use DCC to match them better. I haven't even taken the shells off yet... I'm lazy, so I know I'll look for a PnP decoder. Harold
Take the shells off and measure the existing lightboard and go from there. Stay cool and run steam......
Yep, I will venture into that soon.... I figure that I have some existing decoder that has got to be pretty close. Harold
Harold, I just ordered my MP-15N Decoder from TCS. Will let you know how it goes after I get it installed. And of course, later that day, I see a hardwire install at: MP-15 Hardwire Install NCDaveD.
That's the way to do the installation. If you use a Lenz mini gold series decoder, it will require less room than the Lenz 511 or 521W. Stay cool and run steam.....
Thanks, Dave.... YOU try one first and then I'll let you help me with mine That is a great pictorial of how to do it! I do have a lot of things lined up on the workbench that I can't get to, so it may be a while. The good news is, it's a while until my next show. Harold
Harold: By the time you get to it, Atlas will have a supply of decoders that just drop in just waiting for you. Stay cool and run steam......
Harold: I won't mention it to anybody. You can always come over and see my MP-15's in action. The loco's out of my timeframe; but I always liked that switcher. Stay cool and run steam.....
