Okay, first we are talking N scale. Looking at the different decoder makers, I am seeing different numbers regarding functions. How many of these function slots are needed? I am not sure if I would want sound or not, so there is that. Also, if I need to get someone to install decoders, what should I expect to pay for that service?
Usually you have front and rear lights and that requires 2 functions. Usually think of the functions as how many lights you want to control. Each function can complete a single circuit. If you want flashing ditch lights you would need a total of 4 functions (forward light, rear light, one ditch light and the other ditch light). Some of the newer locos can take a drop-in decoder. Remove the lightboard and replace it with the decoder. A pretty simple install. For older locos soldering is going to be required and often you need to 'mill' (don't need a real mill) the frame for clearance for the decoder and probably wiring. Examples of this type decoder ( HERE ) and installs ( HERE ) and lots of other places. As you can see from the first link there you can get 2 to 4 and more functions in the $20-$30 range. Drop-ins usually are in the $30-$40 range. No idea what people are charging for installs. Maybe list some of the locos you have and you might get some bids. Also a list would most likely get you a response on what you will need for that loco. The decoder manufacture's sites also usually list which type decoder they sell for a particular loco if they have one. Sound installs are for sure more difficult in most all cases but not all. I'd figure on the $50-$70 range for a less expensive sound decoder. After install one such as that I've decide to pretty much stay with ESU for sound and the ones I'm using are around $90. Again knowing what you want to convert now or later would help us help you, Sumner
I currently have mostly steam on the layout. Model Power, Kato, Bachmann predominantly. Also a couple of Lifelike SW switchers and an ancient but loved Atlas Davenport!
AFAIK, steam locomotives would have only the headlight(?) So you don't need many function outputs. Many steam engines can benefit from a decoder with really good motor control*, like ESU or Zimo, but they are usually more expensive than others. Other brands my offer similar features, but these two are known to be very good at it. ESU is really good for sound decoders, with lots of options to suit different engines, but they may need additional equipment for loading and managing sound files. JMRI software ($free), running on a computer connected to your command station, is highly recommended programming decoders. It maintains its own database of what settings you have previously programmed into (or just read back from) your locomotive's decoder. The various registers and contents are shown and clearly labeled on easy to interpret screens, with no binary logic/arithmetic required. It is invaluable should you need to get your decoder back to a known previous state. It is especially useful for managing speed curves when trying to speed-match locomotives to be used together in a consist. *Some decoders sense the voltage generated by the spinning motor (back-EMF) to determine relative motor speed. Thus, regardless of the load (friction, number of cars pulled, uphill, downhill, etc.), the decoder can manage motor's speed by supplying enough power such that the back-EMF voltage remains the same. This is used to emulate "cruise control" to keep the locomotive speed constant for a given throttle setting. While perhaps not exactly prototypical, it can help remove some of the herky-jerky motion of steam locomotives due to their drive-wheel linkages, particularly at very low speeds.
