Reasonable Decoder for Bachmann Steamers

[kskato]

What do you guys use for a reasonable (meaning reasonably inexpensive/ reasonable quality)
2-function decoders for your recently released HO Bachmann steamers?
( I take it all you need is 2-function for directional lights for all the 5-pole Bachmanns steam )

Say something more versatile than the Bachmann decoder.
Just for units you don't need sound for, just need a 'more tune-able' decoder for running
characteristics.

And just to make it more challenging_ is there a 'one decoder fits all ' so I can order on a
'quantity discount' from a dealer. 

[Jim Banner]

The Digitrax DH123D is a low cost, 2 function decoder available from Tony's for about $15.50 in quantity.

The Digitrax DZ125 is a tiny decoder costing about $4.50 more but it will physically fit about everything and has BEMF control which really makes steamers perform beautifully at low speeds.  The 1 amp motor output will run most modern steamers but I recommend you do a stall current test just to be sure.

The Digitrax DH163, less than $24 in quantity at Tony's,  provides BEMF with a heftier motor output for those who cannot be bothered to do stall tests.  The four extra function outputs can be used, for example, to operate a cab light (for reading orders at night,) under cab work lights (for oiling around at night,) firebox flicker, and still leave you one extra output.

Personally, I keep a supply of both the DZ125 and DH123D on hand.  Usually I install the DZ125 when I can (I always do a stall current test)  but if the stall current is too high for a DZ125 or the person wants a decoder at an absolutely rock bottom price, I install a DH123D.

If your locomotives are new enough to have decoder sockets in their tenders, you can also purchase these decoders with suitable plugs for a few dollars more.

Jim

[simkon]

Either a DZ125 or DZ123 depending on the amount of size in the tender.

[Jim Banner]

The DZ125 and the older (obsolescent?) DZ123 are virtually the same size but the DZ123 lacks BEMF control and Sound Bug compatibility.  I understand Digitrax dropped the DZ123 (except for one locomotive specific version for Z scale) when they brought out the DZ125.  But there may still be some out there working their way through the system.  Personally, I doubt if many people are willing to pay more for a less capable decoder, but if they are readily available at a negotiable price ...

Jim

[GARYBEAR]

You will not find the Digitrax DH123D 2 function decoder to be plug-n-play, but the DH123P and DH123PS variants include harnesses ending with the NMRA 8 pin plugs that are plug-n-play to Bachmann DCC ready, or as replacement decoders to  DCC On Board locomotives.  If you search the internet, you can find them for $17.25 each.

[jdmike]

Train Control Systems (TCS) have excellent low cost decoders. I use many of thier T1 decoders for basic installs, cost is around $20 from the local hobby shop.  We have had excellent reliablity out of them over the digitrax decoders and they are more easily delt with when there is a problem with thier "goof proof" warrenty from TCS.     Mike

[richg]

Go to the below link. Email them. They will have suggestions. Very good service. Shipping resonable under $75.00. Free shipping above $75.00. I buy all my DCC stuff from them and I buy from Tony's Trains when they are at a local show near me.
I have bought the DZ125 for $19.95. They carry other brands. Do some reading at the site. Most of the decoder specs are there.
I have heard of only one negative about them and it was from, They Say and I heard.

http://www.litchfieldstation.com/DCC-University/index.htm

Store the link.

Rich

[Jim Banner]

You will not find the Digitrax DH123D 2 function decoder to be plug-n-play, but the DH123P and DH123PS variants include harnesses ending with the NMRA 8 pin plugs that are plug-n-play to Bachmann DCC ready, or as replacement decoders to  DCC On Board locomotives.

You are exactly right.

Jim

[kskato]

Thanks Gentleman,, sounds like the kind of decoder I was looking for.

I was surfing around this weekend.

Oh,,Bachmann & their decoders....Needs to reorganize their price structure/sources.
Decoder 44915- $21.00 (best discount dealer price I saw.
And.....
Digitrax DH123P & DH123P can be had for same price [or less!! ]


Now a 44915- $21.00 (best discount dealer price I saw....
If ordered out of UK is $11.75 (converted discount dealer price in UK _ pn#36-552
-with 44915 even printed on it! 
Check the Backmann UK site out.
FYI_ [old Lenz model according to pundents on UK train forums, not well liked]

UK modelers also have..
36-553 _ 3 function 1A decoder with 8 pin plug, 350ma function output & back EMF
[old ESU Basic chip acording to pundents on UK forums, well liked for a cheap decoder]
Same $11.75 price [ discount dealer price.
{why dosen't backmann offer that one as a nice Bachmann-Budget decoder to us?}

36-554 3 function 2 sided 1A decoder with 21 pin plug and back EMF
$13.16 @ discount dealer price.
[re-badged ESU Basic]
Though I guess 21 pin isn't that big over here(?)

It was amusing, TCS chips are popular over there.
At least the US is exporting something_to someone else_somewhere ! 

Howard

[richg]

Might be useful to know. Some over on your side of the pond have ordered from Litchfield and had good service.

Rich

[kskato]

Train Control Systems (TCS) have excellent low cost decoders. I use many of their T1 decoders for basic installs, cost is around $20 from the local hobby shop.  We have had excellent reliability out of them over the digitrax decoders and they are more easily delt with when there is a problem with thier "goof proof" warrenty from TCS.     Mike

I have a T1 in my HHP-8, runs nice,, to me anyway once I played with Cv's.
I like TCS too.
I think of them as a quality mid-priced decoder right now.
And yeah the 'goof-proof' is nice for guys like me.
      Just they are $28.00-30.00 + $5.00 for plug harness @ LHS.
And it was confusing @ TCS site trying to find a Part # for a T1 or whatever with 8-pin plug attached.
I didn't know what all the letters after the number meant, and they kept showing decoders with all these extra functions/wires to solder that i wasn't in the market for.
So that got me off on the search for a modest priced decoder.
Just give me ...   Plug & Play ...  Plug & Play ....
   I thought there has to be a decent quality decoder somewhere out there
with 8-pin harness attached (not 9)
decent CV range (just a wee bit more than start voltage+accel/decel),
Bemf
2-functions (so many loco's just need directional lights) .
   Right now if i want all the 'bells & whistles' and 100 CV's to adjust I'll get a 'DCC Sound on board'.
  I'll get brave later with the soldering iron,
and try some extra lights, sound unit, whatever.

Thanks,,
Howard