Cheaper decoders

Posted: Sat Jun 20, 2009 9:40 am

Once we get past the eternal 'you get what you pay for comment' there seems to be some mileage in buying decoders from the larger manufacturers such as Bachmann.

It is widely known that Bachmann have a close tie-up with ESU and early example of their range (and Roco*) used limited-programming ESU Lok-Pilots.

However I am informed that the latest Bachmann decoders 36-553 now have full functinality and can be programmed like any other decoder with power and braking curves rather than just top speed etc.

How can I tell whether I am buying the latest Bachmann decoder? Is their a colour code marking (there used to be a red/blue dot to show later versions)

Anyone else starting using cheaper decoders? Having spent 36EUR on Mr Zimo's latest offering, I want to look elsewhere for a decent decoder that has limited functions but great motor control.

Tim

* Roco's BR64 was unable to accept speed curve settings.

Member Joined: 21 Aug 2005 Posts: 388

Have a look here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/BACHMANN-SPECTRUM-LOCO-TRAIN-DECODER-N-HO-ON30-44916_W0QQitemZ120436675019

Member Joined: 17 Sep 2007 Posts: 453

Jacq, link above doesn't seem to work

Member Joined: 21 Aug 2005 Posts: 388

Strange, I copied and paste.

on ebay usa in toys & hobbies / modeltrains item no 120436675019

3 latest version Bachmann 1A decoders with 8 pin NMRA plug for $ 56,79
and free shipping worldwide.

Jacq

Posted: Fri Jun 26, 2009 1:46 pm

An answer from Bachmann Europe plc:

Thank you for your enquiry. Our standard decoder is an ESU 'LokPilot Basic' decoder. This decoder does not incorporate a user configurable speed curve which is available on higher specified decoders.

Regards

Richard Matthews
Service Manager

Bachmann Europe plc

At least we have an answer straight from the source.

Maybe we really do get what we pay for?

Tim

Member Joined: 24 Oct 2009 Posts: 34 Location: Beverly,MA

Hi all,
Take a sneak &peek:

http://tcsdcc.com/

Dr of D

Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 7:41 pm

Click here

A bit more info on TCS.

Do we actually need a complicated decoder if we are running steam locos with only lights and motor control? I don't want a cheapo decoder that does not support motor control programming (Roco, Hornby and Bachmann all fall into this category)

Therefore, I intend to find out if the TCS T1 will satisfy my needs for a simple two-function decoder that is still fully programmable as I have used their latest products without issue to complain

Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 5:30 pm

I sent this message to the UK distributor for TCS to ask about the suitability to use their cheapest decoder, the T1

I intend to go 'DCC' but most of my HO locos are simple steam locos with only lights + motor. Will the T1 with just two functions satisfy my needs?

And this is their reply:

Thank you for your enquiry.

Possibly. It depends how much space you have inside and what the current draw is of each loco. Second point shouldn't be an issue but space could be, in which case you would need a smaller decoder.

The TCS T1 retails at about Â£2.00 more than ESU Lok Pilot from Bachmann/Hormby/Roco which does not support programming. The TCS T1 is fully programmable and has superb motor control, maybe Kevin is on the right track to find a good, programmable decoder that need not cost a fortune?

Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 6:16 pm

Looks to me that you can get NCE decoders for even less on the same site. NCE has "fleet" decoders for low price and if you buy in bulk they are even cheaper.

Jurgen

Member Joined: 24 Oct 2009 Posts: 34 Location: Beverly,MA

Hi all,

The TCS M-1 decoder was recommended for the FL., BR 55 by the folks at Tony's

http://www.tcsdcc.com/Zen/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3_12

http://www.tonystrains.com/productcompare/decoder_comparison.htm

They know there stuff and are very helpful.Just was a rookie like me needs! Smile

Dr D