Which Decoder

QUOTE (randolph @ 9 Apr 2008, 12:05) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I am about to commence building my layout which will be completely DCC and have decided to buy some Hornby OO locos whilst they are available.

There seem to be a lot of decoders available. . I have not yet decided on an operating system but from those currently available it will be between EcoS, Lenz and Gaugemaster. I expect to use some sound ands lights but not on all locos.Am I best buying ready fitted decoders from Hornby or purchasing the decoders separately when I'm ready to run, which hopefully will be in about 6 months?

R
Hi
From bitter personal experience I would avoid the Hornby R8215 decoder. Use any of these - Bachmann 3 function with Bemf, any from the Lenz range are good as too is the TCS range. Never tried a Gaugemaster decoder but I guess its a MRC variant?
Unless you opt for a Hornby Elite console, which will happily work with their own decoders keep away from Hornby's current decoder offering. Shortly they are to release a new decoder, hopefully this will resolve many of the issues?
If you were to buy a Hornby DCC On Board loco and use a non Hornby console system, be warned as they too have the poor performing decoder factory fitted and you may well end up with problems - Avoid if you can and buy a DCC ready loco and fit a quality decoder yourself.

QUOTE (TonyDaly @ 9 Apr 2008, 14:23) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hello Brian.
Are the Hornby DCC fitted loco's hard wired or is it easy to swap the Hornby decoder for something else ?

Hi Tony
The only one I've seen used a special four pin plug/socket rather than the standard 8 pin NMRA plug/socket
I've never seen the plug commercially so you either have to carefully unsolder the Hornby decoders wires from the plug or hard wire the new decoder to the wires that go to their socket. This was on a steam outline model. I don't know what their DCC On Board diesels use? Any one know?

QUOTE (Doug @ 9 Apr 2008, 23:39) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I have used quite a few different types of decoder over the last few years. One of the new types available are the Bachmann decoders. Basically these are Bachmann branded ESU decoders that are well presented, well documented, cheap, reliable and have great running characteristics on Hornby and Bachmann locos.

Half the price of similar Lenz decoders. I can't find fault with them. I'll be getting more.

The 8-pin version:
Bachmann EZ Command 2 function decoder (36-552) that has a 8-pin NEM 652 (NMRA Medium) plug. This decoder sells for £8.99.

And the 21-pin version:

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I have to agree with Doug. The latest decoders from the Bachmann stable are just great. So far I have used 6 of their 553 and one 554 21 pin plug in version (in my NRM Deltic) and the slow running is superb as is the control offered at speed too.
Excellent work by Bachmann in using a quality manufacturer and selling them as rebadged decoders at a very good price too.