The amazing growth of DCC

The amazing growth of DCC, its widespread usage, and general acceptance is starting to show up on the bottom line. Decoder performance is improving and prices are falling. Only at Tony's Train Exchange are all of these options available at such great prices. We support more DCC Systems than anyone!

HERE IS THE SCOOP:

Digitrax is revising their decoder products into two new lines; an "economy line" and an "FX" class performance line. The 1 AMP (HO/N) economy decoder (120 series) features directional lighting, 128 speed steps and 4 digit address, and I will sell below $25.00. The 1 AMP HO/N performance decoder (140 series) is comparable but better than the 84FX/93FX series and I will sell for as low as $35.95. The following excerpts from Digitrax detail decoder developments.

"The DH140 is a 4th generation Digitrax DCC mobile decoder designed to supersede the Digitrax DH84 series decoders. The DH140 uses the same Digitrax 9 pin decoder end plug as the DH84 series decoders so you can plug it in anywhere you could put a DH84 series decoder.

DH140 Specifications:

• 1.0 Amp (2.0 Amps Peak) Mobile Decoder
• Dimensions: 0.67" x 1.05 " x 0.25" DH140 is engineered to fit most HO scale American and European Prototype Diesels. Shorter than 84FX.
• Constant Brightness Directional Light Outputs with FX generators Rated at 200 ma
• Two Additional Function Outputs with FX generators Rated at 200 ma
• FX generators give you up to 4 independent special lighting effects (Mars light, Ditch Lights, Gyra Lights, Rotating Beacon, Strobe Lights, Random Firebox Flicker, Rule 17 Dimming and more)

• The DH140 has all the DH84FX advanced FX lighting capabilities, even though it has no FX suffix. The Rotary Beacon feature has been improved. The DH140 also has the same advanced RP features as the DH84FX, like four digit addressing, decoder assisted consisting, operations mode programming and more.
• The DH140 has improved motor/fault protection. If a motor fault (short) is detected, the decoder will stop operating and the White and Yellow light leads will pulse about once per second.
• The DH140 lets you run the Yellow lead (FO reverse headlight) on F4.
• Split Field/AC Motor drive lets you run AC motors like Marklin 3 pole AC motors on DCC!
• The DH140 is less expensive than the DH84FX!

The (140 series) is just being released from production. The (120 series) will be available in May/June.

More new decoders:

• See Digitrax News July 20, 1997.

NCE Corporation (NCE):

Tony's has added this respected DCC manufacturer to our product line list. NCE Corporation makes components for System One and Ramtraxx, as well as, NCE Corporation products.

We have been featuring NCE Corporation's N103 1 Amp FX Class decoder for several months now with great results. The NCE Corporation, N103 is "N" scale in size (1.0 x .34 x .18) but performs well in most HO locomotives. The N103 can run 1 Amp all day. The small size makes installation easier. Priced as low as $34.95, the N103 is a good value.

Lenz:

Lenz, the father of DCC, offers several special decoder options:

The LE103 "no frills" decoder is now in widespread usage and at $25.00 is the lowest priced decoder available. This decoder is good for MRC users who have not been able to get MRC decoders. The LE103 features directional lighting, 1 Amp rating, 28 speed steps, 4 digit address and loadable speed tables.

The LE130 is an amazing decoder that has load compensation which means this decoder will maintain constant speed under varying load conditions, like up and down grades. This load compensation feature provides for ultra smooth and precise low speed control because the decoder compensates for low speed resistance factors like gearing, anomalies, tight radii, turnouts, etc. Although the LE130 is 28 speed steps, it out performs 128 speed steps decoders in low speed control. You need to try one to appreciate what you are getting.

SoundTraxx:

It has been worth the wait! The SoundTraxx DSD Digital Sound Decoder, an integrated digital sound unit and DCC decoder not only confirms Throttle Up's reputation as a provider of quality model railroad sound effects, but also, DCC FX decoders.

"The Digital Sound Decoder (DSD) is a state-of-the-art module providing the benefits of today's DCC technology with the addition of high quality, digital onboard sound. Each DSD installs inside your locomotive and integrates a full featured digital sound system, sophisticated lighting effects and a DCC decoder into a single, miniature electronic module. SoundTraxx Digital Sound Decoders are available in both Steam and Diesel versions, each featuring a full spectrum of sound effects for each prototype. The superb sound quality will bring your models to life with such realism as you have never dreamed!"

I have fully tested and installed several DSD steam units and recommend that if you are considering sound, that SoundTraxx is at the top of the list. Diesel Prototypes will be available in 2-3 months. Tony's is offering the 0.5 Amp and 1.0 Amp units at $139.95.

Tony's "Best Buys":

I have tabulated below the most significant features for what I consider to be "best buys" in HO/N scale 1 Amp decoders with directional lighting. Mix for quantity discounts.

MFG #	Scale	FNC	FX	SPD/STP	MSRP	Tony's@1	Tony's@4	Comments
N. Coast N103	N/HO	1	FX	128	$49.95	$36.95	$34.95	Robust 1 Amp, most HO/N, small 1" x .34" x .20", special motor control
Digitrax DN140	N/HO	2	FX	128	$49.95	$37.95	$35.95	Some HO/most N, small 1" x .36" x .18", special short circuit protection
Digitrax DH140	HO	2	FX	128	$49.95	$37.95	$35.95	Plug-in harness like DH84, shorter 1.05" x .67" x .25", short circuit protection
Lenz LE103	HO	0	NO	28	$29.95	$22.95	$19.95	Good performance and price, 1.52" x .67" x .25", lowest price
Lenz LE130	HO	2	NO	28	$69.95	-	-	Ultra smooth & quiet, precision speed control, 1.1" x .67" x .28", load compensated
SoundTraxx DSD	HO	4	FX	128	$179.95	$139.95	$134.95	Integrated digital sound unit and decoder, compact size, simplified installation. Great sound.

Short Lines: (Brief Info About DCC Products)

MRC
MRC is now shipping Command 2000's with Function 1 capability. They are also planning to release "N" scale decoders and increased power upgrades for "G" applications.

Digitrax
Status Edit. Many users that I speak to are not experienced with the "Status Edit" features of the Big Boy and Chief Systems. This feature lets you monitor or edit the decoder status via status codes that appear as the two right digits of the DT200 and DT100 displays when you push select set. Many times when you cannot acquire a locomotive or get it to run these status codes will tell you why, e.g. if 33 appears in the right hand digit area the locomotive is "in use" with another throttle operating at 128 speed steps. Review and learn to use the status edit features if you need help just call.
Program Track. When using the separate programming track feature of the Chief systems it is important to minimize resistance and electrical loads. The Chief's programmer has protection features; if connections are poor, or there is bad wiring or dirty track and wheels, the Chief will not program. Also if the locomotive has lights (constant lighting) that draw above 1/20 Amp, which pick up from each rail, and not through the decoder, the Chief will not program. The Chief's protection circuitry is designed to prevent an improperly wired decoder from burning up during programming.
Slots Full. Chief Users, if you have seen FF in the RH display when trying to select a locomotive, this means that the 22 address low range operational slots are full. You can perform a DCS100 op switch change to eliminate the problem. OP/S#38 will clear the slots or OP/S#44 will extend the range.
Wireless. Digitrax will be producing their own wireless cabs. A transceiver module will go into the DT100 cab and several loconet transceivers will be needed to minimize shadows. Pricing to be decided.

System One
Software upgrades that were due out in the Fall 96 are completed and are slated to be forwarded to registered users on or about May 15, 1997.
The wireless Saga is nearing completion. The FCC has released an assigned frequency so prototype production and certification will be underway. Expect to see demo units at Madison, National NMRA Convention.
Decoder. A special 1 Amp full featured decoder that essentially will replace lamp boards in HO: Atlas, Kato, Stewart and Proto 2000 diesels, will be in production in about one month.

"N" Scale Good News
"Z" scale decoders with 1/2 and 1 Amp rating will be available soon, 3-4 months, from NCE Corporation and Digitrax. Sized about (.5 x .33 x .16), 1/2 of current "N" scale, they will reduce, and in some cases, eliminate frame milling for many "N" locomotives.

Proto "2000"
Short Circuits. We have experienced three separate occasions where E7 and/or SD-7/9 locomotives have motor leads shorted to rail pickups, resulting in blown decoders. If you are getting these locomotives, remove the dummy shorting plug and check to see that there is no connection between the motor leads and track pick up before installing your decoder.

Lenz: (New Releases)
Two new decoders are now being released by Lenz.
The LE 030, suitable for wide N and HO applications, is rated at .75 Amp and features the impressive load compensation motor control. The 030 has loadable speed tables, 4 digit address, programming on the main and 28 speed step operation.
The LE 110 has been re-released with a 9 pin header and harness and will interchange with comparable Digitrax DH84 / DH140 decoders. The 110 has D/L and two additional function outputs and is rated for 1 Amp with loadable speed tables, 4 digit address, programming on the main and 28 speed step operation.

Crane: (Great Fun)
Digital (DCC) Operating Crane. Roco from Germany has developed an amazing, out of box completely operational digital crane.

• This crane is fully NMRA DCC compatible and can be operated by any DCC System that has F0 and F1 functions.
• The prototype for the model was one of the US 200 ton cranes that the US sent over to Europe after World War II. Kaydee #17s can be snapped in to convert the couplers.
• The crane has three moving functions: Boom and hook raises and lowers, and there is a full 360 degrees rotation of the cab. And of course, all movements have precision variable speed control.

Decoder Installations & Loco Work:
We have 15 years experience in installing decoders / receivers / sound systems in all shapes and sizes of locomotives from "N" scale to "G" scale. We also perform complete loco maintenance, repower / re-gear and repair services. We guarantee all of our work. Click here for more information !

See You At Madision, Wisconsin: I will be representing Tony's Train Exchange at the NMRA National Convention and Show, July 28 - August 2, 1997. If you are coming, please say hello.

HELP!!!
If you know someone who lives near the Madison area that may want to work and help me at the show, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 1,2, & 3, please have them call 1-800-978-3472 ASAP.
I would like to thank all of you for your patience and for your interest in Tony's Train Exchange. I will be in touch soon with further DCC reviews, products and news.

Yours for better model railroading! Tony.

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