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Post by railbuilderdhd on Feb 11, 2009 10:44:38 GMT -5
I was looking to by the GE C-30 from FDT and they have an option to install the encoder on the engine before you have it shipped. My questions is do I have one installed or not? If I do what would be the best one to install? Take a look at the options at factorydirecttrains.com/12-5049.aspx and see what you think. I've never purchased a engine for DCC and I wanted to see what others thought before I did. It seems like the cost of $89.00 is a good deal and a good place for me to start buying engines. Dave |
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CIOR
Chairman
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Post by CIOR on Feb 11, 2009 12:50:22 GMT -5
Dave, I'm a fan of TCS decoders, I like them and how they handle.
I just installed 2 TCS decoders in my GP40-2's. I highly suggest giving them a try.
BTW- I'm a Digitrax user and have used NCE decoders in the past also.
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Post by riss2509 on Feb 11, 2009 23:05:34 GMT -5
How do the TCS decoders work with the digitrax system? Im in the process of looking to prchase multiple decoders, and trying to find a decent product for a reasonable price!
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CIOR
Chairman
Posts: 2,046
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Post by CIOR on Feb 12, 2009 12:29:43 GMT -5
How do the TCS decoders work with the digitrax system? Im in the process of looking to prchase multiple decoders, and trying to find a decent product for a reasonable price! Very well. They're a little more pricey than Digitrax decoders (only by a couple of dollars, though), but the motor drive is superb...you get VERY good slow speed control, and you have the option to add a 1.5v voltage regulator (another TCS product) for lights, though you shouldn't need that for the Blueline locomotives. They are great decoders. They work great with my Digitrax system........Pricey? I haven't noticed it...Guess it depends on the source... I use DCCTrain out of Cincinnati. I've dealt with Rob for a couple years now. To me, I can get the same decoder at the same price between the 2 (Digitrax and TCS) Here is their TCS selection.... www.dcctrain.com/shop/category.asp?catid=154 |
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Post by wvsecondary on Feb 12, 2009 13:18:49 GMT -5
I have over 50 Digitrax decoders installed and only recently tried a TCS decoder. I must say I wish I had used more TCS and less Digitrax. The replacement decoder for Athearn SD70's is excellent and even gives you a soldering pad for 1.5v lights. I had one installed and the ditchlights strobing in less thatn 30 mintutes.
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Post by railbuilderdhd on Feb 12, 2009 21:36:02 GMT -5
so, is thisc30-7 engine and a decoder like the TCS MC2P is a good deal for for less then $130 shipped? Should I be looking at a different brand of engine and/or decoder for my money? I also plan on doing the install of the decoder myself, is that a bad idea?
Thanks,
Dave
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CIOR
Chairman
Posts: 2,046
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Post by CIOR on Feb 13, 2009 11:13:23 GMT -5
Dave,
GO FOR IT. Its not that hard to do, and TCS has a "GOOF PROOF" warranty, no questions, just send it back.
As for BLI, that is your call if you like it or not.
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