Cheapest Function Decoder

[electricity_bill]

Hello
I am looking for a simple (cheap) On-Off function decoder to drive a lighting display with a load of the order of 30mA.

Recommendations please.
Bill

 

[idlemarvel]

If you want to use the same DCC signal / voltage as your track then the only ones I know of are Massoth 8FL or Massoth M motor decoder which may be cheaper. I think Zimo do a function decoder as well in their MX68x range, but they and the Massoth are all in the order of £20-£30. The LGB and Massoth single accessory decoders which are designed for point motors primarily can be configured to drive lights instead. They cost a bit more but are already weatherproofed which may be a factor for you depending on where the lights are.

 

[Greg Elmassian]

In the us it would be the TCS FL4 (4 function) for about $21 Interesting, the Zimo MX82x decoders are mid $35 each here....

I'd sure like to see what function decoders are available for £20, $26 US .... that's pretty inexpensive...

Greg

 

[idlemarvel]

The Zimo MX685 is available for £20 in UK from YouChoos and spec says it can handle up to 35v track voltage.
http://www.zimo.at/web2010/documents/Functions-Decoder_E.pdf
I have no experience of Zimo products so I can't attest to whether this decoder is any good or not.

I do have experience of the Massoth options mentioned but they are at the £30 end and upwards.

 

[Greg Elmassian]

Thanks Dave, the 685 seems hard to find over here, the larger ones are available.... apparently Zimo also makes the MX681, which is 6 outputs instead of 8, perhaps that is even cheaper. Still $28 here, looks like you guys get a better deal over there! I'm moving!

Greg

 

[phils2um]

The Massoth 8122302 lighting boards have an additional output. They're available in the US at $35 for a pair of them. That's $17.50 apiece. Set them up so the onboard lights stay off (or just don't turn them on) and use the A2 output. 30mA will not be a problem for them.

Phil S.

 

[idlemarvel]

That's a nice idea P phils2um a good bit of lateral thinking.