Loco decoder comparisons

[ge_rik]

I'm wondering if some of you DCC wizards can help out a DCC novice. I have four locos which I need to chip - three are based on the OTTO type 0-4-0 chassis and so do not draw an enormous amount of current but I also have a track cleaning loco (with a plug and play 'Direct Decoder' board) which I hear tends to blow chips.

I'm using an MTS p system and doubt I'll upgrade it (unless I win the lottery).

Are there any significant differences / advantages in using the following decoders? To a novice like me they all seem much of a muchness apart from the price.

[*]LokPilot XL[*]Massoth XL[*]LGB Decoder II (55021)[*]LGB Decoder III (55027)[*]TCS T1 I have tried doing a search but not found an idiots' guide to decoders. I think there was one on GSM but not seen one here (unless I've missed it).

Any help/guidance/therapy appreciated.

 

[whatlep]

Are there any significant differences / advantages in using the following decoders?

Hi Rik. I use MTS too: version 3 so parallel.

First principles. The LGB chips are made by Massoth. The 55021 is effectively obsolete. The Massoth L (not XL) is a direct replacement and, of course, cheaper. It would be fine for all the locos you mention.

Incidentally, all the currently available Massoth chips have the same CV configuration options and capabilities, exception for variation in the amps that they can accommodate.

The Massoth XL and LGB 55027 are intended for two-motor locos and are more powerful than you need. They are direct equivalents and the latest versions of the XL come with the 55027 interface cable/ plug, so unless you like spending money unnecessarily, go for the XL.

Of the other two chips, I have no experience of the TCS, but both Lokpilots I've tried have gone "phut" in short order. That's probably just my bad luck, but I standardised on Massoth chips as a result.

Hope that helps! :callme:

 

[Philbahn]

Like Peter I to am sold on massoth. If you decide ti chip the cleaner use their 8242040 8 amp relay but watch polarity

 

[ntpntpntp]

LokPilot XL - is a 3 amp decoder so plenty of power headroom available for the small locos. I've used a few of these and I like them, though some needed a bit of programming to work smoothly with G motors (I suspect they'd been loaded with settings more suitable to small scale). They have a small power buffer built in.

Massoth XL - also a 3 amp decoder. I've only used one of these so far but it's been fine. Also has a built-in power buffer I think? LokPilots used to be significantly cheaper which is why I have more of those.

LGB 55021 - 1.2 amps ish? getting a bit long in the tooth but works reasonably well. Direct pin-for-pin plug into some of the LGB locos is handy (and that's where I've used one). Don't pay too much for one. As has been said, Massoth eMotion L is newer replacement.

LGB 55027 - I think this is 3 amps ish? Rated for two motors. and ha a power buffer I think. Used one somewhere in my fleet because the loco had the required interface plug. Seems a bit expensive but it's been fine.

TCS T1 - 1.3 amp. Only two functions. I've used a couple of these in small locos (Toytrain and Playmobil stuff). Works well apart from I can't seem to get mine to work with short addresses, which might be a problem with MTS? (But I need to look at this again because it might just be something I've missed)

Given the stories about the track cleaner loco blowing chips it might be prudent to consider a 3 amp decoder for this, but for the other Otto type locos the lower rated decoders should be fine.

Some others to consider for the smaller locos include Zimo MX 64H (1.8 amp) and CT Electronik DCX 51 (1.5 amp) both of which I've used.

 

[ge_rik]

Really helpful stuff chaps. The power-buffer (Massoth XL) sounds useful as most of my locos are 0-4-0s so stutter a bit over dead frogs. I wasn't aware of the Massoth L or the Zimo and DCX chips - will keep an eye open for them.

Phil - Am I right in thinking the relay uses an output from the chip to control the cleaner motor thereby reducing the risk of blowing the chip? Is the polarity issue to make sure the cleaning wheels rotate in the right direction? Hope this isn't a daft question.

Nick - When you say 'short addresses' do you mean loco codes lower than 10? Again, sorry if that's a really stoopid question.

Rik

 

[whatlep]

Really helpful stuff chaps. The power-buffer (Massoth XL) sounds useful as most of my locos are 0-4-0s so stutter a bit over dead frogs.

Rik

Neither the Massoth XL nor the 55027 have power buffers. You can fit them (easily to the XL, with more difficulty to the 55027), but they are quite expensive and you'll need to alter the CV settings so that the chips only work on digital, not DC. That's necessary to avoid the chip seeing the buffer as a DC supply and either continuing to run ahead, irrespective of the controller setting, or experiencing a dead short which may destroy the chip.

The Lokpilot is fitted with a buffer which worked OK for me, until the chip blew, but no better than simply adding a coach with pickups.

 

[ge_rik]

Just been trying to track down a source for Massoth L decoders. Dragon-scale list them but out of stock. Not found anyone else who lists them. Are they discontinued?

Rik

 

[steve parberry]

Brought a couple from glendale last week to chip some small locos my self just the job for the little ones. then work sent me to Scotland for the week so not yet fitted them>

 

[ge_rik]

Brought a couple from glendale last week to chip some small locos my self just the job for the little ones. then work sent me to Scotland for the week so not yet fitted them>

Thanks Steve

Couldn't see them listed on their website, will try giving them a ring

Rik

 

[ntpntpntp]

Neither the Massoth XL nor the 55027 have power buffers.

You are of course correct - I was going from memory, plus I always thought that LGB/Massoth marketed a feature of their decoders as having built-in power buffers to help continuity over dirty garden track compared to other brands of decoder. Maybe that was just for the 55021.

Obviously a 3 amp decoder like the XL or 55027 would rapidly deplete a small power buffer and hence really needs a Goldcap or similar higher capacity buffer. I don't think the buffer in the LokPilot XL is particularly large, but it does seem to help get it over short sections of less-than-pristine rail.

 

[whatlep]

Neither the Massoth XL nor the 55027 have power buffers.

You are of course correct - I was going from memory, plus I always thought that LGB/Massoth marketed a feature of their decoders as having built-in power buffers to help continuity over dirty garden track compared to other brands of decoder. Maybe that was just for the 55021.

Obviously a 3 amp decoder like the XL or 55027 would rapidly deplete a small power buffer and hence really needs a Goldcap or similar higher capacity buffer. I don't think the buffer in the LokPilot XL is particularly large, but it does seem to help get it over short sections of less-than-pristine rail.

No worries! By the way, none of the LGB decoders (55020/1/7), nor the Massoth ones have a power buffer fitted. I think the Lokpilot is unique in having one onboard.

Regarding buffer size, the amperage capacity of the decoder is irrelevant to buffer size/ need. The buffer is depleted according to actual current draw of the locomotive (typically well under 1 amp for an Otto) and the amount of time poor contact is experienced. If your track and loco wheels are consistently dirty, the buffer won't help much!

 

[ntpntpntp]

You are of course correct - I was going from memory, plus I always thought that LGB/Massoth marketed a feature of their decoders as having built-in power buffers to help continuity over dirty garden track compared to other brands of decoder.

None of the LGB decoders (55020/1/7), nor the Massoth ones have a power buffer fitted.

55021 (at least) has an "internal memory" to assist with dirty track - that's what I had in the back of my mind as the specifically marketed "feature" and got warped in my bad memory into a power buffer!