I have a Lenz 'Set 90' (LZV100 Command unit and LH90 Handset) and have been using a range of decoders quite happily without any apparent problems on my N Scale layout.

I recently bought two Digitrax DN163K1a decoders for Kato SD40-2 locos and an NCE N12A0e decoder for an Intermountain SD40T-2 loco.

I fitted the decoders fine and matched the speed tables on all three locos (28 step mode) so that run independantly they will happily circle my track continuously with only minor variations in the distance between them - proved the point of DCC for me!

Imagine my surprise when I then went to make them into a consist and, for no reason I can see, the two Kato (Digitrax) units just crawl. It doesn't matter which unit is the lead unit or which unit I try to 'drive' I get exactly the same result. The Intermountain unit appears to continue at the same speed as when it was independant.

Can anyone shed light on this for me? I use the JMRI DecoderPro to program the decoders and I've tried varying some of the tuning and consist parameters but with no noticeable effect.

-- Martin Gibson (mng@deskdata.co.uk), July 08, 2004

Answers

Martin,

New decoders are introduced all the time. I gave up long ago trying to keep up with the new introductions. They best way to know who has what is to check the manufacturer's websites. You can get to them through http://www.WiringForDCC.com/manufactures.htm

Back-emf is a selling feature. If they have it in a decoder, they will say so. The only catch is that they don't call it the same thing. Some call it speed stabilization or load control. There may be other names.

-- Allan Gartner (wire4dcc_admin@comcast.net), July 21, 2004.

Ask that question on the Yahoo group forum for Digitrax. The NCE decoder is obviously working as expected. DonV

-- Don Vollrath (dvollrath@magnetek.com), July 09, 2004.

Does one brand have back-EMF while the other one doesn't?

Regards, Art http://www.mrsonline.net/

-- Art Luescher (aluesch@okanagan.net), July 17, 2004.

Yes, Of course. Back EMF features are in only a select few. NCE has none. Lenz, Zimo and Digitraxx have some. Setting up each brand and model of decoder is somewhat different and can be confusing. Making them work together in a consist is even more of a challenge.

Find a hobby shop or club with members than can help you with hands- on.

-- Don Vollrath (dvollrath@magnetek.com), July 22, 2004.