Reference

List of Tested Decoders

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We often receive reports on DCC multifunction decoders via Discord and our support channels as well as requests for help when things don’t quite work “out of the box”.

As a result, we’ve started compiling a list of decoders that we’ve experienced with a view to helping people get up and running quicker with their DCC layouts.

The table below is a growing list of multifunction decoders we’ve had reasons to support or test for ourselves with various supporting information, and a rating from one to three stars on how easy it is to use and program them.

If you wish to add to this list, please fill out the DCC Decoder Feedback form and provide the details as per the table below.

DCC Decoder Feedback

  • Brand - The brand/manufacturer of the decoder.

  • Model - The specific model or part number of the decoder.

  • Type:

    • MF - Multifunction.

    • MFS - Multifunction with sound.

    • ACC - Accessory.

    • SND - Sound only.

  • Firmware - The specific version of firmware on the decoder when tested.

  • Connector:

    • NEM651.

    • NEM652.

    • 21MTC.

    • PLUX8/12/16/22.

    • N/A (bare wires).

  • ACK Settings - Specific settings to enable correct ACK behaviour for service mode programming.

  • Rating:

    • Rating is out of 3, purely from the perspective of compatibility and ease of use getting them working and programming specifically with EX‑CommandStation. No consideration is given to how easy or complicated these are to install as the use cases vary too widely.

    • 1/3 - Can be quite difficult or complicated to get working or testing had inconsistent results.

    • 2/3 - Works as expected, with some extra effort required such as unique ACK settings.

    • 3/3 - Works exactly as expected.

  • Comments - Any other relevant information discovered during testing or support tickets.

Note to manufacturers: This list is not designed in any way to disparage or favour specific manufacturers, and is simply a factual observation of what the DCC-EX team have noted while helping people get up and running with various DCC decoders.

Table 38 Decoder List

Brand

Model

Type

Firmware

Connector

ACK Settings

Rating

Comments

SoundTrax

Tsunami2

MFS

New in 2020

Unknown

Default

2.5/3

Installed in Athearn Genesis OEM SD70ACe (ATHG01943). Half point deduction due to ACK being low.

TCS

1527 WOW 121 Diesel + GEN-MB1 Motherboard w/KA2

MFS

New in 2020

21MTC

D ACK MAX 9200

2.5/3

Half point deduction due to non-standard method for indexed CVs, and increased ACK pulse time. |

Digitrax

SDXH186MT

MFS

New in 2021

21MTC

Default

2.5/3

Half point deduction due to fewer options.

Märklin

m83

ACC

Default

Screw terminal

Default

2/3

Decoderwerk

30402/30801

ACC

Default

Screw terminal

Default

3/3

I can recommend them, because they are very simple, easy to use, small (4cm x 7cm(4-out) / 11cm(8-out)) and in comparison to the ones from Märklin very cheap.

Märklin

MSD3/MLD3

MFS/MF

Various versions/ages

Märklin standard

Default

3/3

No difficulties. On some decoders I have disabled all protocols but DCC, because I previously used a Märklin MobileStation they connected to automatically via mfx, but the decoders are also working perfectly with all enabled. If you should encounter problems, take a look at the CV reference section in the manual. Protocols other than DCC can be disabled with CV50.

Bachmann

4 Function decoder (36-550)

MF

Man. Version 46

N/A (bare wires)

Default

2.5/3

Still a degree of uncertainty as to the full capabilities of this decoder this decoder

D&H

PD10MU

MF

3.12

N/A (bare wires)

Default

3

Works perfectly, was my first decoder tested with DCC++EX. Reported it because I couldn’t find this decoder in the list yet.

Digitrax

DH166D

MF

51

N/A (bare wires)

Default

3

Worked exactly as expected. No problems with programming or operation.

LaisDCC

860011

Accessory

Unknown

N/A (bare wires)

Default

3

Using this in an unpowered loco B unit to provide lighting functions to mimic the powered unit. Works exactly as expected.

LaisDCC

860015

MF

Unknown

NEXT18

Default

3

Worked as expected. This is in the powered A unit that complements the unpowered B unit.

ESU

Lokpilot 4 21MTC

MF

Unknown

21MTC

Default

3

Worked as expected out of the box. CV setup easily via programming track.

ESU

Lokpilot 5 59610

MF

Unknown

NEM652

Default

3

As expected no problems connecting to DCC-EX CS. Biggest advantage with this decoder is multi-format. DCC, MM, M4 (mfx), DC and AC analogue (same feedback from 2 users).