Which Decoder for the N Scale Kato F40PH?

[davefoxx]

Checking out the possibilities, there is the Digitrax DN163K0D and the TCS #1338 K0D8-C.  My concern lies with the LEDs.  The last batch of Digitrax decoders that I bought (for Atlas Geeps) had these really small LEDs that are too dim to really light up the headlights.  I hate them.  It looks like the DN163K0D may have that type of LED, judging by the picture on MBK's site.  The TCS decoder, on the other hand, appears to have the larger LEDs, but they look a funky color to me.

Does someone have any experience with a recent purchase/installation of either of these decoders and can offer a suggestion?

Thanks in advance,
DFF

[mmyers]

My Digitrax decoders have bright lights. It's been a couple of years since I installed them so not sure which led's they have. Digitrax web site has photos with surface mount (the tiny ones) and another shot of that decoder with larger led's. Don't be fooled by the small surface mount led's. They can be blinding depending on the lens color. Don't have any experience with the TCS version. they could be sunny white led's. It takes a lot of amber tint to tone down a white led. First ones I purchased from Jim Hinds looked amber until lit.

Link to the instruction sheet below. Page 4 has a photo with surface mount. Page 5 has photo of one with regular led's. My best guess would be the current models have surface mounts. Most of my recent purchases have them and they are bright. Right now, my F40PH's are packed for Bedford. Won't be able to have a good look before tomorrow night or Saturday A.M.

http://www.digitrax.com/static/apps/products/mobile-decoders/dn163k0d/documents/dn163k0d.pdf

Martin Myers

[Ian MacMillan]

TCS decoders come with the golden white LED's but the newer decoders have a smaller "SMD" style right angle LED and not the typical T3.

I'm partial to the TCS because I really like them and their features... and something about me being a TCS dealer as well    .

I have used both the TCS and Digitrax and both are just as easy to install. I do believe the Digitrax decoders come with the Kapton tape if you need it (at least they used to) where as the TCS decoders do not.

[TiVoPrince]

Done
both.  Replaced LEDs with brighter ones, because I always do.  It was not necessary but  TiVoPrincess prefers intensely bright lighting, and these are all about her satisfaction. 

IF you are planning ditch lights get the TCS, thier effects are LED-centric where Digitrax still assumes bulbs.  TCS also has enough animation outputs to enable both ditch lights and strobes if you are far more brave than I am.

Digitrax/TCS decoders are not well speed matched to one another by default, but after a little speed table 'CV magic' they run fine together for me.  Installation is the same board replacement.  I found that the Kato method of a little plastic bit to hold the motor tabs is mechanically and electrically unreliable long term.  You have to be a little brave to solder those motor tabs but it makes a highly reliable electrical and mechanical connection because the downward pressure of the decoder is needed to maintain contact with the track pickup strips. 

Kapton tape is necessary to isolate the track pickups from motor tabs on the F40PH.  Because you will always need an extra bit of Kapon tape, buy a roll of 10mm off Ebay (under $10USD) so you have a lifetime supply already on hand without worrying about it...