New Atlas SD35 Locos: DC or DCC Version?

[Kisatchie]

I got an email from Fifer Hobby Shop saying it's time to preorder Atlas SD35 locos (among other items). If I ever build my dream layout, I figure I'll go 100% DCC.

My question: Is it better to get the Atlas DC locos and convert them to DCC, or just get the Atlas locos that come with DCC installed? I've heard about issues with the DCC-equipped locos, like having very limited features.

Does anyone have any comments?


Hmm... the weather is
nice and cool today...

[davefoxx]

I've also heard that the decoders in the DCC versions have somewhat less features, but it will probably depend on the decoder brand used by Atlas.  At one time, Lenz decoders were used.  I think they're using NCE now, or at least in the recent past.  I don't know what they'll be using when they release those SD35s next year. 

But, my preference is to stick to my DCC manufacturer of choice.  I use Digitrax, so I generally use Digitrax decoders.  That requires me to buy the DC version of the locomotive and swap the decoder out myself.  This, however, minimizes problems between different decoder manufacturers.  Yeah, they're supposed to be compatible, but, to me, different manufacturers' decoders always react differently.

Hope this helps,
DFF

[djconway]

My preference is to buy the DC version and add my choice of DCC decoders.
Atlas started with a decoder built by Digitrax - it was available direct from Atlas for a little bit more than their drop in, BUT it did not have all of the functionality of the Digitrax replacement.
Then Atlas switched to a Lenz built decoder - it has almost all the functionality of the Lenz replacement but not quite all.
Now Atlas has teamed with NCE - is the decoder a little less than the NCE replacement? I haven't had enough experience with NCE to know.

What I have done once I discovered that the decoders used were a little less than what I was using, was to only purchase locos without DCC installed, and buy the decoder of my choice.
As you work with one brand of decoders you get used to their quirks, and soon develop your own likes & dislikes.  For me I have used mostly Digitrax decoders, I got user to doing things their way, and think I'm doing OK. I'm not pushing the decoders to the limits but I get enough out of them to have fun. 

If a manufacturer wants to provide a decoder why not use the full featured decoder? -- costs! The DCC manufacturer has to make money on the decoder, Atlas has to make money on it, you and I get to pay.

[Kisatchie]

My preference is to buy the DC version and add my choice of DCC decoders....

I think that's what I'm going to do. I just want a basic decoder that lets the loco go forward and backward.

I'm modeling 1971, so I can't think of any locos that had ditchlights to worry about, and I sure don't want sound.


Hmm... Kiz doesn't want
sound because he's
cheap...

[mmyers]

If you just want a basic decoder then your most economical choice would be decoder equipped. They usually add about $20 to the price. That's a decent price for a stripped down N scale decoder. Even the stripped downs will have full 4 digit and 2 digit address, start voltage, some type of speed curve settings, and directional lights. Most don't include BEMF or a bunch of lighting options. Quite frankly, most people don't use the extras. Most just change the address and turn the lights on and off.

Martin Myers

[Kisatchie]

My question: Is it better to get the Atlas DC locos and convert them to DCC, or just get the Atlas locos that come with DCC installed? I've heard about issues with the DCC-equipped locos, like having very limited features.

Let me clear up a seeming contradiction in my thoughts. When I mentioned built-in decoders having issues with limited features, I was thinking there might be missing some basic features I'd want, and other features I didn't care for built-in.

What I meant to say was that I'd prefer to buy basic decoders without features I'd never use. I didn't mean to imply that built-in decoders might be too basic. I messed up expressing my thoughts. I wasn't very articulate.


Hmm... if Kiz was a steam
loco, he wouldn't be an
articulated. He'd be a
2-2-2...

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Here's a thought though.

If you get the DCC version, and there's a problem, you can send it back.

I've spent too much time troubleshooting Loco + DCC problems.

This just occurred to me, so, I think, in the future, when given the option, I'm getting OEM DCC.

It's like with a car. Sure, you could buy a Subaru Impreza and a bunch of parts and build it into an STI, but if you just by the STI in the first place, you get a warranty and financing.

[peteski]

Here's a thought though.

If you get the DCC version, and there's a problem, you can send it back.

I've spent too much time troubleshooting Loco + DCC problems.

This just occurred to me, so, I think, in the future, when given the option, I'm getting OEM DCC.

It's like with a car. Sure, you could buy a Subaru Impreza and a bunch of parts and build it into an STI, but if you just by the STI in the first place, you get a warranty and financing.

I guess what the previous post indicate is that the only factory equipped models available are the basic limited-functionality Subaru Imprezas - you can't buy the STI.  Like the crappy Bachmann decoders which do not even have the basic Vmid and Vmax CVs for speed matching!

But at least some manufacturers are starting factory-installing good quality full-feature (sound) decoders. Hopefully that trend will continue.

[djconway]

So Kiz - witch way did you go?

Inquiring minds want top know?

[Kisatchie]

So Kiz - witch way did you go?

Inquiring minds want top know?

Well, since I don't have any locos yet, I still have time to decide.

I figure once I get my books published and the money comes rolling in, I'll see which kinds of decoders are available and pick something basic. I don't want all kinds of fancy features, but I do want a solid decoder.


Hmm... me, I prefer
liquid decoders...

[mmyers]

Most people buy a DCC engine, change the address to their own and run it. Doesn't get more basic then that and any OEM decoder will have the capability.

Martin Myers

[Burlington Bob]

Get your locos DCC ready, then add a TCS decoder.  You won't regret it!