Decoder Selection for N-Scale Arnold SW-1

[newt749]

I recall reading, but couldn't find, a topic line on decoders for the new Arnold SW-1 in N-Scale. I believe that Zimo and ESU were recommended. In looking for a decoder for this little engine, I came across the Digitrax DZ126IN and DZ146IN. Both offer the 6 pin NEM 651 style pins but the DZ146IN has a couple of extra wires. I read that they could be used for other lighting features. As this is one very tiny engine, I was wondering first, what people think about these Digitrax decoders and second, what would I use the extra wires for on this engine?

Thanks for all replies.
Rob
Hampton, New Brunswick

[peteski]

Rob,
unless you are bent on using Digitrax, I highly recommend Zimo decoders. Specifically MX621N ( http://store.sbs4dcc.com/ZIMOMX621NSub-MicroDCCDecoder-NEM6516-pinIntegralConnector.aspx ). It is much better at controlling corless motor in SW1 and it is not all that much expensive than Digitrax. And it has 4 function outputs. That is what I used in my SW1 after I reviewed it in https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=37191.0

What to do with extra function outputs? It spends on what your prototype had for extra lights. Maybe nothing.

[ryan_wilkerson]

I also use the Zimo MX621N in my SW1. It runs very well. I have sold all of my Digitrax and TacS 6-pin decoders in favor of the Zimo. It really has improved performance especially low speed.

[jdcolombo]

Third vote for the Zimo.

John C.

[Mr Z]

Make that 4.

Easy to install and runs beautifully.

Martin Z

[jpwisc]

Make it 5, I love the Zimo decoder in my SW1.

[ryan_wilkerson]

It's an epidemic! Or just the good effects of peer pressure?!
A fellow modeller let me know about Zimo 3+ years ago when I purchased a set of FVM GP60 M/B from him. Very grateful for helpful advice that makes a big difference in operating enjoyment (my sons were always complaining that they couldn't mix-match consists since the speeds were so different between TCS, Digitrax and Zimo). Problem solved.

[newt749]

Thanks folks, I really appreciate the comments. Now all I have to do is find a supplier in Canada. If I can't find one and using a US mail order site proves to be too expensive, I'll give the Digitrax a try. I'll let you know what happens.

Rob
Hampton, New Brunswick

[jdcolombo]

Thanks folks, I really appreciate the comments. Now all I have to do is find a supplier in Canada. If I can't find one and using a US mail order site proves to be too expensive, I'll give the Digitrax a try. I'll let you know what happens.

Rob
Hampton, New Brunswick

If you can't find the Zimo, a good second choice is the ESU LokPilot Micro V.4 with integral NEM651 6-pin plug.  About $32 here in the states, and I'm certain you can get these in Canada, since I know folks there who use ESU products all the time.  I think the LokPilot is just a hair inferior to the Zimo for coreless motor control, but significantly better than Digitrax (at least in its last iteration; haven't tried the most recent version).  No extra wires on this one, though, so you get only two function outputs (headlight and rear light).  If you need a beacon on top of it, then you'd have to go in a different direction - probably Digitrax.

John C.

[peteski]

Thanks folks, I really appreciate the comments. Now all I have to do is find a supplier in Canada. If I can't find one and using a US mail order site proves to be too expensive, I'll give the Digitrax a try. I'll let you know what happens.

Rob
Hampton, New Brunswick

Unfortunately, there are no dealers in Canada.
The Streamlined Backshop (the link I provided in my previous post) will not ship to Canada?  How about modeltrainstuff.com? They also carry ZIMO but don't have many of those in stock and price is slightly higher than Streamlined Backshop.  But you could contact them and ask to restock the item you are interested in.

Or maybe contact one of the other US dealers to see if they will ship to Canada?  Here is the list of ZIMO dealers: http://www.zimo.at/web2010/sales/bql.htm

[newt749]

Thanks Peteski, I looked for a Canadian supplier and could not find one as you stated. I also checked a couple of US online shops that I have used in the past. Modeltrainstuff.com indicates that they don't have any in stock so I decided to go with your recommendation and buy a couple of the Zimo decoders from Streamlined Backshop. Yes they do ship to Canada and did offer the best price and an economical USPS international first class option. I did read that other people have had good experiences with this company so I feel pretty good about the whole thing. Buying from the US isn't really a huge problem, just one that we Canadians have to put up with from time-to-time. With exchange rates and shipping costs, often the resulting price is more than buying locally, even with the sales tax added. Hopefully, in a few weeks, I should have my two SW-1s running around with decoders in them.

BTW, I decided to go with the Zimo due to the many comments to my post and your excellent review here. As these are small switchers, slow motion control is a big issue. The Digitrax decoders would have been about $10 cheaper but your comments on Zimo's control made the difference.

I'll let everyone know how they run once I get them installed.

Rob
Hampton, New Brunswick

[jdcolombo]

Thanks Peteski, I looked for a Canadian supplier and could not find one as you stated. I also checked a couple of US online shops that I have used in the past. Modeltrainstuff.com indicates that they don't have any in stock so I decided to go with your recommendation and buy a couple of the Zimo decoders from Streamlined Backshop. Yes they do ship to Canada and did offer the best price and an economical USPS international first class option. I did read that other people have had good experiences with this company so I feel pretty good about the whole thing. Buying from the US isn't really a huge problem, just one that we Canadians have to put up with from time-to-time. With exchange rates and shipping costs, often the resulting price is more than buying locally, even with the sales tax added. Hopefully, in a few weeks, I should have my two SW-1s running around with decoders in them.

BTW, I decided to go with the Zimo due to the many comments to my post and your excellent review here. As these are small switchers, slow motion control is a big issue. The Digitrax decoders would have been about $10 cheaper but your comments on Zimo's control made the difference.

I'll let everyone know how they run once I get them installed.

Rob
Hampton, New Brunswick

Bryan Vianco, who owns and runs Streamlined Backshop, is first rate.  He's also extremely knowledgeable about the Zimo product - if you have any questions, Bryan's the one to ask.  I buy all my DCC stuff from him, and have always gotten terrific service.

John C.

[peteski]

BTW, I decided to go with the Zimo due to the many comments to my post and your excellent review here. As these are small switchers, slow motion control is a big issue. The Digitrax decoders would have been about $10 cheaper but your comments on Zimo's control made the difference.

I'll let everyone know how they run once I get them installed.

Rob
Hampton, New Brunswick

You won't be sorry Rob.    Speaking of reliable slow speed, that can be improved further by removing the traction-tire wheels (as I described in my review), but unfortunately wheelsets are out of stock. But I wonder if they have any complete truck assemblies still available? You might want to contact Arvids at Hornby directly and ask.  That would give you the required parts to eliminate the traction tires.

As far as Streamlined Backshop goes I can also confirm that they the proprietor (Bryan) is super friendly and quick to reply. Not only he offers the best price, but also the best service. 

[Cajonpassfan]

......
As far as Streamlined Backshop goes I can also confirm that they the proprietor (Bryan) is super friendly and quickto reply. Not only he offers the best price, but also the best service.

I'd second that, bu Peteski already did. So I'll third it, Bryan provids great. knowledgeable and friendly service! No relation....
Otto K.

[tehachapifan]

Yeah, count me in on props to Streamlined Backshop. Use them all the time.

Regarding power pickup on the SW1, I believe I have improved it on mine by swapping the positions of the wheelsets, so the ones without the traction tires were on the outside. I think this helps by increasing the pickup footprint, if that makes sense. YMMV.