New Digitrax Decoders

[Denver Road Doug]

These are the specs for the DZ125:

•New Tiny Wired Decoder (Replaces DZ123)
• 1.0 Amp for track voltage up to 20 volts
• 2 Functions
• .418" x .340" x .112" / 10.6mm x 8.7mm x 2.86mm (Approx. measurement without wires)
• Scaleable Speed Stabilization-BEMF,
• Transponding,
• SuperSonic,
• SoundBug Compatible

I spoke to a Digitrax rep about this after receiving the same somewhat confusing e-mail.  The rep stated that it was smaller, had BEMF, and is only about 10-15% more expensive than the 123, not 25%.  (on the last point the rep could not recall "absolutely, for sure" the previous MSRP, so it's possible the price increase is accurate.)

For reference, the Lenz Mini Gold is L 0.43" x W 0.35"x H 0.11, L 11mm x W 9mm x H 2.8 mm. (from Lenz's website)  If the facts are correct, the DZ125 is smaller which is a good development, and the price would be pretty good at that size point...even if it is 25%.

[wm3798]

That sounds like a winner, then, size wise and price wise.  Perhaps my Shay will soon get a brain, and my RS-3's with fly-wheels will have a little more elbow room under the hood.
Lee

[amato1969]

Indeed.  Until  I saw this thread, I wondered why I didn't see the 123 any more.  I have used a bunch of these with good results.

[billvassar45]

who would you get to install a sound decoder in a n-scale shay?

[wm3798]

I honestly don't think it's possible.  The size of a sound decoder plus a speaker would never fit under the hood.  I've used TCS Z2 decoders, which are the smallest available, and that's a tight squeeze.  If you must have sound, you're probably going to need to rig a car to trail behind the engine.  The other issue would be that you'd have to find a sound file that sounds like a shay, which has a much different pattern than a reciprocating steam engine.

My advice would be to get a vinyl LP of shays working, and play the record while you run trains.

Lee