Which NEM651 decoder do you recommend?

[Spaceman Spiff]

G'day, I am going to need a NEM 651 decoder for a Kato TGV train. I was wondering what do you guys recommend?  Digitrax DZ125IN?  ( http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dz125IN.php )  The retailer (located in Europe) recommends and sells Doehler & Haass and Kühn decoders.

Any suggestions?

Spiff

[CaptOblivious]

Just to add another to your list, TCS makes one with an NEM plug as well:
http://www.tcsdcc.com/public_html/Customer_Content/Products/Decoders/N-Scale/EUN651/EUN651.html

My experience with most TCS decoders is that they are very robust, although the CN and CN-GP, and Z2 are notable exceptions.

[Martijn Meerts]

It really depends on what kinda functionality you want, and what you're prepared to pay, and what's easily available.

The Doehler & Haass ones have very limited functionality, and are overly expensive (this is because Doehler & Haass are the inventors of the Selectrix system, and still the primary supplier of decoders for the Selectrix system. All the Trix, Rautenhaus, Müt, etc. Selectrix/DCC decoders are actually built by D&H). I don't know much about Kühn decoders, other than that they are getting more and more popular.

Another thing to consider is how the NEM socket is mounted in the train. For example, I have 2 Kato Class 66 locomotives, both with a NEM socket, however, due to the construction of the train, a standard NEM651 plug won't work. In that case I had to get an ESU lokpilot micro, which has a so-called "wire harness". The lokpilots are quite nice decoders btw, but not cheap.

Another option, which should be reasonably easy to find worldwide would be Lenz decoders. The silver+ mini is a good decoder with lots of functions, but again, not the cheapest option.

[quinntopia]

I try to avoid-but keep using- the Digitrax because I've had a few clunkers, but their warranty / replacement service has been awesome and they can't be beat for availablity or price here in the states.  I can also second Martijn's comments on either the Lenz or ESU Lokpilot decoders, although they tend to be pricey.  I also find that its difficult to find dealers with these in stock when you need them.

But...I didn't know that TCS made an NEM651 decoder! Thanks Don!  They look to be in the Digitrax price range too!  Whoohoo!

[nik_n_dad]

I've had the most trouble with digitrax.  They seem to work fine in US models (Fox Valley), but have been very poor in European models.  My best luck has been with TCS and Lenz.  I've also had some of the ESU decoders, but I've had very mixed results (ymmv).

The biggest issue I've found is getting things to fit.  The length of pins on the decoders varies greatly and I've seen a broad range of how well it fits (and stays put) in the socket.  I've also seen a broad range of spaces in models for the decoders, ranging from the Arnold Krokodil where a TCS doesn't fit to models that has no room for the decoder by the socket but plenty of room for a harness.

A new decoder to try (We just installed some into our Thalys) is the TCS EUN651P-18, that comes with an 18mm harness.  http://www.tcsdcc.com/public_html/Customer_Content/Products/Decoders/N-Scale/EUN651/EUN651.html

[Spaceman Spiff]

Thanks for the replies.

nik_n_dad, did your Thalys come with nem board included or did you get them separately? 

Spiff

[quinntopia]

Another thing to consider is how the NEM socket is mounted in the train. For example, I have 2 Kato Class 66 locomotives, both with a NEM socket, however, due to the construction of the train, a standard NEM651 plug won't work. In that case I had to get an ESU lokpilot micro, which has a so-called "wire harness". The lokpilots are quite nice decoders btw, but not cheap.

Martijn, you just touched on one of my pet peeves....you would think that the idea of the NEM 651 would be to make decoder installation as easy as possible.  Unfortunately the issue you mention (had a similar problem with a Fleischman Re485) is very frustrating.  I wish the designers were more considerate of these standards when they are considering where to put the plug!

Spaceman Spiff: If its any help for you, I explained my process to digitize my Thalys on my blog:
http://quinntopia.blogspot.com/2010/01/kato-thalys-decoder-install-notes.html
I'm still learning a lot about this (mostly from the experts here on this forum) but this should encourage you (if I can do it...well......) 

[Spaceman Spiff]

Thanks for the info quinntopia,  I will take a look your link.

[Martijn Meerts]

Another thing to consider is how the NEM socket is mounted in the train. For example, I have 2 Kato Class 66 locomotives, both with a NEM socket, however, due to the construction of the train, a standard NEM651 plug won't work. In that case I had to get an ESU lokpilot micro, which has a so-called "wire harness". The lokpilots are quite nice decoders btw, but not cheap.

Martijn, you just touched on one of my pet peeves....you would think that the idea of the NEM 651 would be to make decoder installation as easy as possible.  Unfortunately the issue you mention (had a similar problem with a Fleischman Re485) is very frustrating.  I wish the designers were more considerate of these standards when they are considering where to put the plug!

Yeah, it defeats the purpose of having a NEM651 socket if the majority of the decoders won't fit =)

[Spaceman Spiff]

Why can't the manufacturers talk to each other and ensure this stuff is truly plug and play. I think I will try the digitrax nem decoder as it seems like it's the only one carried by my lhs.  They might have the TCS.

Spiff

[nik_n_dad]

Spiff-

I had to buy the ESU boards like Quinn did.  I still need one more (I seem to have one and need two), but can't find them for sale right now.

Quinn-

I have a love-hate relationship with the NEM651 decoders.  Yes, when the train is designed right an install is a minute or two.  Unfortunately I've had way too many where I'm ordering a variety of decoders to get one to fit.  The worst has been the Arnold Krokodil that I couldn't get in (I've got someone working on that for me.... for months now)

[quinntopia]

I have a love-hate relationship with the NEM651 decoders.  Yes, when the train is designed right an install is a minute or two.  Unfortunately I've had way too many where I'm ordering a variety of decoders to get one to fit.  The worst has been the Arnold Krokodil that I couldn't get in (I've got someone working on that for me.... for months now)

I'm with you  ...when I first got into the hobby I had some knowledge of the difficult process of 'converting' a locomotive to DCC is, and though this NEM 651 thing was the greatest idea ever.  Actually, its a great idea, the implementation is terrible!  The worst (for me) are those stupid Minitrix ports that need to be soldered! What are they thinking?   At least now I know what the problem is with the Minitrix sockets and have stopped bothering my dealer about a locomotive that won't work!