I have successfully taken apart a Rivarossi, 2-8-2, to put a decoder into it. The unit is really simple, with a Motor and 2 leads for pick-ups. I want to buy a real basic decoder to run the front headlight, and just the motor. What is the type of decoder, and cheapest that can be purchased? Digitrax is preferred, but not necessary. I use the Bachmann EZ-Command system.
The Digitrax DH123D will work: http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dh123d.php
If you're pressed for space the Digitrax DZ125 will also work. I have several. Two in a pair of Athearn F7's and two in a P2K E7-A/E6-B set.
http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dz125.php
The Bachmann 1 amp decoder will also work: http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products.php?act=viewProd&productId=1464
Try this one. http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/245-DH123D
It has been suggested on this board that the DZ125 might be problematic with EZ Command controllers.
Since you are probably hard wiring, the DH123 or DZ123 are good choices. I have installed both and they work fine with my EZ Command.
Quote from: Yampa Bob on September 21, 2008, 04:38:44 PM
It has been suggested on this board that the DZ125 might be problematic with EZ Command controllers.
I have no problem whatsoever with my DZ125's on my Bachmann EZ-Command system. They work perfectly. Sometimes I think some of these 'problems' are due to operator headspace and timing. I use decoders from Digitrax, NCE, Lenz and Bachmann. The only decoders I've had trouble with were two that I got from MRC. They both went up in smoke within a day.
Until Jim concludes his tests and gives the 125 a green light, I'm not taking any chances. I bought a bunch of 123 on sale, they are small enough for most HO uses.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,6460.0.html
Looks like some good testing he's doing, but I'm not using the decoders to run lights. I'm using 4 of them to run 4 locomotives at once on an EZ-Command system and they haven't cut out yet. I'm intending on buying more as soon as I can.
Thanks to all for the replies. I have used the DZ123 in most of my locos too. I figure that by getting small decoders, they will be re-usable if I need them for "Future" installations. I was leaning toward those, I just needed to make sure there were not "others" that had been tried, and were NOT to be used!!
Again, thanks for the replies!!