Well after a lot of deliberation a quick try of the Gaugemaster Prodigy I decided I like it! Picked up a Prodigy express for £120.... I had already decided I didn't want a huge layout/loads of trains running simultaneously so the express was good enough. The guy I bought it from had never used it so it was still in the original packaging complete with cellophane on the screen. Now what decoders do you guys recommend? P.S. The last DCC I used was Hornby's Zero one back in the early 80's!
Hi Andrew. I have now fitted around 50 of the Chinese "LaisDCC" decoders to my stable of loco's without a single failure. As yet they only do non- sound ones in 6,8,18 and 21 pin formats, all at around a tenner apiece so why pay more? Most come with 'stay-alive connections, less than £4 for a stay-alive, all the functions of the pricey decoders so what's not to like? You'll find them on Ebay, usually at least 3 sellers and my supplier of choice is based in Norfolk as I won't name names. Keith.
Plus they have an online, downloadable users guide with all the bells and whistles. Very useful. Pete.
Hi Andrew, Is this the one with the wifi adapter ? If so (and you fancy using it to drive from your train (which has some gains) get a double network splitter... we have the same! If its not, ignore the above. Any decoder will work with it. Andy
If you do not wish to buy through fleabay, try CM3 Models for Lais DCC decoders : https://cm3models.co.uk/ Cheers, Gary.
I've used CM3 myself, but although He's around 25p per decoder cheaper than the Yarmouth seller, his postage is more, so I use CM3 only when the Yarmouth guy is awaiting stock. (tight*rse alert!) Keith.
Hi Andy. Yes, the 6 and 8 pin versions are smaller than many other brands, 21 pin similar size to others, available with/without 'Stay-Alive' though connections are present except on 6 pin. As I've not yet bought any loco using the new "Plux18 pin" decoder I've no idea on comparable size. 8 pin is available with/without plug or 'direct plug-in' and is 4 function, 6 pin is of course only 2 function, stated as suitable for 'N' gauge though I've used several on '00' gauge small tank loco's without problems. You just need to check stall current on any loco and ensure that it's less than the maximum decoder rating, which for '00' gauge shouldn't be a problem. I've found these decoders to be every bit as good as any of the more expensive ones and most certainly preferable to any Hornby or Bachmann offering. Perceived 'wisdom' is never to buy decoders 'made by' (which they're not!) any model manufacturer. They may be good at making models, but decoders are not their 'Forte'. Incidentally, I have NO connection with either LaisDCC or their Ebay sellers except as a very satisfied customer. Keith.
Going to jump in here for a moment to ask if LaisDCC decoders are available from Australian sellers or do I have to go overseas?
As you can see from this list : https://laisdcc.com/shop/ , there is only one retailer in Australia and they are expensive... see here : http://ace-radio-controlled-models.shoplightspeed.com/brands/laisdcc/ You are probably be better off purchasing from the UK... Cheers, Gary.
Just purchased 4 x Lais DCC decoders from CM3, two 21 pin (21MTC) and two 18 pin (Next 18/NEM662 6 Function)... CM3 Models test the decoders prior to posting out, so they should be good to go. I managed to pick them up for £7.71 each and £10.20 postage to Australia. Worked out to be just under $20.00 AUD for each decoder. To answer Andy's question about the size of the 18 pin, there are approximately 17mm x 10.5mm in size. Here are two pics for you : Cheers, Gary.
