DCC Locomotive decoder types

Converting locomotives to digital

A DCC Locomotive decoder gives a model an address - You can allocate that model a unique DCC address in order to control it.

In order to run on a digital system a locomotive requires a decoder to be installed. The decoder receives all signals sent out from the digital command station but will only act on instructions that are directly addressed to it. We mainly deal with Lenz locomotive decoders and they produce a number of different designs to allow you to convert just about any locomotive to digital (N gauge to G scale) - we can help you choose a suitable decoder - e-mail dccshop@hotmail.co.uk or telephone 01280 701410 during our shop opening hours.

DCC Ready Locomotives

Most new locomotives on the market now include decoder sockets that allow easy installation of the digital decoder. Decoder sockets (Sometimes known as Decoder interfaces) come in different styles depending on the size and the expected number of functions on a locomotive. All DCC decoder sockets are specified by the NMRA and follow a set of recommended practices.

Converting Older Locomotives

In a locomotive the digital decoder separates the motor from the locomotives’ electrical pick up system. There must be no direct electrical connection between the motor brushes and the pick up system, otherwise the decoder will become damaged and fail to operate. On a lot of older locomotives it is very difficult to separate the motor from the pick ups. If in doubt, have the locomotive converted by someone with experience.