Standard 4 Function Decoder (unit)

4 function decoder

• Size: 25.25mm x 16.6mm x 5.3mm (0.95” x 0.65” x 0.2”)
• Power Handling: 1.3A Motor Drive (2A peak), 4 light/switchable functions - each 150mA, 200mA max.
• Addressing: Address 3 preset, will accept any address between 1 and 9999.
• Harnesses: 90mm overall length, removable 9 pin JST, 8 pin NEM652 plug with wires dressed to UK standard.
• DC Running: Allows running on both DC and DCC layouts with no adjustment, if your controller has a smooth DC output then your locomotive will run better than before!
• Back EMF: Adjustment free Back EMF ability that will give perfect low speed control. Functions: The OPTI decoder has 4 functions which can be remapped, and are switched on and off via the function control buttons on your digital handset. As well as directional or dimmed lighting, there are a dozen different lighting effects available.
• Reset: The decoder can be simply reset to the original factory settings should you want to reset your decoder after experimentation, or have forgotten the decoder address.

One of the considerations when contemplating changing your layout control from analogue to Digital Command Control (DCC) is the cost. You will need a decoder in every locomotive that you wish to run on your layout. Thus, it you have many locomotives that need one, the cost can quickly mount up. A decoder receives instructions from the DCC base station (the digital equivalent of a analogue controller, also referred to as a ‘Command station’) and responds accordingly. Examples of these instructions are ‘turn the running lights on’, move forward at speed step 10’, ‘sound the whistle’, and many more) The decoder is given an identity (known as an address) so that it can accept only those instructions that are meant for it. This makes it possible to individually drive each locomotive on your layout without the use of track section switches.. There are many locomotive decoders to choose from. They vary in size and shape, power handling, the number of facilities (known as functions), the type of interface (how it physically connects to the locomotive circuit board. and price. Here from Gaugemaster we have a budget-priced locomotive decoder suitable for medium sized OO/HO locomotives that have an 8-pin (known technically as an NEM652) socket. The decoder has the matching plug ready to attach so it can simply be plugged in once you have gained access to the interior of the target model. You can have piece of mind in knowing that this decoder will work with all DCC base stations that conform to the standards for DCC as defined by the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA), which in practice means all of them. The decoder features speed stabilisation to enhance slow-running qualities, plus 4 functions, 2 of which are intended for control of head and tail lights. It can handle 1.3 amps on the motor circuit (2 amp peak). Use with Hornby R8214 Elite DCC controller, or Bachmann 36-500 E-Z Command Digital Control Centre, or any NMRA compatible base station.