List of Tested Decoders

We often receive reports on DCC multifunction decoders via Discord and our support channels as well as requests for help when things don’t quite work “out of the box”.

As a result, we’ve started compiling a list of decoders that we’ve experienced with a view to helping people get up and running quicker with their DCC layouts.

The table below is a growing list of multifunction decoders we’ve had reasons to support or test for ourselves with various supporting information, and a rating from one to three stars on how easy it is to use and program them.

If you wish to add to this list, please fill out the DCC Decoder Feedback form and provide the details as per the table below.

DCC Decoder Feedback

• Brand - The brand/manufacturer of the decoder.

• Model - The specific model or part number of the decoder.

• Type:

  • MF - Multifunction.

  • MFS - Multifunction with sound.

  • ACC - Accessory.

  • SND - Sound only.

• Firmware - The specific version of firmware on the decoder when tested.

• Connector:

  • NEM651.

  • NEM652.

  • 21MTC.

  • PLUX8/12/16/22.

  • N/A (bare wires).

• ACK Settings - Specific settings to enable correct ACK behaviour for service mode programming.

• Rating:

  • Rating is out of 3, purely from the perspective of compatibility and ease of use getting them working and programming specifically with EX‑CommandStation. No consideration is given to how easy or complicated these are to install as the use cases vary too widely.

  • 1/3 - Can be quite difficult or complicated to get working or testing had inconsistent results.

  • 2/3 - Works as expected, with some extra effort required such as unique ACK settings.

  • 3/3 - Works exactly as expected.

• Comments - Any other relevant information discovered during testing or support tickets.

Note to manufacturers: This list is not designed in any way to disparage or favour specific manufacturers, and is simply a factual observation of what the DCC-EX team have noted while helping people get up and running with various DCC decoders.

Table 38 Decoder List

Brand	Model	Type	Firmware	Connector	ACK Settings	Rating	Comments
SoundTrax	Tsunami2	MFS	New in 2020	Unknown	Default	2.5/3	Installed in Athearn Genesis OEM SD70ACe (ATHG01943). Half point deduction due to ACK being low.
TCS	1527 WOW 121 Diesel + GEN-MB1 Motherboard w/KA2	MFS	New in 2020	21MTC	D ACK MAX 9200	2.5/3	Half point deduction due to non-standard method for indexed CVs, and increased ACK pulse time. |
Digitrax	DH126D	MF	Default for 2021/2022	JST-9	Default	3	I have noticed that these decoders switch on the rear light at power on with no commands, which can be a useful behaviour for troubleshooting. They run nicely as installed. The learning curve I had on the 1st was entirely using DCC-EX + JMRI to configure them, additional installations and changes have been smooth. DH126D is meant to be an economy decoder with fewer functions and features than the DH166D. 1st and 2nd in November of 2022, 3rd was installed in December 2023.
Digitrax	DH166D	MF	51	N/A (bare wires)	Default	3	Worked exactly as expected. No problems with programming or operation.
Digitrax	SDXH186MT	MFS	New in 2021	21MTC	Default	2.5/3	Half point deduction due to fewer options.
Märklin	m83	ACC	Default	Screw terminal	Default	2/3
Decoderwerk	30402/30801	ACC	Default	Screw terminal	Default	3/3	I can recommend them, because they are very simple, easy to use, small (4cm x 7cm(4-out) / 11cm(8-out)) and in comparison to the ones from Märklin very cheap.
Märklin	MSD3/MLD3	MFS/MF	Various versions/ages	Märklin standard	Default	3/3	No difficulties. On some decoders I have disabled all protocols but DCC, because I previously used a Märklin MobileStation they connected to automatically via mfx, but the decoders are also working perfectly with all enabled. If you should encounter problems, take a look at the CV reference section in the manual. Protocols other than DCC can be disabled with CV50.
Bachmann	4 Function decoder (36-550)	MF	Man. Version 46	N/A (bare wires)	Default	2.5/3	Still a degree of uncertainty as to the full capabilities of this decoder this decoder
D&H	PD10MU	MF	3.12	N/A (bare wires)	Default	3	Works perfectly, was my first decoder tested with DCC++EX. Reported it because I couldn’t find this decoder in the list yet.
LaisDCC	860011	Accessory	Unknown	N/A (bare wires)	Default	3	Using this in an unpowered loco B unit to provide lighting functions to mimic the powered unit. Works exactly as expected.
LaisDCC	860015	MF	Unknown	NEXT18	Default	3	Worked as expected. This is in the powered A unit that complements the unpowered B unit.
ESU	Lokpilot 4 21MTC	MF	Unknown	21MTC	Default	3	Worked as expected out of the box. CV setup easily via programming track.
ESU	Lokpilot 5 59610	MF	Unknown	NEM652	Default	3	As expected no problems connecting to DCC-EX CS. Biggest advantage with this decoder is multi-format. DCC, MM, M4 (mfx), DC and AC analogue (same feedback from 2 users).