I need help to choose a DCC Decoder

[pimberman]

Hi, guys!

I want to buy the locomotive Bachmann EMD SD45, DCC Ready, N scale.
I thought in Bachmann DCC Decoder item No: 44915 with NMRA plug.
The 44915 decoder goes with the SD45?
Is the same decoder for all Bachmann's DCC Ready locomotives?
Or I need a decoder with wires for soldering?

Thanks
:thumb:

 

[Fluesheet]

Typically, the term "DCC Ready" means that you can simply plug in any decoder with an 8 pin NMRA plug (like the one you have pictured) - no soldering. The documentation that came with your locomotive should give details, and if it doesn't, pull the shell and take a look.

Don't worry a specific decoder brand - any with an NMRA conformance sticker (and even most of those without) can be used. Most of the major makers will over the same decoder with bare wires, 8 pin plug and 9pin plugs. Just pick the version your locomotive is set up for.

Good Luck!

 

[pimberman]

Fluesheet:

Thanks for your reply, very useful.
:thumb:

 

[MasonJar]

Pimberman,

You will have to check the specs on the loco - DCC ready means different things to different manufacturers, including within their own line(s).

DCC ready may mean what fluesheet said. It may also mean - there is a harness inside so all you need is the decoder itself; OR the motor is isolated so you can solder in your own decoder. Therefore which decoder or decoder/harness combo you need will depend on the loco itself.

Andrew