DCC-decoders.com by Szabi

[OliverSR]

I’ve been looking into options for points decoders for a upcoming project and came across this site.

https://www.dcc-decoders.com/shop

Has anyone here any experience with them?

I’d be considering using the turnout decoder to power solenoids so I assume the CDU add on would be a good idea too.

As someone who has built a few PCB kits in the past the DIY option looks tempting but would value opinions from anyone other RMwebbers.

OliverSR

[melmerby]

3 minutes ago, OliverSR said:

I’ve been looking into options for points decoders for a upcoming project and came across this site.

https://www.dcc-decoders.com/shop

Has anyone here any experience with them?

I’d be considering using the turnout decoder to power solenoids so I assume the CDU add on would be a good idea too.

As someone who has built a few PCB kits in the past the DIY option looks tempting but would value opinions from anyone other RMwebbers.

OliverSR

Hi Oliver

If you are considering kits, why not make your own with an Arduino and a few components? I made a 5 output decoder for motor driven points and it cost no more.

I used these motors: https://www.dcctrainautomation.co.uk/mp1-point-switch.html not cheap but compact and plenty of adjustment options.

Or

Why not use servos? Again you could use an Arduino and servos are cheaper than solenoids and smoother in operation.

[Nigelcliffe]

1 hour ago, OliverSR said:

I’ve been looking into options for points decoders for a upcoming project and came across this site.

https://www.dcc-decoders.com/shop

Has anyone here any experience with them?

I’d be considering using the turnout decoder to power solenoids so I assume the CDU add on would be a good idea too.

As someone who has built a few PCB kits in the past the DIY option looks tempting but would value opinions from anyone other RMwebbers.

OliverSR

 

At a price of Euro22, plus all the VAT/Duty possible hassles of importing into the UK, then unless you're only building a couple, it would be cheaper to join MERG and build their turnout decoder kits.  
The MERG 4-channel solenoid accessory decoder kit cost £14, has a fifteen year history of working, includes decent sized capacitors to throw solenoids, well documented, have member support forum, etc..   MERG also have other kits for other approaches including servos, stall motors (Tortoise etc.),  various levels of layout control bus,  etc...    

There are lots of other ways of doing it.

 

- Nigel