alphonsus Posted July 27, 2021 Share Posted July 27, 2021 Hi, Having just acquired a Dapol ND-114D Class 153 Northern Rail and the matching ND-112A Class 156 (they're exquisite, BTW, from someone who has ridden on them regularly), I now need to fit decoders to them. The Imperium4 decoder would seem like a logical choice, but the instruction sheets provided don't mention it on the approved/tested decoders list. I'm guessing it was a more recent release and therefore wouldn't be, but I can't find any references online to compatibility. Can anyone advise, please? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigelcliffe Posted July 28, 2021 Share Posted July 28, 2021 If the model arrived on my bench, I'd use a £20 Zimo MX617N. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alphonsus Posted July 28, 2021 Author Share Posted July 28, 2021 Hi Nigelcliffe, The Zimo chip has a lower current capacity (0.8/1.0A max) than the Dapol one (1.0/1.5A max). Could that be a problem if either were pulling a dummy 156? Best wishes, Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamThomas Posted July 28, 2021 Share Posted July 28, 2021 People always have their "go-to" decoders, mine are Lenz for non-sound. However, I do from time to time try other makes. Recently, I have tried thre latest offerings from DCCConcepts & they went back for a refund. I had good results from a Dapol Imperium but found it took more time to set up than a Lenz Silver. I also had good results from the Gaugemaster Ruby Range. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigelcliffe Posted July 28, 2021 Share Posted July 28, 2021 1 hour ago, alphonsus said: Hi Nigelcliffe, The Zimo chip has a lower current capacity (0.8/1.0A max) than the Dapol one (1.0/1.5A max). Could that be a problem if either were pulling a dummy 156? Best wishes, Paul No. If any N gauge loco gets near 0.5A you'll be seeing blue smoke just before the loco dies. 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpendle Posted July 28, 2021 Share Posted July 28, 2021 Just to echo what Nigel said. Use a Zimo MX617N. I have one fitted in a 156 and it runs around with a dummy unit. And for what it's worth I wouldn't buy a Dapol loco with a pre-fitted Imperium decoder, I prefer to fit Zimo in my loco's. Regards, John P Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparaxis Posted July 28, 2021 Share Posted July 28, 2021 1 hour ago, jpendle said: And for what it's worth I wouldn't buy a Dapol loco with a pre-fitted Imperium decoder, I prefer to fit Zimo in my loco's. My position exactly, unless I can buy a pre-installed Zimo or ESU, I'd rather fit my own Zimo or ESU. Firstly, they work very well, and secondly it makes my life easier to have commonality of CVs etc. My experience with second (or third tier) decoders has not filled me with joy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esmedune Posted July 29, 2021 Share Posted July 29, 2021 I am going with the Dapol one, as I already have one loom of cables , I don't want to be adding another. I have already tried it with a right angle one, I have now ordered the straight one for fitting. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Right Away Posted July 29, 2021 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 29, 2021 23 hours ago, alphonsus said: Hi Nigelcliffe, The Zimo chip has a lower current capacity (0.8/1.0A max) than the Dapol one (1.0/1.5A max). Could that be a problem if either were pulling a dummy 156? Best wishes, Paul If it it’s any guide, I have Zimo 617Ns in both two Hattons “P” class 0-6-0Ts and a Bachmann E4 0-6-2T which, for a couple of years now, have regularly lugged around train weights well in excess of an unpowered DMU with no problems whatsoever. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpendle Posted July 29, 2021 Share Posted July 29, 2021 11 hours ago, Esmedune said: I am going with the Dapol one, as I already have one loom of cables , I don't want to be adding another. I have already tried it with a right angle one, I have now ordered the straight one for fitting. What model are you referring to? The Dapol N Gauge CL153/CL156 have 6 pin sockets, no wiring needed. Regards, John P Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esmedune Posted July 29, 2021 Share Posted July 29, 2021 33 minutes ago, jpendle said: What model are you referring to? The Dapol N Gauge CL153/CL156 have 6 pin sockets, no wiring needed. Regards, John P Sorry John, that was obtuse of me. I was saying that I would not use the Zimo one as it has a wiring loom. I had tried the Bachman 36-556RA E-Z Command 90° 6 Pin DCC Decoder, but the right angled pins made it not fit, so I have ordered the Dapol IMPERIUM4 6 Pin 2 Function DCC Decoder. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigelcliffe Posted July 29, 2021 Share Posted July 29, 2021 (edited) 21 minutes ago, Esmedune said: Sorry John, that was obtuse of me. I was saying that I would not use the Zimo one as it has a wiring loom. .... There lots of Zimo combinations available. MX617N is what you need, as per the first reply in the thread: 6 pins on the end of the decoder, not a wire in sight. There are other options available with wires on them, to fit different situations. Edited July 29, 2021 by Nigelcliffe Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alphonsus Posted August 1, 2021 Author Share Posted August 1, 2021 Thanks for the input, people. I think I'll use the cheaper Dapol decoders in the dummy cars as they only have to handle directional lighting and Zimo MX617Ns in the powered units. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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