Find a suitable decoder by gauge, decoder type, interface, digital protocol, manufacturer and sound equipment. The finder loads the complete current decoder range from Modellbahnshop and automatically classifies every product.
A decoder must be mechanically, electrically and digitally compatible with its intended application. The visible interface is only one part of the decision. The digital protocol, motor current, number of function outputs, installation space, loudspeaker connection, energy-storage connection and intended gauge are equally important.
A locomotive normally requires a locomotive decoder or sound decoder. Illuminated coaches, control cars and additional lighting functions can be equipped with a function decoder. Turnouts, signals and servo drives, however, require a layout, switching, signal or servo decoder.
First check the locomotive’s existing interface. Common options include the six-pin NEM 651, eight-pin NEM 652, Next18, PluX12, PluX16, PluX22 and 21MTC interfaces. If there is no plug connection, a decoder with connecting wires or solder pads will usually be required. The protocol must then be compatible with the digital command station.
Products are loaded directly from the current categories. Sound decoders and vehicle decoders are included in full. The modules category is additionally checked for identifiable turnout, signal, switching, function and servo decoders.
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The finder works when it is hosted on the same domain as Modellbahnshop. Alternatively, open the decoders without sound and sound decoders categories.
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Remove individual filters or search only for an interface or product number.
The decoder type determines the task performed by the electronic component. A sound decoder is not automatically the correct choice for an illuminated coach, and a turnout decoder cannot control a locomotive. The finder therefore separates vehicle decoders and layout decoders clearly.
Locomotive decoders control the motor, direction, speed, acceleration and braking delay, lighting and additional functions. They are the standard solution for digitising a locomotive without sound.
Interface, motor current, dimensions, function outputs, RailCom support and digital protocol.
Sound decoders combine motor control and function outputs with sound storage and a loudspeaker connection. Some versions are supplied blank, while others already contain a vehicle-specific sound project.
The loudspeaker, sound enclosure and, where required, an energy storage module must fit inside the vehicle alongside the decoder.
Function decoders normally have no motor control. They are suitable for interior lighting, tail lights, cab lighting, control cars and other switchable functions.
Number and current rating of the outputs, common positive connection, protocol and intended installation type.
These decoders control turnout drives, uncouplers, semaphore signal drives and other electromagnetic accessories. The number of outputs and the connected drive type must be compatible.
Solenoid, motor and servo drives require different types of output or suitable adapters.
Signal decoders display several signal aspects and transitions. Servo decoders move turnouts, gates, barriers and mechanical signals slowly and with adjustable travel.
Check the protocol, number of addresses, output voltage and available programming methods.
Sound modules add noises to vehicles or layouts without necessarily providing complete motor control. Special decoders may be designed for particular vehicles, circuit boards or function sequences.
Vehicle-specific boards and decoders are often intended only for the stated classes or product numbers.
The interface describes the mechanical and electrical connection between the decoder and the vehicle circuit board. It does not automatically indicate which digital protocol the decoder understands. A PluX22 decoder can, for example, support DCC or several protocols.
Compact interface for many older and smaller vehicles, particularly in N and TT gauges. The installation direction must be observed.
A long-established interface in H0. It provides connections for the motor, track power and basic lighting.
Small modern interface for compact locomotives and multiple units. The precise version must be checked for sound applications.
Compact PluX version used particularly in TT models and vehicles with a limited range of functions.
Medium-sized PluX version for additional lighting and function connections on modern vehicle circuit boards.
Feature-rich PluX interface for H0 and larger vehicle models with numerous additional functions.
Interface frequently used in H0 vehicles with many function contacts. Manufacturer-specific output logic must be considered.
Intended for vehicles without a plug connection. Installation requires the track, motor, lighting and common return connections to be assigned correctly.
Do not order solely according to the locomotive class. The same locomotive can have different circuit boards depending on the production series.
Consider the length, width and height, including the plug, cables and loudspeaker.
The decoder’s permitted continuous current must be higher than the motor’s actual current consumption.
The command station and decoder require at least one common protocol, such as DCC, mfx, M4, Motorola or Selectrix.
Consider the headlights, tail lights, cab, engine room, digital coupling and smoke generator separately.
Check whether the decoder is blank or already contains a project for a particular locomotive.
The loudspeaker impedance, power rating, sound enclosure and available resonance space must be compatible with the decoder.
Initially test the motor and lighting at a low load before finally closing the vehicle and its body.
The product description and the vehicle instructions remain binding. Particularly with older or previously converted models, the actual equipment may differ from the original production series.
First check the interface, available installation space and motor current. Then compare the digital protocol, function outputs and, where applicable, the sound and loudspeaker requirements.
PluX22 describes a 22-pin electrical interface. It does not automatically identify the digital protocol used.
This is possible if the command station outputs DCC and the vehicle is mechanically and electrically compatible with the centre-conductor system.
A multi-protocol decoder understands several digital formats, such as DCC, Motorola and mfx or M4.
A LokPilot is primarily a drive decoder without integrated vehicle sound. LokSound decoders additionally include sound storage and a loudspeaker connection.
No. Some products include a loudspeaker and others do not. The supplied components, impedance and required sound enclosure must be checked.
The decoder provides the technical sound function but does not yet contain a suitable or finally selected vehicle sound project.
No. The two interfaces have different plug designs and pin assignments.
A function decoder is used for digitally switchable lighting or additional functions in coaches, control cars and vehicles without a motor that needs to be controlled.
Particularly small micro, nano, Next18 and six-pin decoders are commonly used in N gauge. The actual dimensions are more important than the general gauge designation.
Yes. If the motor or function current exceeds the permitted rating, the decoder can overheat or fail.
In addition to vehicle decoders, the finder includes decoders for turnouts, signals, servos and other digital layout functions.
The correct decoder must suit not only the gauge, but also the circuit board, motor, command station, required functions and available installation space.