Digitising Model Railways – more driving fun, more functions, more realism
Bring your model railway to life – with modern digital technology
The digital decoder is the heart of every digital locomotive. It transforms simple models into realistic, individually controllable vehicles with lighting, sound and many additional functions.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced modeller – with the right decoder, you get the maximum out of your model railway.
Why use a digital decoder?
With a decoder, you can control every locomotive precisely and independently. This makes your model railway much more realistic, comfortable and versatile.
- Smooth acceleration and braking
- Precise direction control
- Realistic lighting functions
- Optionally with impressive sound
- Many additional functions via function keys
It does not get more realistic than this.
Decoder types at a glance
Drive decoders
Drive decoders provide reliable motor control and also enable important lighting functions.
Ideal for:
- Digital conversion without sound
- Upgrading analogue locomotives
- Precise driving control
Sound decoders
Sound decoders bring realistic locomotive sound to your layout. In combination with a suitable speaker, they create a particularly authentic operating experience.
Perfect for:
- Steam locomotives
- Diesel locomotives
- Electric locomotives
- Modellers with high expectations for realism
Function decoders
Function decoders are especially suitable for coaches, lighting and special applications.
Typical applications:
- Coach lighting
- Interior lighting
- Digital couplings
- Special lighting effects
Interfaces – quick and easy retrofitting
Modern locomotives often have standardised interfaces. This allows a suitable decoder to be installed particularly easily.
Common interfaces
- Next18
- NEM 651, 6-pin
- NEM 652, 8-pin
- PluX16
- PluX22
- 21MTC, NEM 660
With many models, it is simply: plug in the decoder and start running – without any soldering.
Mini decoders for maximum freedom
Even the smallest locomotives can be digitised today. Especially compact decoders such as the ESU LokPilot Micro make installation possible even where space is very limited.
Advantages of compact decoders
- Extremely small design
- Ideal for N scale and Z scale
- Full range of functions despite compact size
- Perfect for locomotives with limited installation space
Sound despite limited space? No problem!
If there is no room for a speaker inside the locomotive, there is a clever solution: the so-called ghost coach concept.
The ghost coach concept
- Decoder and sound module are installed in a coach or wagon
- The locomotive remains original and compact
- Full, realistic sound is still achieved
This makes it possible to create an impressive sound effect even with very small locomotives.
More than just locomotive control
With function decoders, not only the locomotive but the entire layout becomes digitally controllable and more exciting to operate.
Possible additional functions
- Switchable coach lighting
- Interior lighting in compartments
- Digital couplings
- Realistic lighting effects
This turns your trains into real eye-catchers on any model railway layout.
Modern technology inside the decoder
Today’s digital decoders offer far more than simple driving control. They are small high-tech components for precise control, feedback and individual programming.
Technical possibilities
- RailCom feedback
- High-precision motor control
- Multiprotocol support, for example DCC, Motorola and mfx
- Many function outputs depending on decoder type
- Servo and additional module control
This creates modern digital technology in miniature format.
Advantages at a glance
- Several locomotives can be controlled at the same time
- Realistic driving behaviour
- Individual locomotive settings via CVs
- Expandable with sound and additional functions
- Future-proof digital technology
Installation – easier than ever
Installing a digital decoder is especially easy with many modern locomotives. Models with an existing interface can often be converted directly.
Installation options
- Locomotive with interface: plug in the decoder
- Older locomotive: professional conversion possible
- Individual solutions depending on model and scale
In principle, almost every locomotive can be digitised – regardless of age.
Suitable for all scales
Whether G scale, H0, TT, N or Z – there is a suitable decoder for every locomotive. The important factors are size, interface, motor type and the desired functions.
Conclusion
A digital decoder is not just a simple accessory. It is the technical control centre of your locomotive and turns a classic model railway into a lively digital system.
Only with the right decoder do realistic driving functions, lighting control, sound and individual settings become possible.
Our service for you
Are you unsure which decoder fits your locomotive? We will gladly help you choose the right decoder and find the suitable digital conversion.
We support you with:
- Selecting the right decoder
- Digitising your locomotive
- Sound installation and complete conversions
- Individual solutions for every scale
Just get in touch – we will make your locomotive digital!
Your contact person for digitising and repairing model railways
For questions about digitising and repairing model railways, Max Zweigler will be happy to assist you as your personal contact.
Email: max.zweigler@korn.eu
Phone: 037348 270000
Availability
Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 08:30 – 15:30
Tuesday and Thursday: 08:30 – 18:00
1st and 3rd Saturday of the month: 08:00 – 13:00