No-Nonsense advice and the best in tools and equipment from modelling experts

Showrooms & Office:

 3/13 Lionel St. Naval Base

WA 6165 AUSTRALIA

Phone   +61 8 9437 2470

Fax        +61 8 9437 2471

sales@DCCconcepts.com

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Text Box: There are many kinds of locomotive decoders on offer….
Train-set decoder brands at cheap prices, decoders of this shape and that, with and without harness… and of course those decoders with claim to more specifications than you can shake a stick at... at nearly half the price of a loco!
It’s not long before most modellers who adopt DCC realise that price isn’t value, cheap doesn’t deliver reliability and that being expensive and full of features they probably can’t use doesn’t make a decoder any better for them either.
In the end its all about enjoying the hobby and so most of all its being happy with the performance and being comfortable with your choice that matters - and that means reliability and good running without worry and stress, first time.
So what is different about our DCCconcepts decoders?
As with all of our products, the starting point was “make something that WE are happy to use and we can be sure that others will be happy to use them too”
To us, the thing that has always made a decoder special isn’t extreme spec’s or low price, but that we can guarantee it will be easy to install, have all of the important abilities and features that we DO need… and most importantly, it needs to be a decoder that will make our loco’s perform well without any need for complex adjustment or the need to decipher a manual that might as well, to many of us, be written in Latin! 
So that was what we set out to create - A simple to install, easy to understand, reliable and full feature decoder that will always deliver excellent performance at a price that represents great value.
There was ONE thing more that we wanted: Our decoder designs already had extremely good slow running on DC and DCC but being fussy, we wanted a little more: 
Small low cost 3 pole motors, even from the better brands can start to show signs of “cogging” at ultra slow speeds... So we wanted to get rid of that. We also wanted our customers to have easy access to a way to reduce stalling over insulated frogs and minor track dirt area  with smaller, lighter locos as well as those with imperfect pickups.
As a result, we’ve created a small, easy to install add-on device called “Stay Alive”. Loco’s with Stay alive installed tend to run smoother at slow speeds and while we don’t guarantee a totally “stall free” result, its certainly reduced significantly for all but the worst performing locomotives.

Text Box: Want to learn more about our decoders? If so, click here.....
If not, and you’re ready to see prices or perhaps buy, click these links:
* Click here to buy D Series DCCconcepts Loco Decoders 
* Click here to buy S Series DCCconcepts Loco Decoders 
* Click here to buy TS Series DCCconcepts Loco Decoders 
* Click here to buy M Series DCCconcepts Loco Decoders 
* Click here to buy Direct Plug Type DCCconcepts Loco Decoders 
* Click here to buy F4 Function only DCCconcepts Decoders 
* Click here to buy DCCconcepts “Stay-Alive” 
* Click here to buy Harnesses for DCCconcepts Decoders 
If you are looking for downloadable instructions, click this link:
* Click here for a PDF instruction set for DCCconcepts decoders
But before you do....
We also have a new, totally new and unique approach to instructions... 
We guarantee that by using them, you will quickly become confident with adjusting decoder CV’s and be able to get the best from DCCconcepts decoders, ensuring the best possible performance form your locomotives. 
We have also created a really useful set of “locomotive setup record cards” that you can buy - or you can also get hold of them for free if you are a DCCconcepts decoder user! Why not take a look and find out how!
* Click here to learn about our unique “Instruction card” packs
* Click here to learn about our “Loco CV setting record” packs

Text Box: About The DCCconcepts decoder range…
There are several DCCconcepts Decoder types available, with more coming soon. 
All of our decoders are fully adjustable and Back-EMF equipped for excellent slow running. Functions are able to be re-mapped & each of them can be set to reproduce over a dozen prototype lighting effects, including Mars, Ditch and Firebox flicker.
We offer a choice of 2 or 4 function and in the case of our S Series (small) decoder, two different harness styles & wiring choices. 
All decoder types are also available in both 5-packs and single packs ...and also come packed with or without something quite unique… The DCCconcepts “stay alive”, which is a small but clever device that really helps to smooth out smooth slow running AND also reduces stalling in small locomotives or on less than perfectly clean track!
ALL DCCconcepts Decoders have the following features.
Total support of all NMRA/NEM specifications
Direct easy connection to exclusive Stay-Alive device.
Super smooth high frequency silent drive motor control.
Switchable DC running  
2 or 4 digit addressing and 14, 28 or 128 speed steps.
2 or 4 active functions each safe to 150mA 
Support for all common programming & consist modes.
Back EMF with step-variable or Fn button control.
Fully adjustable motor control and function actions.
Easily locked once adjustment or set-up is complete.
All special lighting effects available including Mars, Strobe, 
          Alternating Ditch lights and Flickering Firebox.
All functions able to be re-allocated (remapped) as required.
Heat-shrink insulated for short-free installation.
Economical enough to use as Lighting decoders.
* The D Series decoders:
Conventional in size, with high power handling for heavy work, the D series decoder has a removable harnesses fitted with a 9 pin JST plug at the decoder end and a NMRA standard 8 pin plug at the other. All D series decoder are fitted with two extra colour-coded wires for connection of the DCCconcepts “stay-Alive” device.
The D series is available in either 2 or 4 function and can be supplied singly or in 5 packs. With their high power handling they are ideal for small O scale loco’s as well as On30, HO and OO. 
* The S Series decoders:
Compact in size, but as tough as they come… This decoder is really hard to kill!
The S series also has a removable harness, this time fitted with a 7 pin JST plug at the decoder end and a NMRA standard 8 pin plug at the other. All S series decoders are fitted with two extra colour-coded wires for connection of the “stay-Alive”.
The S series is available in either 2 or 4 function and can be supplied singly or in packs of 5. They are compact enough to fit even tiny but have generous power handling and work reliably with all but the most current hungry loco’s in On30, HO, OO, TT and fit many N scale loco’s too.
* The TS Series decoders:
Made to be slim to fit thin, tight spaces, the TS series has its harness directly soldered to the decoder PCB, removing the need for a connector and slimming it down significantly. It only sounds like a little difference... But in reality, its a huge difference that makes the TS series decoders installable in super-tight places including many, many more N scale locomotives! 
The locomotive end of the harness is an NMRA standard 8 pin plug, easily removed for hard-wiring. All of our TS series decoders are of course fitted with two extra colour-coded wires for connecting the DCCconcepts “Stay-Alive” device.
TS series decoders are available in either 2 or 4 function and can be supplied individually or in economical 5-packs, with or without Stay-Alive.
With the same generous high power handling as the S Series, TS Decoders will also work reliably with all but the most current hungry loco’s in On30, HO, OO, TT ... And of course it will easily fit into many N scale locomotives.
* The M series decoder:
M series sits right between D and S in size, bringing very nearly full D series power to a smaller decoder. It’s a delight to wire too, with its exclusive onboard connector that for the first time allows ALL of the wires of a smaller sized 4fn decoder to be included into the connector and harness… A great new “standard” for those with large fleets that want a hassle free installation and good power handling to go with it.
M series decoders will be available in 2 and 4 function, with and without stay alive and in singles or 5 packs to suit your needs. A great “Standard decoder? For HO/OO fleets!
* The DP series direct plug (well almost) wireless decoders:
Coming soon. (Target late June)...These will be slim, sized decoders with a full set of 8 pins mounted directly to the decoder PCB for dead easy installation so they won’t take much more space than the 8 pin socket they will be fitted to! 
They won’t be totally wireless though... We’ll make sure they also have direct connection for our “stay alive” available... and as the 8 pin configuration allows only 3 functions, and correct diesel or DMU wiring often needs 4, we will add a single wiring point for that important 4th function that some locomotives need and many of our modelling friends want in a decoder like this!
* The DCCconcepts CL Series “Function only” decoder:
Coming soon.. (Target late June)...Function only decoders are useful but they can also lead to tearing out of hair and gnashing of teeth when you try to program them, as almost inevitably they cannot be read on the programming track. 
Because you will very often want to re-allocate function actions to a different button to compliment a loco decoder on the same number and also lock the decoder after programming, that means flying blind with most brands!
Not with our CL series though! We guarantee reliable readability and easy to understand setup. 
CL function-only decoders will be 4 function and they will be available in 1 and 5-packs.
* The DCCconcepts “Stay-Alive”:
Stay-Alive is a small device that attaches to your decoder to greatly improve the smoothness of slow running and greatly reduce stalling and hesitation on dirty track. Because of its small size you can easily install it in all HO & OO scale locomotives.
Connection requires no special skills. We’ve added 2 wires for Stay-alive connection on each decoder. These exit the decoder at the end opposite the harness & match the Stay-alive wires.
You can if you wish use TWO Stay-alive in parallel to increase anti-stall abilities  However as doing so will reduce the effective value of onboard current limiting resistors you MAY find that with 2 in place your DCC system may sense the added load and refuse to read CV values. If this happens simply set the decoder up before permanently attaching Stay-Alive or use “Program on the main” without reading CVs. 
Note: DCCconcepts Stay-Alive can be fitted to other decoder brands but it will require soldering directly to their PCB. Connection point is the rectifier output of the decoder. 
If you attempt to fit a Stay-Alive” to other decoder brands be careful ... Decoders use tiny parts sensitive to static and heat and you’ll need the correct soldering Iron & tip, no-clean flux and high quality solder. Please don’t attempt it unless you have the tools & soldering skills required.
* Decoder Dimensions - How big or small are they?
D Series Standard Decoders: D2SA and D4SA
* 25.25mm x 16.6mm x 5.3mm (0.95” x 0.65” x 0.2”)
* 90mm removable JST Harness with 8P NMRA plug.
S Series Small Decoders: S2/S4SA & TS2/TS4SA
* S2/S4 = 18.5mm x 10.5mm x 4.8mm (0.73” x 0.42” x 0.18” )
* TS2/4 = 18.5mm x 10.5mm x 4.1mm (0.73” x 0.42” x 0.148” )
* 90mm Mini-harness with UK 8P NMRA plug.
M Series Medium Decoders: M2SA and M4SA
* M2/M4 = 20mm x 12.4mm x 5.3mm (0.785” x 0.49” x 0.2” )
* 90mm Mini-harness with micro 11pin JST and UK 8P NMRA plug.
Part numbering - What do the part numbers mean?
We set out to make it simple, with 4 function decoders in BLUE and 2 function in RED heat-shrink, however our choice to make each available with and without stay-alive AND offer both 1 and 5 packs complicated it a little.. So we’ve added this explanation to clarify the details for you:
Here is a simple explanation: 

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BUYING DCCconcepts Decoders
Look carefully at the decoder pricing and you will see….
There are valuable savings just by buying in a 5-pack
Buying packs complete with Stay-Alive makes your Stay-Alive incredibly low cost compared to buying them separately!
Don’t forget - Buy 6 decoders and you can gain even more by choosing to receive either our “Instruction card pack” or “Loco CV records cards pack” absolutely free of charge! 
 D Series Decoders

  
   
 
 
 
 

 

* Click here for a PDF instruction set for DCCconcepts decoders


 
 
 
 
 
 

 

* Click here for a PDF instruction set for DCCconcepts decoders


S Series Decoders


 
 
 
 
 

 

* Click here for a PDF instruction set for DCCconcepts decoders



 
 
 
 
 

 

* Click here for a PDF instruction set for DCCconcepts decoders


TS Series Decoders



 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 

 

 
* Click here for a PDF instruction set for DCCconcepts decoders


M Series Decoders


 
 
 
  
 
   
 
  
 

         
 
 
 
  
* Click here for a PDF instruction set for DCCconcepts decoders


Plug and Play Series Decoders




 






CV Readable Function Decoder

  

 
  
 

* Click here for a PDF instruction set for DCCconcepts decoders


DCCconcepts “Stay-Alive”

 
 
 
  * Click here for a PDF instruction set for DCCconcepts decoders


 

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