Choosing a DCC decoder: NEM 651, 652, 21MTC, PluX22 and Next18
Choosing a DCC decoder starts with the locomotive, not with a decoder part number. Identify the fitted interface, check the space available, then decide whether you need motor control only, sound or lighting functions. This guide connects each case with compatible products currently listed in the catalogue.
Identify the interface before buying
Open the locomotive and identify the socket shown on its circuit board or in the manual. Interfaces are not interchangeable without an adapter: NEM 651 has 6 pins, NEM 652 has 8, NEM 660 has 21 pins, NEM 658 refers to PluX22 and NEM 662 refers to Next18.
- NEM 652, 8-pin: the ESU 59020 LokPilot Basic is a DCC decoder with an 8-pin connector.
- NEM 651, 6-pin: the ESU 59626 LokPilot V5 is supplied with wires; the ESU 59827 LokPilot V5 Micro is a direct-plug version.
- NEM 660, 21-pin: the ESU 59029 LokPilot Basic and ESU 59629 LokPilot V5 match this interface.
- PluX22: the ESU 59622 LokPilot V5 DCC is specified for NEM 658 / PluX22.
- Next18: the ESU 59828 LokPilot V5 Micro is specified for Next18 / NEM 662.
Motor, sound or function decoder?
A LokPilot addresses the driving and function requirements of a locomotive. If sound is required, select a LokSound that matches both the locomotive and its interface exactly. For example, the ESU 95468 is a 21-pin LokSound V5 for the BB 75000. Do not replace a motor decoder with a sound decoder without checking the required space, speaker and intended model.
Function decoders are intended for lighting and accessories. They are not selected like motor decoders: start from the circuit you need to control.
When the locomotive has no socket
A locomotive without an interface needs a hard-wired installation. The ESU 51951 NEM 651 socket can be used to create a 6-pin interface. The ESU 51967 adapter concerns the 21-pin MTC / NEM 660 interface. These jobs require correct wire identification and insulation; when in doubt, have the installation carried out by an experienced modeller.
Check before closing the body
The ESU 53900 decoder tester helps test a decoder outside the locomotive. The ESU 53451 LokProgrammer is intended for decoder programming. They meet two separate needs: test the hardware on one side, program it on the other.
Before ordering, follow this sequence: interface, available space, motor/sound/function requirement, then testing and programming. It prevents the most expensive mistake: an excellent decoder in the wrong format.