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Last updated on: 23 Feb 2010
Digital Command Control Systems, Decoders and Supplies
Many of you are contemplating the purchase of your first Digital Command Control (DCC) System. All of the advertising from the various manufacturers promises you the ability to operate 100 trains, simplify wiring, add sound, get better performance, etc., etc. It's pretty seductive. It would seem that we have reached Nirvana.
But there are questions: What will it cost? Can I get ready-to-run DCC locos? What do I do with my old locos? Who makes the most reliable equipment? Can I run locos from a variety of manufacturers with different decoders? Who make the easiest to use equipment?
I had all these questions myself and I took my good sweet time before I decided to invest my precious funds to stock a particular brand of DCC in the store. I wanted two things. First an entry-level system that was affordable and easy to use. Second I wanted a top of the line system that had full functionality that was affordable and rock solid reliable. I found them both. Best of all they were designed by the same person!
For the entry-level system I recommend the Bachmann E-Z Command. Really inexpensive, and simpler to use than any other system I have ever seen.
For the top-of-the-line I recommend the Lenz line of Digital-Plus equipment. It is the only system that meets all of the NMRA standards. Second it is rock solid reliable. Third, Bern Lenz invented DCC and he keeps one step ahead of the technology.
 For the Beginner Bachmann E-Z Command.
Specs:
- Runs up to ten DCC equipped locos.
- Will run one conventional (analog) loco
- One button mainline programming
- Plug in wiring
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Plug-and-Play Sets
| Stock Number |
Description |
List Price
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Our Price
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36505
| E-Z COMMAND DYNAMIS WIRELESS INFRARED DCC SYSTEM
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$325.00
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$191.80
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36507
| E-Z COMMAND DYNAMIS HANDSET
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$155.00
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$91.50
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36508
| E-Z COMMAND DYNAMIS PRO BOX
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$470.00
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$277.30
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36509
| E-Z COMMAND DYNAMIS WIRELESS IR RECEIVER
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$47.00
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$27.70
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44130
| E-Z COMMAND DCC TURNOUT LEFT
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$42.00
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$24.80
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44131
| E-Z COMMAND DCC TURNOUT RIGHT
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$42.00
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$24.80
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44132
| E-Z COMMAND DCC #5 TURNOUT LEFT
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$52.00
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$30.70
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44133
| E-Z COMMAND DCC #5 TURNOUT RIGHT
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$52.00
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$30.70
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44134
| E-Z COMMAND DCC #5 WYE TURNOUT
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$52.00
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$30.70
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44135
| E-Z COMMAND DCC #6 TURNOUT LEFT
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$63.00
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$37.20
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44136
| E-Z COMMAND DCC #6 TURNOUT RIGHT
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$63.00
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$37.20
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44137
| E-Z COMMAND DCC #6 SINGLE CROSSOVER TURNOUT - LEFT (1/box)
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$73.00
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$43.10
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44138
| E-Z COMMAND DCC #6 SINGLE CROSSOVER TURNOUT - RIGHT (1/box)
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$73.00
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$43.10
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44139
| E-Z COMMAND DCC #4 TURNOUT LEFT NEW EXPECTED JULY 2010 EXPECTED JULY 2010
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$50.00
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$29.50
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44140
| E-Z COMMAND DCC #4 TURNOUT RIGHT NEW EXPECTED JULY 2010 EXPECTED JULY 2010
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$50.00
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$29.50
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44902
| E-Z COMMAND DCC CONTROLLER
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$133.00
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$78.50
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44904
| E-Z COMMAND DCC CONTROLLER PLUS DCC EQUIPPED HO LOCO - Includes: GP40 Diesel Loco - Santa Fe (yellow & blue)
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$199.00
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$117.40
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44905
| E-Z COMMAND DCC CONTROLLER PLUS DCC EQUIPPED HO LOCO - Includes: GP40 Diesel Loco - Chessie
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$199.00
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$117.40
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44906
| E-Z COMMAND DCC CONTROLLER PLUS DCC EQUIPPED HO LOCO - Includes: GP50 Diesel Loco - Norfolk Southern
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$199.00
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$117.40
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44907
| E-Z COMMAND DCC WALK-AROUND COMPANION - Includes: Connector Wires (boxed)
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$120.00
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$70.80
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44908
| E-Z COMMAND DCC WALK-AROUND COMPANION CONNECTOR PANEL - Includes: 8ft Connector Wire (1/card)
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$42.00
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$24.80
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44910
| E-Z COMMAND DCC 5 AMP POWER BOOSTER
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$305.00
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$180.00
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44912
| E-Z COMMAND DCC AUTOMATIC REVERSE LOOP MODULE (1/card)
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$76.00
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$44.80
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44913
| 16mm x 5mm E-Z COMMAND DCC DECODER W/WIRE HARNESS (Programming on the Main, Lights, Dimming) 1/card
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$31.50
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$18.60
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44914
| 16mm x 5mm E-Z COMMAND DCC DECODER W/WIRE HARNESS (Programming on the Main, Lights, Dimming) 3/card
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$92.00
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$54.30
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44915
| 16mm x 5mm E-Z COMMAND DCC DECODER W/NMRA 8 PIN PLUG (Programming on the Main, Lights, Dimming) 1/card
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$35.00
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$20.70
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44916
| 16mm x 5mm E-Z COMMAND DCC DECODER W/NMRA 8 PIN PLUG (Programming on the Main, Lights, Dimming) 3/card
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$99.00
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$58.40
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44917
| E-Z COMMAND DCC CONTROLLER PLUS DCC EQUIPPED HO LOCO - Includes: GP40 Diesel Loco - Western Maryland
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$199.00
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$117.40
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44918
| E-Z COMMAND DCC CONTROLLER PLUS DCC EQUIPPED HO LOCO - Includes: GP40 Diesel Loco - Conrail
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$199.00
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$117.40
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44922
| E-Z COMMAND DCC CONTROLLER PLUS DCC EQUIPPED HO LOCO - Includes: GP40 Diesel Loco - D&RGW
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$199.00
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$117.40
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44925
| 9.5MM X 5MM E-Z COMMAND DCC DECODER W/WIRE HARNESS (Programming on the Main, Lights, Dimming) 1/card NEW EXPECTED AUG 2010
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$36.00
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$21.20
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44926
| 9.5mm x 5mm E-Z COMMAND DCC DECODER W/NMRA 8 PIN PLUG (Programming on the Main, Lights, Dimming) 1/card NEW EXPECTED AUG 2010
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$40.00
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$23.60
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DCC Equipped Ready-to-Run Locos
| Stock Number |
Description |
List Price
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Our Price
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60102
| FT-A UNIT – SANTA FE (silver & red) HO FT-A & FT-B UNIT LOCOMOTIVES – DCC ON BOARD, 8-Wheel Drive, E-Z Mate® Couplers
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$72.00
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$42.50
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60116
| FT-A UNIT – CB & Q HO FT-A & FT-B UNIT LOCOMOTIVES – DCC ON BOARD, 8-Wheel Drive, E-Z Mate® Couplers
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$72.00
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$42.50
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60117
| FT-A UNIT – DENVER & RIO GRANDE WESTERN™ HO FT-A & FT-B UNIT LOCOMOTIVES – DCC ON BOARD, 8-Wheel Drive, E-Z Mate® Couplers
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$72.00
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$42.50
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60120
| FT-A UNIT – NEW YORK CENTRAL® HO FT-A & FT-B UNIT LOCOMOTIVES – DCC ON BOARD, 8-Wheel Drive, E-Z Mate® Couplers
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$72.00
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$42.50
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60135
| FT-A UNIT – ERIE HO FT-A & FT-B UNIT LOCOMOTIVES – DCC ON BOARD, 8-Wheel Drive, E-Z Mate® Couplers
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$72.00
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$42.50
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60139
| FT-A UNIT – SANTA FE (blue & yellow) HO FT-A & FT-B UNIT LOCOMOTIVES – DCC ON BOARD, 8-Wheel Drive, E-Z Mate® Couplers
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$72.00
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$42.50
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60147
| FT-A UNIT – SEABOARD® HO FT-A & FT-B UNIT LOCOMOTIVES – DCC ON BOARD, 8-Wheel Drive, E-Z Mate® Couplers
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$72.00
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$42.50
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60202
| FT-B UNIT – SANTA FE (silver & red) HO FT-A & FT-B UNIT LOCOMOTIVES – DCC ON BOARD, 8-Wheel Drive, E-Z Mate® Couplers EXPECTED AUG 2010
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$72.00
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$42.50
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60212
| FT-B UNIT – BALTIMORE & OHIO® HO FT-A & FT-B UNIT LOCOMOTIVES – DCC ON BOARD, 8-Wheel Drive, E-Z Mate® Couplers
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$72.00
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$42.50
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60216
| FT-B UNIT – CB & Q HO FT-A & FT-B UNIT LOCOMOTIVES – DCC ON BOARD, 8-Wheel Drive, E-Z Mate® Couplers
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$72.00
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$42.50
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60217
| FT-B UNIT – DENVER & RIO GRANDE WESTERN™ HO FT-A & FT-B UNIT LOCOMOTIVES – DCC ON BOARD, 8-Wheel Drive, E-Z Mate® Couplers
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$72.00
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$42.50
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60220
| FT-B UNIT – NEW YORK CENTRAL® HO FT-A & FT-B UNIT LOCOMOTIVES – DCC ON BOARD, 8-Wheel Drive, E-Z Mate® Couplers
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$72.00
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$42.50
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60235
| FT-B UNIT – ERIE HO FT-A & FT-B UNIT LOCOMOTIVES – DCC ON BOARD, 8-Wheel Drive, E-Z Mate® Couplers
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$72.00
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$42.50
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60239
| FT-B UNIT – SANTA FE (blue & yellow) HO FT-A & FT-B UNIT LOCOMOTIVES – DCC ON BOARD, 8-Wheel Drive, E-Z Mate® Couplers
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$72.00
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$42.50
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60247
| FT-B UNIT – SEABOARD® HO FT-A & FT-B UNIT LOCOMOTIVES – DCC ON BOARD, 8-Wheel Drive, E-Z Mate® Couplers
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$72.00
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$42.50
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 MRC Prodigy DCC Systems
Model Rectifier DCC Comes of Age
DCC has entered the age where it is no longer a tinkerer’s system, but one
that can easily be used without requiring knowledge of CV’s and other
esoteric control functions. Today’s systems are user friendly and robust. One
of the leaders in this movement to friendlier systems is MRC.
MRC offers three DCC systems that can accommodated the needs, and budget
of the beginner as well as the sophisticated operator (for detail features and capabilities click here). The Prodigy Express
is a sophisticated throttle that will fill the needs of all but the most
advanced operator. The Prodigy Advance2 and the Prodigy Wireless offer the
highest level of functionality.
MRC has developed a hand control that is intuitive and user friendly.
Want to change speed steps? It’s a one-button function. Want to change loco
address? Press loco, enter four-digit address and press enter. You are
now controlling a different engine. I’ve always liked running a train
with a knob throttle with a positive zero position. It just seems more
comfortable to me. MRC has it. This is the most user-friendly hand controller I’
ve ever used.
| Stock Number |
Description |
List Price
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Our Price
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6731408
| Prodigy Express DCC Controller
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$194.98
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$154.95
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6731410
| Prodigy Wireless DCC Controller
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$599.98
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$499.95
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6731414
| Prodigy Advance 2 DCC Controller
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$389.98
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$285.00
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 For the Full Featured System- Lenz Digital-Plus
Recommendations
If you are setting up your first DCC system you have some choices. Here are a couple of scenarios:
You have:
| Stock Number |
Description |
List Price
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Our Price
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215002
| Recommended for a steam oriented medium size layout (up to 20ft. by 30ft.), with walkaround control and 2-3 operators.
Includes: one Set 90 Command/power station w/LH90 Knob based Engineers Throttle,
LA152 XpressNet Panel Connector (3 units), plus
2 additional LH90 Knob based Engineers Throttle units.
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$558.75
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$439.50
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215003
| Recommended system for a diesel oriented medium size layout (up to 20ft. by 30ft.) , with walkaround control and 2-3 operators.
Includes: one Set -100 Command/power station w/LH100 Keypad based Engineers Throttle, LA152 XpressNet Panel Connector pack (3 units), and 2 additional LH90 Knob based Engineers Throttle (2 units).
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$618.70
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$489.50
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Why the difference? If you run diesels you will probably want to create lash-ups and it is easier to program with the keypad throttle controller.
If you want to get fancy you can add the phone adapter, which allows you to use a cheap 900 MHz or 2.4Ghz portable phone as a wireless throttle. We bough a couple of closeout 900 MHz phones for $12.95 ea. Total price for a walkaround throttle was less than $56.00! A lot cheaper than the competition!
If you are a crazed diesel buff that enjoys custom programming your roster of diesels so that they all run exactly alike you will probably want to do it on a computer and you will need the LI101F computer interface. (and the free JMRI software)
Decoders
Lenz also makes some of the best decoders on the market. They feature excellent noise immunity, superior motor control, small size, rock solid reliability and excellent installation instructions. We recommend the following:
| Stock Number |
Description |
List Price
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Our Price
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215200110
| LE0511 .5 Amp decoder w/ wiring harness. An excellent TINY decoder for railcars, etc.
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$28.95
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$22.95
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215201014
| LE1014MP 1 Amp decoder w/NMRA plug. This is the decoder for all Bachmann HO locos.
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$22.95
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$16.95
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215201114
| LE1014-JST 1 Amp Decoder w/in-line connector. Good for tight installations where you want a connector.
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$19.95
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$14.95
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215201117
| LE1024W Ultra thin 4 function back EMF decoder with wire harness
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$32.95
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$25.75
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215201118
| LE1024MP Ultra thin 4 function back EMF decode with NMRA plug. Great for Bachmann geared locos!
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$32.95
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$25.75
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215201119
| LE1025-JST-WH 1 Amp back EMF w/special lighting effects, JST connector and 200mm wire harness
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$36.95
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$28.75
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215201120
| LE1025-JST-MP 1 Amp back EMF w/special lighting effects, 88mm wire harness and NMRA plug
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$36.95
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$28.75
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215201122
| LE1025-JST 1 Amp back EMF w/special lighting effects With JST connector NO HARNESS
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$31.95
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$24.75
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215201123
| LE1000 1 Amp 1 function ECONOMY decoder With wire harness (speed, direction, light)
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$15.95
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$11.50
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215201127
| LE1025 – LP 1 Amp back EMF w/special lighting effects With 200mm wire harness and NMRA plug
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$36.95
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$28.95
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215201128
| LE1835W 1.8 Amp 4 function,silent back emf decoder With wire harness and SUSI sound interface
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$37.95
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$30.95
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215201129
| Gold JST 1 Amp advanced decoder w/back EMF, 4 Function output, USP capable, JST connector
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$39.95
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$29.95
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215201130
| Gold JST WH 1 Amp advanced decoder w/back EMF, 4 Function output, USP capable, JST connector with wire harness
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$39.95
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$32.95
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215201131
| Gold JST MP 1 Amp advanced decoder w/back EMF, 4 Function output, USP capable, JST connector with wire harness and NMRA medium plug
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$44.95
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$37.50
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215201132
| NEW! Gold Mini-W .5 amp miniature decoder with wire harness. (.43" x .35" x .11") - 2 function output. This is a top-of-the-line miniature decoder with excellent operation on dirty track. Ideal for N scale or other small locos.
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$54.95
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$42.95
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215201133
| LS100 Stationary Decoder 4 accessories w/feedback
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$99.95
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$79.95
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215201134
| LS150 Stationary Decoder 6 accessories w/o feedback
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$59.95
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$47.95
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TCS Decoders
TCS DCC Decoders Specializing in high performance circuit board replacement, and ultra-small decoders.
Go to www.tcsdcc.com for photos and detailed specs for the full line of TCS decoders and products. If we do not have it, we will order it and sell it to you at a discounted price.
| Stock Number |
Description |
List Price
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Our Price
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216001
| TCS 1 Amp two function decoder w/9 pin plug (T1)
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$21.99
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$16.50
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216002
| TCS 1 Amp two function very small!
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$31.45
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$23.60
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216003
| TCS 1 Amp Plug-and-Play 8 pin decoder
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$24.95
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$18.75
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216004
| TCS 1.3Amp drop in for Atlas, Athearn & Kato
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$27.95
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$20.95
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216005
| TCS 1.3Amp drop in for Atlas, Athearn & Kato
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$32.95
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$24.70
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216006
| TCS 1 Amp mini for HO or N w/7 pin
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$26.95
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$20.25
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216007
| TCS 1 Amp drop-in for N Scale Atlas diesels
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$36.95
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$27.25
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216008
| TCS 1 Amp 4 function drop-in for Atlas N diesels
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$36.95
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$27.25
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216009
| TCS 1.3Amp split for older N scale diesels
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$38.95
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$29.20
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216010
| TCS 1 Amp split for older Atlas N diesels
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$34.95
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$26.25
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216011
| TCS 1.25in NMRA to 9 pin JST harness
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$6.00
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$4.50
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216012
| TCS 3.625 in NMRA to 9 pin JST harness
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$6.00
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$4.50
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216013
| TCS 1.25 in NMRA to 7 pin JST harness
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$6.00
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$4.50
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216014
| TCS 3.625 in NMRA to 7 pin JST harness
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$6.00
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$4.50
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Other Accessories
| Stock Number |
Description |
List Price
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Our Price
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215202000
| Set-90 Command/power station w/LH90 Knob based Engineer s Throttle
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$299.95
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$239.95
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215202010
| Set-100 Command/power station w/LH100 Keypad based Engineer s Throttle
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$399.95
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$319.95
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215202020
| LI101F Computer Interface with Shareware from the Internet (JMRI) you can program your decodrs on screen.
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$99.95
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$74.95
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215202030
| LA152 XpressNet Panel Connector for walkaround controls, comes with 2 jacks for hand controllers and RJ11 connector
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$28.50
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$24.95
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215202040
| XpressNet Phone Adapter
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$54.95
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$42.95
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215202045
| LY011-5 Five Pack of JST Connectors with wiring harness. Great for tight installations.
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$14.00
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$10.95
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215202050
| LY011-5 Five pack of JST in-line connectors with harness. Great for tight installations.
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$14.00
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$10.95
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215202055
| FCI AC 16V 5 Amp Power Supply. An excellent 'brick' power supply
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$33.95
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$29.95
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215202060
| LH 100 Full Function Hand Controller
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$240.00
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$179.95
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215202065
| LH90 Knob Type Hand Controller
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$120.00
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$89.95
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215202070
| LI101F–USB Computer Interface USB port with Shareware from the Internet (JMRI) you
can program your decoders on screen.
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$179.95
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$144.05
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215202075
| LY011-5 Five pack of JST w/in-line connectors with 200mm harness. Great for tight installations
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$12.00
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$9.95
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215202080
| LY012-5 Five pack of JST w/in-line connectors with 88mm harness and NMRA plug.
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$25.00
|
$19.95
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