AZL DCC Outlook

Perfect - thank you! That's all we were looking for the first time - a clear, straightforward answer. Some customers need to hear things directly like that - because once burned; I'm sure you know how it goes.

Once again, the OG post wasn't solely for you. It's for the entire community here (and still is) who use DCC - their thoughts, their opinions, and especially for those of us who have been using TCS since 2008; we need not mention CT. I think it's safe to say that nobody here has ever dealt with a decoder being supplied by 2 different manufacturers, hence the questions regarding who specifically handles warranty support. The original post is more about knowing of AZLs current relationship with TCS or vice-versa, from both sides. I can fully understand a delay from both TCS and Digitrax as they are not exclusive to 1:220 and have many other decoder, equipment, and software developments in other scales at entirely different levels. Only if AZL and ESU could...well, never mind.

Quite a few DCC users, some experienced and some new to this scale, are concerned that moving forward with only 1 decoder manufacturer of a screw-down/"drop-in" is a bad move. If that is the case and true, time will tell.

There is quite a difference between actually needing to have energy storage modules on a decoder in order for a locomotive to run properly versus it being a nice-to-have benefit, even in this scale; that's exactly why they are not necessary nor required components for operation, and are a luxury add-on at additional cost and time. Capacitors in short wheelbase locomotives, UP Big Boy, Challengers, and sound decoders, 100% go; all in. The SD40s are not short wheelbase and this obviously isn't a sound decoder. If anyone is having problems with their 6-axle SD40, SD45, SD70, ES44, etc. not running properly, it's not because they don't have an energy buffer module equipped on the factory pcb or decoder...it's because of quality control issues elsewhere and/or perhaps a generic can-motor instead of a Faulhaber or Maxon. In the meantime, for those who do fully understand energy saving modules and that they are redundant in numerous scenarios, don't need any further explanations at all.

And I can only add, what's been said has been said; that will speak for itself. Now, about that ZM05A... 

Here are my 2c

Comparing a Digigtrax DZ Series Decoder to a ZModel Decoder from Alex is more like comparing an old VW Beetle to a Modern Car...

Having installed 6 DZ126 and 3 ZModel Decoders here is my conclusion
Digitrax
" the Dinosaur of Z scale Decoders"
-General
Installation is easy, but no stay alive.. in Zscale this is crucial
You may get by on your Home Layout, as soon as you are on a club layout with not so perfect track and dirty spots hell breaks loose and trains run erratic because the decoder shuts down a short milisecond.
-Basic Programming
A Nightmare if you want to program 4 Digit Adresses and the manuals still look the sane as in 2004.. not very user friendly
- Load Regulation/ Motor CV's
On the Digitrax Decoders these are very basic and you really have to tinker with them to get the engine running as you like.
You cannot really do smooth creep speeds.I have to say that the Digitrax HO scale decoders ( DH123) were- even back in 2004 definitely better than their Z scale counterparts.

ZModel Decoder
-General
Installation is easy. The Stay alive helps over dirty spots, in general the D&D decoders ( even without stay aluve) are a bit more forgiving on dirty track since they seem to" reboot" faster after passing a dirty spot.
The stay alive on the decoder really is a game changer
- Basic Programming
Easy, manuals are better tio read and understand
- Load Regulation/ Motor CV's
Superb even with default settings..
I did not change any settings on the decoders
And yes I could use my SD40-2 as switchers if I wanted to.

So I sincerly hope Alex brings ( one day) a replacement board for the older AZL Geeps and SD45's.. since I'd rather spend some more € on a quality decoder than having to continue running my Geeps with the Digitrax Dinosaur Decoders..

BR Boris

Very glad to see the favorable feedback on these decoders. 

Jumping on the same train here, I do hope future replacement boards for the older power like the GP7/9 and SD45 are made. 🤞🏻

This was an interesting thread to read. I am VERY new to DCC and z scale for that matter.

Personally I'd like to see a cheap decoder for newbies like myself. 30-45 for a decoder when we don't know what we're doing and still learning is great.

Obv it's important to have the nicer decoders too. For the folks that are experienced and have the time and money to play with all the extra goodies, I say go for it.

I've been using the DZ123Z0 and I've been happy with it so far. The easy drop in option (screws would be fine too) and the price made a low barrier to entry for me.

My opinion on the matter is to keep stuff as opensourced as possible. If AZL is creating locos for DCC giving us consumers the ability to choose which decoder we want is important.

That's my 2 sats.