Summary Recommendations

The SMD8 is a solid addition to the growing body of DCC accessory decoders. If you use solenoid switch machines, I strongly recommend the SMD8 as possibly the preferred accessory decoder for controlling your switches. If you are using either stall motor switch machines or solenoid switch machines in a complex yard or routing area, then the SMD8 is also an obvious choice, particularly with the ability to allow switch routing using fascia controls. While some DCC systems do have macro or switch routing capabilities, the SMD8 may find use even on these systems due to the ability to route switches directly from the fascia. Another potential benefit of the SMD8 is that the routes are stored locally in non-volatile memory. In some DCC systems, if the memory backup battery fails, you can loose all of your stored switch routes. The SMD8 prevents command station battery failure from erasing your switch routing.

The SMD2 is an excellent choice for either twin coil switch machines or stall motor switch machines. It is a particularly good choice if you have some of each and need to mix and match output by output.

The DS54 is a BEST CHOICE for layout automation.  If you want to set up a crossing gate tripped by a track detector or if you want to have your CTC signal system function automatically as the train enters a block, then the DS54 is the definite choice.  If you already have a Digitrax system, the feedback capabilities of the DS54 will work seamlessly with your controller display to indicate switch position when you select a switch.  The cascade capability will simplify setting up complex switch routes.  It will work well with a Peco style snap action dual coil switch machine. The DS54 will easily operate incandescent lamps and LED’s, but extra hardware is necessary to get adequate performance with a stall motor switch machine.

The LS100 is a BEST CHOICE for high current switch machines such as the Nick & Jack International switch machine.  If you are running G gauge with large switches and heavier duty switch motors, then the LS100 is probably your best choice.  It will also perform well with dual coil switch machines such as the Peco.  It is probably the poorest choice if your intention is to operate stall motor switch machines, since you not only need the LS100, but also four LA010 adapters for each LS100.  For crossing lights and signals, it is equivalent to the DS54.

The LS150 is a good choice for operating low to medium current twin coil switch machines or other motorized accessories (crossing gates, signal flags, etc.) that require a short to medium length AC or DC (with external diodes) pulse to operate. The LS150 is not a good choice if you use high current twin coil machines such as the Nick & Jack International switch machine. Units with a coil resistance of less than approximately 3 to 5 ohms may have difficulty operating with the LS150. It is not the best choice for operating Tortoise™ or other stall motor style switch machines since it requires external components to operate these units and does not provide a continuous output. If you have a mix of switch motors, the LS150 will certainly work with a couple of stall motor machines mixed with twin coil machines.

If your main application of a stationary decoder is to operate stall motor switch machines, the Switch-It is a BEST CHOICE for this application.  It is easy to install, works well, and is the least expensive per switch point.  It is functionally and programming compatible with all DCC systems that allow accessory control.

For low current switch machines, the Snap-It is a good choice. It operates the machines well, is easy to install and operate, and provides a very simple programming interface. The Snap-It may not be the best choice if you use high current switch machines such as the NJI twin coil machine. The required additional parts make the Snap-It less easy and more expensive to install. Other accessory decoders are more efficient at operating these high current switch machines (see Tony’s other accessory decoder reviews). If you like the Snap-It features and only have a couple of high current switch machines, then a couple of extra parts will have you up and running.

The Switch-Kat is a limited operation stationary decoder. However, it performs its intended function very well. If you need to interface a Kato or LGB switch to your DCC system, then the Switch-Kat is an excellent choice.

The SM-104 is a BEST CHOICE for driving auxiliary motors such as found in accessories or turntables.  This is the only unit that was able to operate my accessory motor, and it was able to operate it with authority.  It is a next best choice for stall motor switch machines.  It operates well with these units without external components and provides the convenience of four outputs in one location.  It is, however, more expensive per output than the Switch-It and must be moved to the programming track to change the decoder address. If you are using dual coil switch machines such as the Peco, the SM-104 will work well with them.