Comparing 21 Pin Decoder Performance | Bachmann vs LaisDCC

Originally this was meant to be a short video showing the fitting of a Bachmann 21 Pin Decoder (36-557) into a Bachmann 3F locomotive (31-627B). I'd never used 21 pin decoders before so wanted to record my experience. However, after installing the Bachmann decoder, the model didn't run well, much worse than on analogue. I couldn't get smooth slow speed running, there was very little acceleration and the speed was inconsistent.

I tried everything possible to improve the performance with the Bachmann decoder including a full reset and adjusting the configuration variable (CV) settings. I managed to get smoother running, but still very poor slow speed motion.

In the end I gave up with the Bachmann decoder and ordered a LaisDCC version which gave great performance straight out of the pack.

This doesn't necessarily mean that all Bachmann 21 pin decoders are rubbish and that all Lais DCC decoders are amazing, because I've had same issue, but the other way round with my Bachmann Webb Coal Tank and the Next 18 decoder.

What this does show is how bad performance can be affected when a decoder isn't right for a particular model.

Links to decoders below:
LaisDCC - https://ebay.us/YO5zo3
Bachmann 36-557 - https://railsofsheffield.com/products...

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
02:06 Equipment
02:34 Analogue Performance
03:04 About the Decoder
05:27 Fitting the Bachmann 21 Pin Decoder
09:29 Bachmann Decoder Performance with the Hornby Select
10:24 Bachmann Decoder Performance with DCC++ and JMRI
11:11 Fitting and Testing the LaisDCC 21 Pin Decoder
12:19 Conclusions