CiteerShould I invest in a decoder tester?
A decoder tester (semi regardless of make or version) has a major advantage. You can test a decoder directly after buying , without the tedious conversion, or to counter those T&C which limit the guarantee of decoders after you have put them in an engine.
Secondly if you have doubts on a decoder, putting the decoder on a simple 'engine' like the decoder tester, shows trouble with it really fast.
So can you do without? Sure, but it can serve its purpose.
The 60760 uses decoders of different types of the course of the years. The result is that one batch seems to work perfect, and the next is 'less satisfactory'.
There might still be some guarantee, but you will need the support of your local supplier.
The lokpilots do also have their quirks, but I have grown accustomed to them, so I think they are pretty good.
Jan-Peter