.
The decoder I installed is a DIGITRAX with a next 18 connection, and I got this brand because at the time it was the only nonsound one available. I am NOT a fan of DT, and I'll never get another. I suspect DT decoders do not like to play nice with NCE controllers. My friend seems to have problems with DT decoders on NCE controls, too.
Oh, funny story... I did once upon a time lament on TRW that the only N FAs made that ran good were by lifeLife but it was time somebody redid that loco. One bbussey scorned my wish, saying that there were thousands of decent LL FAs out there and that meant nobody would ever make a new run of FAs in N. Not ever .. 
It is ABSOLUTELY untrue that Digitrax was/is the only option. ESU makes a LokPilot non-sound equivalent for EVERY LokSound decoder that they offer.
Regarding no one ever offering another FA model … the Atlas model IS the Life-Like model with a new DCC-friendly mechanism and updated lighting. Just as the RS-3, RS-11, GP9 and other models that debuted in the pre-digital era have been upgraded. And yeah, you can still find original Life-Like FAs if you look hard enough. And the best part is that the shells are interchangeable, so anyone with LL units that like the decorated bodies can upgrade easily by doing a body swap.
