Hi guys, is anyone familiar with Train Control Systems? How is the quality and reliability of their decoders, would you recommend them?
Absolutely. I use TCS decoders exclusively. The best part is the one year "goof poof" guarantee. Even if you fry it, TCS will replace the decoder. The documentation and support is also first rate.
Nick
Take a Ride on the Reading with the: Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/
Prior to the introduction of the Digitrax DZ125, the TCS M1 was the smallest decoder readily available here in the US. I was very happy with the ones that I installed. And as has already been said, you can't go wrong with their "goof-proof" warranty.
Best!
I've had one problem with the TCS decoders I've installed. When I run one of them in a consist, it has to go into the consist in the forward direction. I've tried many times to put one into a consist in the reverse direction, but it never works. The engine always wants to run in the opposite direction of the consist when I do that.
I have two TCS-equipped engines, and they both do this. Fortunately, they are on different types of engines that I never consist together, so I can put my Digitrax-equipped engines into the consist in reverse (no problem there) and run the TCS guys forward.
I'm using a Lenz DCC system, which may or may not explain why this doesn't work. It's the only DCC system I've got, though, so I've never tried this anywhere else.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
MisterBeasley;
Are you saying that you can't reverse motor direction by changing CV 29? The TCS decoder programming manual says:
To reverse the engine direction when running in forward: • Select CV 29.• If CV 29 = 2, add 1 and enter 3.• If CV 29 = 6, add 1 and enter 7. • If CV 29 = 34, add 1 and enter 35.• If CV 29 = 38, add 1 and enter 39.
No, this problem only happens when running the TCS-equipped engine in a consist, and only if it is entered into the consist in the reverse direction. That is, when the consist is told to go forward, this engine should go backwards because it's facing the other direction.
As I recall, if I change CV29, then the engine will always go in reverse when commanded to go forward, not just when it's in a consist. The purpose of CV 29 is to allow you to get the engine going in the right direction if it's wired backwards.
Mike WSOR engineer | HO scale since 1988 | Visit our club www.WCGandyDancers.com
MrBeasly
Some of the older TCS decoders had the consist bug. A poster on another site found an easy fix. After setting up the consist just cycle the power to the decoder for a second. I usualy tip one side of the loco and then it runs in cosist the direction you set it up to. I have 2 in a pair of RS1 locos that do it. Not bad having 2 out of 50 with the glitch.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
davidmbedard wrote: Top notch decoders. They are the Anti-MRC. So beware, never, ever allow an MRC decoder come in contact with a TCS decoder.... David B
Top notch decoders. They are the Anti-MRC. So beware, never, ever allow an MRC decoder come in contact with a TCS decoder....
David B
What do you mean by "come in contact with"?
hickstmj wrote: davidmbedard wrote: Top notch decoders. They are the Anti-MRC. So beware, never, ever allow an MRC decoder come in contact with a TCS decoder.... David B What do you mean by "come in contact with"?
'Twas a joke!
Matter + Anti-Matter = BOOOOOOM!
Jeff But it's a dry heat!
If the two ever come in contact with each other, ie in the same place and time, the space/ time continuum will crack, leading to the demise of the universe as we know it.
Rotor
Jake: How often does the train go by? Elwood: So often you won't even notice ...
This is all too sad. I have just orderd a dozen MRC decoders. Should have read up on the Forum before.
AusiBrian wrote: This is all too sad. I have just orderd a dozen MRC decoders. Should have read up on the Forum before.
Hi AusiBrian,
I is aad news but there may be light at the end of the tunnel contact the seller and ask if they can be returned you paying the return postage of course for an alternative decoder they have in stock.