I know there's a manufacturer's ID list for decoders. Was there ever a decoder ID list tabulated for each of the DCC manufacturers?
I recollect seeing a decoder ID list some years back but can't locate it. I'm interested in what TCS decoder has an ID of "88". And Decoder Pro doesn't always get it right.
Thanks,
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Yes, the manufacturer ID was/is controlled by the NMRA, there is a complete listing available.
https://www.nmra.org/sites/default/files/standards/sandrp/pdf/appendix_a_s-9.2.2.pdf
If DecoderPro gets this wrong, it's a misread of the decoder. The other CV with the version - the manufacturers can do whatever with. Often the only difference is the form factor of the decoder, the firmware is exactly the same, so there's no good way to definitely tell which specific model decoder you have without physically looking. A TCS T1 might have the same firmward as an A6X, so all DecoderPro can tell you is that you have a TCS decoder, it can't tell you which physical one.
According to the table I linked, 88 is a company called HONS Model, not TCS. TCS is 153. In binary, that's a misread of bits 0, 6, and 7 (01011000 for HONS, 10011001 for TCS).
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Randy,
I know the manufacturing ID for TCS is "153" and the version of the decoder (CV7) in the locomotive is "088", according to both my NCE Power Cab and Decoder Pro. Decoder Pro IDs it as a "KAM4" but I have it recorded in an Excel file as an "M4".
I'm just trying to determine which one is correct. I guess I'll just remove the shell and read it off the decoder shrinkwrap.
Those should be very obvious - the KAM4 has the keep alive capacitors built in, the M4 does not. And even easier - the M4 isn't even shrink wrapped. Actually, since one has a keep alive and the other doesn't - just pick up the moving loco, if it stops, it's an M4, most likely. if the wheels keep turning, it's a KAM4, most likely.
That's the second part I mentioned - there no real reason why an M4 and a KAM4 should have different firmware versions, they have the exact same functions. Integrating a keep alive doesn't add any CVs or anything. Probably can find other TCS decoders that will report the same value with CV 7. There's no consistency with CV 7, nor any requirement. Pretty much the entire range of Digitrax decoders, regardless of scale or form factor, report the same value in CV 7 (assuming all date from the same time).
Pulled the shell off. It's definitely a KAM4. That would explain why the headlight and interior LEDs stayed on after power was shut off.