However the best source of install information for TCS (or really any decoder - others make decoders in the same physical shape and size as the TCS ones) is the installation pictures on the TCS site. They have pictures of most variations of locos in multiple scales, and a series of good pictures wills how you more than any manual ever could.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
A late vote for TCS. Both work fine, but the TCS instructions are much easier to use and give you all the information you need right there, rather than advising you to go to their website for more information.
Thanks to everyone that responded.
I will never trade my Digitrax system for anything, but the decoders..I don;t use a one.
TCS has MUCH better BEMF< and also TCS decoders actually work with LEDs for lights when using lighting effects (ditch lights, Lars lights, flashing beacons, etc). Digitrax works great with incandescent bulbs, but not so good with LEDs. TCS has an adjustment so they can work either way. Since as a matter of habit I replace any bulbs with LEDs when installing decoders, this comes in handy.
Sometimes the simplified instructiosn that come with TCS decoders are too simplified. They do however have additional information you cna download. The sheer range of options to adjust the lighting effects is mind-boggling, so if you are into the SP or other railroads who put literal christmas trees on their locos, TCS is the way to go.
I have both brands and they all work fine. I have no preference.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
I like TCS decoders. I have just installed four of them in my N scale fleet. All of them operate really well.
My reasoning for TCS is as follows:
TCS only makes decoders, not a bunch of other stuff.
TCS uses auto BEMF circuitry.
TCS is starting to offer decoders with keep-alive circuits to help with dirty track.
Since having been on these forums, I have seen many more questions and problems about programming Digitrax decoders than TCS.
I have programmed a couple of Digitrax decoders for others and don't care for them personally. I remember them as being kind of limited in some areas.
TCS has a good selection guide and installation photos. Don't know about Digitrax.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
Just looking for your collective experience out there:
I have 5x N-scale diesels I plan on installing decoders in over the next few months (2x Life-Like/Walthers RS-2s, an Atlas (DCC-Ready) GP-7 and an Intermountain FT A/B). Doing some research, Digitrax and TCS both make decoders that appear to be fairly easy installs on all these models. I haven't seen much difference in the prices (the TCS decoders are $4 more in each case).
Does anyone have any pros/cons to the choice between the Digitrax or the TCS decoders?
Thanks for your help.