I'm looking to add some decoders to control the marker lights on my caboose models (HO scale)
They currently use a AA battery for power and a small on/off switch. Getting rid of the battery will allow enough room to add some cupola seats. So I'll remove the battery and get power from the track via the trucks. Once I add track power pickups, I'd like to add a function only decoder to turn the marker lights on and off.
I did some Google searching and found out about the Digitrax TL1 and the TCS FL2.
Only major difference between the two I could find is the Digitrax has one function and the TCS has two functions. But the Digitrax also mentions something about a transponder. Not sure what that is. Another feature between the two (based on the provided instructions online) the Digitrax TL1 in addition to the fancy light features has a simple on/off light function. I could not confirm if the TCS has a simple on/off light function along with gyra light, ditch light, and other fancy lighting features I don't need for a marker light.
So which decoder would work you suggest for controlling caboose marker lights?
Matt from Anaheim, CA and Bayfield, COClick Here for my model train photo website
I am partial to TCS. I put an FL4 in my gravel pit building to control LEDs for the load out track signals and walkway lights. TCS does have simple on and off. With the second function you could put a small dim LED over the conductors desk. That would be cool or even a flickering fire in the pot belly stove.
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!
Transpondign is a Digitrax-only system of reporting not just where a train is, but what train it is. You need all Digitrax hardware, and a lot of it. ANd only Digitrax decoders in all locos, except Tsunami soudn decoders are compatible with Transponding. No others are. The similar Lenz system is even more complex - the command station actually has to stop sending DCC packets for a brief quiet period while the decoders talk back. Digitrax squeezes the decoder to command station communications in the normal DCC signal.
So unless you actually have implemented Transponding, there is no need to use the Digitrax decoder, that features is not applicable. What is really comes down to is, how many lights? If more than one, then the TCS is the way to go. If you need light effects (flickers, flashers, etc) and want to use LEDs for the lights, TCS is the way to go. TCS lighting effects work great with bulbs or LEDs, Digitrax really only works well with incandescent bulbs.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Great info, thanks.
Electrical pickup from the caboose trucks can be a source of aggravation if you don't keep the track, wheels, and/or wipers squeaky clean because your LEDs with flicker annoyingly.
If I were to do this project, I would consider the new TCS KAT1 decoder with Keep Alive circuitry to eliminate flickering lights caused by erratic pickup.
Appreciate the heads up on the KAT1. I'll check this one out online.
I'm using Ring Engineering Power Pickup Trucks. They have worked really well so far. I also have these on my mechanical reefers that are equipped with Soundbugs. Here's a link to a Youtube clip with the reefer sounds:
Reefer Sounds