I installed one of the first-run WOW decoders in a Proto 2K 0-8-0 a few weeks back.
Given how the tender was set up on it, it was an easy installation. I used the 8-pin-plug-equipped version and just mounted it with some double-sided foam tape to the underside of the coal pile and the speaker to the underside of the rear deck, then plugged it into the socket in the tender.
It is very easy to program, and sounds very good. The audio-assisted chuff-synchronizing was easy to perform, and went very quickly.
My only disappointment was in the selection of whistles- there didn't seem to be one that matched what I wanted for a switcher. I ended up using the one they listed as a factory whistle.
I haven't played around with it enough to determine whether I can succesfully re-map the whistle selection function on F9 to a really high function number to get it out of the way of anyone who might hit it accidentally while reaching for another function. My only attempts to do that so far were at a time when everybody else in the room seemed to be taking turns interrupting me, so I didn't get it to work on the couple of tries I had time for.
I'm looking forward to playing with it some more when I can get the time.
-Fritz Milhaupt, Publications Editor, Pere Marquette Historical Society, Inc.http://www.pmhistsoc.org
I will be getting one for one of my brass locos in the next week. My DCC supplier is very impressed with them. He owns Traintech LLC and has never steered me wrong. I have purchased over 80 decoders and a DCC system from him in the past ten years. The only regret was a couple of Tsunami decoders. I just can not get the jump start that they do to quit doing it. Once they are rolling they are ok.
As with any sound instal try to fit the largest speaker you can fit.
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!
I was wondering if anyone has some first hand experience with using this decoder. ( The TCS WOW) I have a new install to do into a Athearn Challenger unit and was thinking about giving the Wow a try. Been using the Tsunami's in the past. Looking for some feed back on the TCS WOW. Thanks in advance.