The instructions from TCS do seem to be pretty straightforward as far as programming and even more complex installation are concerned. It was really just those wires that got me confused, as I was having a hard time finding a clear word of what they were there for (I was hoping for something like "the two external wires are for additional lighting functions"). I do realize though that this is probably largely just my unfamiliarity with DCC at this point, what with this being the first decoder I've actually installed.
Since I was only planning on installing it via the 9-pin JST connector, I just wanted to make sure that I knew exactly what those two wires were before I trimmed them or anything like that (as it goes, I shortened them a bit to save space but left plenty so they're still available for those extra functions if I want to use them in the future), and to know that I didn't need to be connecting them to anything.
For what it's worth, I got it installed without issue (as a "plug and play" type install should be!), and the loco runs beautifully with it.
richg1998 A simple Google search for TCS T3X decoder showed me all I need to know.
A simple Google search for TCS T3X decoder showed me all I need to know.
Rich, although I would certainly agree with the rest of your post (i.e. that a lot of things in DCC are not as complex as people imagine, and that things are constantly evolving), I did quite a bit of searching (google, TCS website, etc) before posting this thread, and nowhere could I find a simple answer of what those wires were for. I'm sure there was information there from which I could have interpreted what they were for (i.e. how many functions, etc), but that's the sort of thing that requires a bit more knowlege of DCC to understand. Hence why I asked here, where I quickly got the answer to my question and learned something useful for the future.
-Tim
I have used the LokSound and Tsunami. No big deal.
Don't forget, the SoundTraxx Tsunami is second generation I believe. The LC where first generation.
Decoders are evolving.
Eventually another brand will show up with better capabilities than the TCS unless TCS stays at the forefront.
Many people get caught in a time warp and never realize things are evolving. Look at those in DC who do not read MRR magazines or train sites on the Internet.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
...and TCS generally has the simplest, clearest instructions. Wait til you get programming a Tsunami!!
Thanks Jim! That's exactly what I wanted to know. I don't need any additional lighting functions for this particular loco, so I suppose I won't need to worry about them.
The documentation with the decoder does have some form of wiring diagram, but it's a little convoluted and confusing to someone who's still quite new to the DCC world!
Those wires are for extra light function outputs. Below is the 'usual' standard labeling. The 9 pin JST connector covers the following:
FOF - Forward headlight - White
FOR - Reverse headlight - Yellow
Light function 'common' - Blue
F1 - Green
F2 - Violet
External Wires
F3 - Brown
F4 - Pink
As you mentioned, TCS does not have a web page for older model decoders. I bet they do have the PDF still on their server. There is no wiring diagranm on the instruction sheet? Send them an e-mail and you should get an answer!
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
[Just posted this on the General Discussion forum, but realized it may get a better result here]
I just bought a TCS T3X decoder from my LHS the other day. This was an older one that they still had in stock and were clearing out (got it for half price as a result!), and I see the T3X is no longer in the TCS line, having been replaced with the T6X. Looks like it should be a good decoder anyway and a straightforward install. However, I do have a question:
The decoder itself will take a standard 9-pin JST connector, and I plan on installing this in an Athearn loco using said plug. However, the decoder also has 2 wires coming out of it, just off to the side of the opening for the plug.
The documentation with the decoder is a little confusing, and I haven't been able to figure out exactly what the purpose of these two wires is, and if there's anything I should or could do with them.
Can anyone here explain?
Thanks!