Does anyone know if a lok 21 pin sound decoder will work ok with a tcs motherboard with on board ka-2 keep alive? I just purchased one but am not sure if tcs wow decoder is the way i want to go. I like the built in motherboard because of the space in the shell it will save. Any input on any of these products im listening. Maybe thats not the way to go but im going to give one a try.
Check with TCS-they are very helpful.
Dante
The write ups that I have seen for the motherboards say that they will work with either the TCS or ESU (Loksound) 21pin decoders. My understanding is these are the recommended decoders because they use the NEM standards. However, I have also used the econami 21 pin with the motherboards and they work fine unless you really need the higher level functions. With the econamis you need to spread the pins a little to ensure a tight fit because they have some components on the under side that prevent the decoder from sitting flush to the board. However, they will work. Back to your original question, look at the TCS website and I think you will find the answer is yes.
Marty C
Thanks ill take a closer look at the website. I will probably find the answer there.
Can someone help me understand the value proposition of the motherboard vs just installing a decoder?
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In my case i feel that installing a tcs motherboard with on board keep alive will fit so much better in my athearn genesis sd70's without having to cut into the frame or modify the shell in anyway. Atleast thats what im hoping will happen.
The key advantage for me is having the Keep Alive in the motherboard. I Have installed many TCS and Soundtraxx Keep Alives in various brands of diesels with various models of decoders and the connections on some required some significant research as to where to make the connections and in some cases the soldering was very delicate. With the TCS motherboards that challenge is eliminated and they provide various configurations to fit most locos with no or little modifications required. In my opinion the extra cost is worth the convenience. Of course if you are not into using Keep Alives then they are not a needed component. Personally I consider Keep Alives one of the significant improvements to the hobby.
Marty COf course if you are not into using Keep Alives then they are not a needed component. Personally I consider Keep Alives one of the significant improvements to the hobby.
I agree whole heartedly on the Keep-Alives. What if I'm not interested in sound? Is there even a 21-pin non-sound decoder available?
Carl,
In my opinion putting a non sound decoder on a TCS motherboard would be overkill. I am not aware of any 21 pin non sound decoders but they may be out there somewhere. For non sound you would be better off and more cost effective to use one of TCS's non sound decoders that have the KA installed such as the KAM4. Any of their decoders that have a K designation have the KA installed. But you probably already knew that.
carl425 Marty C Of course if you are not into using Keep Alives then they are not a needed component. Personally I consider Keep Alives one of the significant improvements to the hobby. I agree whole heartedly on the Keep-Alives. What if I'm not interested in sound? Is there even a 21-pin non-sound decoder available?
Marty C Of course if you are not into using Keep Alives then they are not a needed component. Personally I consider Keep Alives one of the significant improvements to the hobby.