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Extra wires on TCS Decoder, what are they for?

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  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Halifax, NS
  • 405 posts
Extra wires on TCS Decoder, what are they for?
Posted by THayman on Monday, May 5, 2014 8:08 AM

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!

 

-Tim

  • Member since
    March 2012
  • 716 posts
Posted by trwroute on Monday, May 5, 2014 9:00 AM

The new number for this decoder is the T6X.  The 2 wires are just for extra functions.  They will not be used with normal installations unless additional lighting is used.

Hope this helps!

Chuck - Modeling in HO scale and anything narrow gauge

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Halifax, NS
  • 405 posts
Posted by THayman on Monday, May 5, 2014 9:19 AM

Thanks Chuck, that's exactly what I wanted to know! I don't need any additional lighting functions for this loco, so I won't worry about those wires.

-Tim

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