TCS Decoder

SD9043 Jul 26, 2008

  1. SD9043

    SD9043 TrainBoard Member

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    Hi,
    I'm would like to buy some TCS Decoder's for my LifeLike N Engines.
    Is someone here who can tell me something about them? Are they better than Digitrax, does they run smoothly, etc, etc?

    Christian

    Sorry for my bad English.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 26, 2008
  2. gregamer

    gregamer TrainBoard Supporter

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    I have one TCS decoder installed in my N scale Atlas VO-1000. I've only run it for a couple of hours, but here is what I can tell you:

    It was very easy to install.
    It was very easy to program.
    It came with pretty good documentation and instructions.
    It runs great, smooth starts and consistant pull.
    It is quiet.
    They have the goof-proof warranty, which covers you even if you mess up the decoder.

    Compared to a digitrax decoder, here is my take:

    TCS does not have Transponding, Digitrax does
    I think TCS costs more
    TCS has the goof proof warranty, (but Digitrax has also replaced decoders that I fried)
    Operationally, there is not much difference that I've observed
    Both have good documentation.

    What tipped the decision to buy the TCS VO1000 decoder for me was that it is a drop-in decoder. I'm happy with the TCS product and probably will buy more.
     
  3. Gats

    Gats TrainBoard Member

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    As Greg states, TCS decoders are very good. Also, TCS has very good support and of course their 'Goof-Proof' warranty.
    They are my personal choice as they have great features and are easily progammed. Most feature Back EMF as standard.

    Which LL engines do you have? If they are the split frame GP18 and GP20 then the new CN-GP decoder is the pick.
    Otherwise, check TCS's site for other installations.
     
  4. jhn_plsn

    jhn_plsn TrainBoard Supporter

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    I am pleased with the TCS decoders I have. I have not noticed any difference from any other decoders I run. I have mostly Digitrax some NCE and a few TCS. The VO1000 install was very easy as mentioned before and it runs great. I recently had problems attempting to install a NC-GP(this is the TCS decoder made for the older classic Atlas engines) into a Kato I had from 1992. I had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Norman at the Anahiem train show about it and he promptly gave me a replacement decoder. They are doing whatever they can to gain your bussiness for sure, so I would not hesitate to try thier products.
    Transponding was mentioned earlier and it sounds like a great idea but correct me if I am wrong in that it is only usefull if you intend to use computor control or dispatching. I am too far away from that to worry about it.
     
  5. SD9043

    SD9043 TrainBoard Member

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    GP18
    GP20
    GP60
     
  6. swdw

    swdw TrainBoard Member

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    I know I'm a Johnny come lately on this post, but I'd like to add my 2 cents.

    First, all the good comments above go for me too.

    Second, if you are going to put a decoder on an older engine that is geared for high speed, then the TCS are the best option for getting good slow speed performance. Same thing goes for a steam loco that tends to bind a little at slow speed.

    I was able to get my ConCor Northern to creep at a speed with the TCS that was much slower than what the recommended Digitrax was capable of (I tried both in it). This is due to the ability to adjust both the frequency and amplitude of what they call "dither". Dither is basically a decoder controlled version of pulsed DC.

    The decoders are electrically very sturdy with a higher current rating than a comparably sized (physical size) lenz, but about the same as a digitrax. I shorted one of these out during an install and thought "crap, I'm going to have to get a replacement". I went ahead and corrected the problem and tried it just for the heck of it. To my surprise, the loco showed up in decoder pro, programmed, and ran flawlessly.

    Last, if you have an older loco like the atlas classic RS-1 or GP-18, their new classic series of decoders (the CN series mentioned earlier) makes an install EXTREMELY easy. I'm going to get one for my old RS-1 and do a test fit with a LL FA1 to see if that might make adding a decoder much easier.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 10, 2008
  7. jhn_plsn

    jhn_plsn TrainBoard Supporter

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    I agree that the dither adjustments helped me to obtain great slow speed running characteristics, but the high speed adjustment does nothing so far. Does anyone havea suggestion on CV5 adjustments for the cn decoders?
     
  8. Mike Sheridan

    Mike Sheridan TrainBoard Member

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    Sounds like a similar thing to NCE decoders' 'kick' function. (Actually I'd expect most newer decoders from any maker might have this as a result of the continuous 'number of functions' wars :) )
     
  9. DiezMon

    DiezMon TrainBoard Supporter

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    I've used their M series, and CN series in my older GP-18s.. and many CN/CNGP in my newer units..

    I've had good luck with them, but have had to send two back. They were prompt with replacing, but still a bit of a pain to have to send 'em back.

    Otherwise, I love 'em!
     
  10. Allegheny

    Allegheny TrainBoard Member

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    Christian Hello
    (Gross Gott)

    I have both Digitrax and TCS decoders. Both are good Do you only have diesel or steam engines also? I put a TCS CN decoder in an Atlas RS1. It was a very easy installation. Sorry for my poor German.

    (Ich habe Digitrax und TCS decoders. Die beiden sind gut. Hast du nur diesel order damplokomotiven auch? Ich habe ein TCS CN decoder installiert. Es war einfach. Es tut mir leid mein Deutsch so schlecht ist)

    Thom
     
  11. David Bromage

    David Bromage TrainBoard Member

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    From memory the LL GP18/20/60 frame requires a split decoder, same as the LL Classic. The TCS CN-GP would be the right one.

    Cheers
    David
     
  12. Kitbash

    Kitbash TrainBoard Supporter

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    Count me in as another happy TCS decoder. I have two of them. In Atlas GP7's.

    The engines nor the decoders have ever given me any problems.
     
  13. Ray Stilwell

    Ray Stilwell TrainBoard Member

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    TCS is my standard now. I've replaced all other decoders. The new BEMF feature is fantastic.

    Great products, service, and reliability.

    Ray
     
  14. Westfalen

    Westfalen TrainBoard Member

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    I've just put CN-GP decoders in a LL GP20 and GP60, both very easy, just make sure you insulate the motor from the frame, that applies to any decoder though. The light shield doesn't fit back in the GP20's cab so I painted the inside of the windshield black and set the headlight to 50% dim, you could probably also make a new shield to fit if the light bothered you. The TCS website contains a large section on various loco installations.

    My brother fried one by not insulating the motor completely and sent it back to TCS and they sent a replacement, so their replacement policy even works from Australia.
     

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