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Train Control Systems Products
DCC Compatibility
 
 

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Overview

Train Control Systems Decoders have all of the normal decoder features, most of the high-end features offered by other companies, plus some unique features not found anywhere else. If you have Athearn or similar locos, you will be most interested in the Dither feature. Following is a list of features provided in all Train Control Systems Decoders, with descriptions of those features that are unique to Train Control Systems. For more information about standard decoder features, refer to the "General Information" page.

  • Quiet Drive
  • Two- and four-digit addressing
  • 14, 28, and 128 speed-step modes
  • Base-Direction Programming
  • Function output is 100 mA
  • Special FX Lighting features include: Gyra, Mars, Blinking Ditch Lights, Single and Double Plus Strobe, Rotary Beacon, Flashing Light, Random Flicker, Rule 17, Directional/non-Directional, and Opposite Dim. Because the T1 has only two functions, generally for front and rear lights, FX functions on that decoder are limited to the last four effects, starting with Random Flicker. Further, many of these special effects have additional Fine Tuning adjustments to make them more precise than any other decoders. Adjust pulse lengths, as well as speed. Adjust brightness ramps, not just a single rate of brightness change.
  • Function Remapping allows you to tell the decoder which function buttons to use to control each function output. TCS' non-standard remapping allows more versatility and is easier to understand.
  • Supports all programming modes: OPS-Mode, Page, Direct, Physical Register, and bit manipulation.
  • Decoder-Assisted Consisting and Decoder-Assisted Consisting Headlight Control programming. When consisted, you normally don't have direct control of the headlights on non-lead locos. But, Decoder-Assisted Consisting Function Control programming allows you to tell the decoder whether or not the lights will be directly controlled by the consist address.
  • User-Loadable Speed Table with Forward and Reverse trim and Adjustable-Duration Kick Start.
  • V-Start, V-Mid, and V-Max in all speed-step modes (including 128 speed steps). This effectively allows you to program in a custom speed curve with just three CVs.
  • Dither provides improved low-speed control and negates the need for Kick Start. Dither allows you to provide additional voltage at a different frequency to improve torque and control. This feature, along with V-Start, V-Mid, and V-Max can provide Athearn locos with control rivaling Kato locos. Dither is unique to Train Control Systems' decoders and won't be found on others until they copy it.
  • Acceleration and Deceleration Momentum
  • Analog operation that is transparent on DCC. Other decoders require a few extra volts to make the loco start moving on an analog layout. TCS decoders will start working at about 1 volt and will start the loco at about 2 volts - if the loco is capable of moving at that voltage.
  • CV Reset allows you to reset all CVs, except for the User-Loadable Speed Table, with either one of two operations. For most systems, all you have to do is program a "02" into CV 30, turn track power off, then when track power comes back CVs will be reset to factory defaults. For simpler systems that can't access CV30, writing a "02" into CV8 does the same thing. Note that when CVs are reset, CV30 is also reset back to zero, and CV8 remains 153 (hex 99).
  • One Shot allows you to program a function that will pulse on, then turn off automatically after a programmable period of time. For example, if you rig DCC-controllable couplers on your loco, one shot will uncouple it by just by pressing and releasing the button one time.
  • Motor Function allows you to turn the motor on and off with a function button. This could be useful for controlling animation such as an operating coal tipple. It is also useful for switching engineers who like to set a speed and just use the direction buttons to control the loco. The function button allows them to stop the loco without having to use the speed control knob.
Decoder Families
Z/N-scale Decoders
N-scale Drop-In Decoders M1 "Micro" Decoders
0.354" wide, 0.561" long, 0.106" thick
1-amp motor drive
Two 100 ma functions
Special (FX) lighting effects
Decoder-Assisted Consisting
Fully remappable
Dither 
M3 "Micro" Decoders  MC2 "Micro" Decoders 
0.354" wide, 0.561" long, 0.106" thick
1-amp motor drive
Three 100 ma functions
Special (FX) lighting effects
Decoder-Assisted Consisting
Fully remappable
Dither
 
0.41" wide, 0.71" long, 0.19" thick
1-amp motor drive
Two 100 ma functions
Special (FX) lighting effects
Decoder-Assisted Consisting
Fully remappable
Dithe
r
MC4 "Micro" Decoders  MC6"Micro" Decoders
0.354" wide, 0.561" long, 0.106" thick
1-amp motor drive
Four 100 ma functions
Special (FX) lighting effects
Decoder-Assisted Consisting
Fully remappable
Dither
0.354" wide, 0.561" long, 0.106" thick
1-amp motor drive
Six 100 ma functions
Special (FX) lighting effects
Decoder-Assisted Consisting
Fully remappable
Dither
 
HO-Scale Decoders
A4X Decoders  A6X Decoders 
0.65" wide by 2.9" long by 0.165" thick
Drop-In for Atlas/Kato
1.3-amp motor drive
Four 100 ma functions
Special (FX) lighting effects
Decoder-Assisted Consisting
Dither
0.65" wide by 2.9" long by 0.165" thick
Drop-In for Atlas/Kato
1.3-amp motor drive
Six 200 ma functions
1-5-Volt Regulated Output for 1.5-Volt Bulbs
Special (FX) lighting effects
Decoder-Assisted Consisting
Dither
DP5X Decoders  T4X Decoders 
0.68" wide by 0.85" long by 0.18" thick
Direct plug, no wires
1.3-amp motor drive
Five 125 ma functions
Special (FX) lighting effects
Decoder-Assisted Consisting
Dither
0.68" wide by 1" long by 0.25" thick
JST harness system
1.3-amp motor drive
Four 125 ma functions
Special (FX) lighting effects
Decoder-Assisted Consisting
Dither
T5X Decoders  T6X Decoders
1" long by 0.68" wide by 0.25" thick
JST harness system
1.3-amp motor drive
Five 125 ma functions
Special (FX) lighting effects
Decoder-Assisted Consisting
Dither
0.68" wide by 1" long by 0.25" thick
JST harness system
1.3-amp motor drive
Six 125 ma functions
Special (FX) lighting effects
Decoder-Assisted Consisting
Dither
W5X Decoders   
0.69" wide by 0.85" long by 0.18" thick
1.3-amp motor drive
Five 125 ma functions
Special (FX) lighting effects
Decoder-Assisted Consisting
Dither
 
Function-Only Decoders
FL Decoder  FL4 Decoder 
1" long by 0.65" wide by 0.16" thick
No motor driver
Mini JST connector
Two 250 ma functions
Special (FX) lighting effects
Decoder-Assisted Consisting
Fully remappable
0.57" long by 0.35" wide
No motor driver
Mini JST connector
Four 200-ma functions
Special (FX) lighting effects
Decoder-Assisted Consisting
Fully remappable
Decoder Harnesses
AUX-WH/
TCS-AUX
Auxiliary Harness for "T"-series decoders MSRP Loy's Price SOLD OUT
$2.00 $1.60
TCS-MCH Six-Pin Mini Harness MSRP Loy's Price SOLD OUT
$2.20 $2.00
WH/
TCS-WH
TCS Standard Harness without NMRA Plug MSRP Loy's Price SOLD OUT
$2.20 $2.00
Decoder Wire
This is the wire TCS uses on their decoders. The insulation on this wire doesn't shrink back with heat like the insulation on Digitrax wire. This wire comes in packages of 20 feet; we do not sell it by the foot.
Loy's Order # Description Pricing Purchase
TCS-Wire/Red 20 Feet of Red Decoder Wire MSRP Loy's Price SOLD OUT
$3.67 $3.00
TCS-Wire/Orange 20 Feet of Orange Decoder Wire MSRP Loy's Price Sold Out
$3.67 $3.00
TCS-Wire/Gray 20 Feet of Gray Decoder Wire MSRP Loy's Price Sold Out
$3.67 $3.00
TCS-Wire/White 20 Feet of White Decoder Wire MSRP Loy's Price Sold Out
$3.67 $3.00
TCS-Wire/Blue 20 Feet of Blue Decoder Wire MSRP Loy's Price SOLD OUT
$3.67 $3.00
TCS-Wire/Yellow 20 Feet of Yellow Decoder Wire MSRP Loy's Price SOLD OUT
$3.67 $3.00
TCS-Wire/Green 20 Feet of Green Decoder Wire MSRP Loy's Price Sold Out
$3.67 $3.00
TCS-Wire/Violet 20 Feet of Violet Decoder Wire MSRP Loy's Price    
$3.67 $3.00
TCS-Wire/Brown 20 Feet of Brown Decoder Wire MSRP Loy's Price    
$3.67 $3.00
TCS-Wire/Pink 20 Feet of Pink Decoder Wire MSRP Loy's Price    
$3.67 $3.00
TCS-Wire/Tan 20 Feet of Tan Decoder Wire MSRP Loy's Price    
$3.67 $3.00
TCS-Wire/Bl&Wh 20 Feet of Black and White Decoder Wire MSRP Loy's Price    
$3.67 $3.00
TCS-Wire/Gr&Bl 20 Feet of Green and Black Decoder Wire MSRP Loy's Price    
$3.67 $3.00
Voltage Regulators
VR 1.5-H/
TCS-VR1.5-H
1.5-Volt Voltage Regulator MSRP Loy's Price SOLD OUT
$10.99 1-4  $8.80
5+
mixed
$8.30
TCS WARRANTY & REPAIR INFORMATION
Train Control Systems' decoders have a one-year goof-proof no-questions-asked warranty. They will repair or replace (at TCS' discretion) the decoder even if you accidentally damage it. Out of warranty decoders are repairable. Send the decoder directly to TCS for a quote. Defective decoders can be sent directly to TCS. Please provide a description of the problem, your phone number, email address and street address with any returns. TCS will pay return shipping. Contact Train Control Systems for complete information.
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