Train Control Systems

Manufacturer: Train Control Systems

Summary: Train Control Systems (TCS) is a US-based manufacturer of DCC systems and Multifunction Decoders.

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General information
Phone	+1-215-453-9145
Fax	+1-215-257-0735
Email	[email protected]
CV8 ID#
Main URL	Main URL
URL to manuals
Address	Train Control Systems P.O. Box 341 Blooming Glen, PA 18911
Date Opened
Date Closed
Successor
Device Types	Other, Mobile Decoder

See the Video.

Products

TCS offers a large number of products for various scales including decoders Z, N, HO, G, and S-scale locomotives, as well as motherboards, speakers, housings, and various other components available from their website.

Decoders

WOWSound

The only true CD-quality sound decoder in the industry available for steam (WOWSteam) and diesel (WOWDiesel) locomotives, featuring true to life 16 bit 44100Hz resolution.

WOWKits

Total conversion kits providing everything needed to convert an engine to WOWSound DCC, including a decoder, motherboard, Keep-Alive™, WOWSpeaker, and custom speaker housing. Every WOWKit has detailed installation pictures and information on the TCS website for ease-of use.

TCS Command Station

TCS is planning to release a command station. See the video below for a preview

Planned features include:

WiFi connection to their WiFi Throttles, and other devices
JMRI integration
Programming Options
- OPS mode
- RailCom
- Programming track
  - Includes integrated program track booster
- CV Readback
LCC Integration
RailCom
NCE Cab Bus
- Support for both the Power and Pro Cab, and NCE Wireless Throttles

Features

Multifunction Decoders

To determine multifunction decoder type, see this page: Support-Decoder Version

AudioAssist™

Every TCS decoder comes equipped with the easy-to-use AudioAssist™ audio menu

Change CV settings without ever programming a CV.
Pressing button 8 four times rapidly on any TCS decoder when your locomotive is at a stop accesses the Audio Assist™ menu.

KeepAlive™

TCS Keep-Alive™ (KA) devices are used to supply power to decoders during times of power interruption due to dirty track or problematic track work.
All TCS decoders shipping with date codes from after January 2012 support the Keep-Alive™ feature.

Railcom / Railcom+

TCS decoders with Version 89 firmware do support RailCom transponding. As of 2019, these decoders, when purchased directly from TCS, support RailCom/RailCom+. Those purchased from dealer stock may not be Version 89 decoders.

Warranty

Decoders, Motherboards, and Keep Alive® are covered under a ONE YEAR “goof-proof” warranty which covers manufacturer defects, burns, shorts, physical damage, and operator error. The decoder will be repaired or replaced within one year even if the operator accidentally damages it.

Decoders determined to be out of warranty (CVs 250, 251, and 252 read to be more than 1 year out of date) will be charged an upgrade fee in exchange for a current production decoder unless a valid receipt of purchase can be provided.

Videos

TCS Decoder Factory

Rapido Trains Inc. and Train Control Systems are in the process of developing an all-new sound decoder. Here is an introduction to the new decoder, as well as a tour of the TCS headquarters and shop in Blooming Glen, Pennsylvania.

First Look - TCS DCC System

Model Railroad Hobbyist news editor Jeff Shultz interviews Train Control Systems' Dan Mycio at the January 2022 Amherst Railroad Hobby show regarding their new and coming DCC System products.

External Links

Train Control Systems Documentation Wiki
Comprehensive Steam Sound Guide
Comprehensive Diesel Sound Guide
Installation Pictures - Database of installation pictures and instructions for TCS decoders
TCS Warranty Information - Includes details about TCS Warranty and filing a warranty claim
TCS Comprehensive Programming Guide