DCC Decoders (Loco decoders / Mobile)

We are VERY fussy about the decoder brands we will sell and we recommend only our chosen brands for good reasons.

We made our selection and limited our range based on six key factors: (1) “Real life” reliability once installed  (2) The quality of warranty cover for our customers (3) The ability to give consistent high quality performance in wide variety of locomotives (4)  Installation flexibility and ease of installation- in shape, size and protection from accidental short circuit. (5) ability to be programmed to accurately reproduce real life lighting types and accommodate many differing running requirements (6) Overall quality. 

This set of selection criteria are set in stone and we will never compromise!

While the selection may increase if we find other brands we approve of, at this point it has led to our selection of only ESU and TCS for Loco drive decoders and only ESU, QSI and Tsunami for sound decoders.

We do NOT stock or sell decoders by NCE, Digitrax and Lenz, as while each brand has some excellent products, each of them also failed to meet the strict requirements of our decoder test criteria for different reasons.

We do emphasise that this decision is a decoder based issue only - those same three brands do make exceptional control systems which we like and we are pleased to recommend them without reservation and sell with total confidence.

We know we made the right choices as we also use only these same  brands in our own locos - and we’re extremely fussy…

So we are very, very sure that you’ll be pleased with the performance of every decoder (provided of course it is installed properly!)

 To go directly to the decoder type or brand you want, just click on it….

 

TCS T series         TCS MC Series         TCS M & Z series        TCS FL Series      

TCS DP Wireless Series    TCS A series Direct PCB     TCS N scale specific

ESU LokPilot Series Decoders

Text Box: TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS DECODERS TCS are a breath of fresh air in the wide world of NMRA DCC products.  TCS decoders are universally popular with DCC users and railway modellers of all prototypes with very good reasons… These are the very same reasons why, after testing many decoders of all types and at all prices from the best brands made all over the world, we TCS as one of the few brands that we would install in our own hand built brass locomotives. Read on and you will understand why we also install them in your loco’s with absolute confidence... and why are certain that you will be happy with them every time too! Innovation: TCS introduced the first ever direct plug and play decoder, created the first Micro with a plug in harness, and made Back EMF truly plug and play almost irrespective of motor type when all others required complex adjustment. Value: Despite better specs in power handling and features, TCS decoders are priced no dearer than lesser brands. Value isn’t just price though - TCS offers performance as good or better than decoders costing much more, and has reliability far in excess of some who claim “Gold” status! Stability and flexibility: From entry level to the very top, all decoders have exceptional operational stability, plus a superbly smooth motor drive thats happy with almost every motor in every loco...and unlike other brands, they are almost transparent when run on DC… actually making many loco’s run far better on DC than they ever did before installation! Superb lighting control: Of all the key brands, to us only TCS can dim LEDs properly and their lighting features are the best there are. Most importantly, they actually explain how to set up lighting in words modellers can understand, unlike some brands who either can’t be bothered making a decent translation of their instructions or just seem to use a totally new language that confuses everyone. First ever truly user friendly Back EMF control: Not only have TCS added a super high quality Back EMF to every decoder in the line at no extra cost… they also made it possible for the average modeller to set it up so it operated properly! Who else has Back EMF that (a) automatically adjusts to different motor types so needs NO complex adjustment (b) Can be simply set up to turn off at the press of a function button (c) can be set to turn off at a specific speed step… and most importantly, is applied to every decoder from entry level to the top of the line.

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TCS T Series Decoders:

    Text Box: The T Series: For most HO scale and many HOn3 & lower current S & O scale loco’s. All T series decoders have a 9 pin JST socket with harness and provide a 1.3 amp continuous and 2 amp maximum power handling. Dimensions: 0.956” x 0.655”x 0.207” 24.28mm x 16.63mm x 5.25mm

 

All T series Decoders share the following specifications:

· 2-digit addressing or advanced 4-digit addressing

· Quiet (silent) drive compatible with all motors including coreless types

· Auto detect allowing operation on DCC only or DCC + DC power. Transparent on DC, making the engine act like a decoder isn't there when running on DC. Control of lights while the train is in a DC block (while using Brake on DC function)

· Fully insulated with heat-shrink for easy installation in metal bodied loco’s

· X series lighting software. Includes adjustable Dim, Mars, Gyra, Auto-reversing headlights, Opposite Dim, Flashing, single and double pulse strobes, Flashing light, and Random flicker. Rule 17 headlight dimming can be set to occur when stopped, opposite the direction of travel, or both. You always have manual control of lighting functions too.

· Button Control allowing you to pick the control buttons of your choice.  All functions able to be re-mapped to your preference.

· All available programming modes supported including OPS mode (programming on the main)

· Universally compatible & fully user controllable Back EMF motor drive

· All possible user adjustable motor voltage/speed control CVs available

· Factory Reset lets you change all CV settings back to their factory default values if you get into a situation you don't like.

· Removable JST harness which can be swapped for specific loco designed harnesses.

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Text Box: TCS T-1x Decoder (2 amp max, 1.3 amp loco drive, 2 function)

 Text Box: TCS T1x (Includes 11 pin JST harness without NMRA 8 pin plug) TCS T1x MH (Includes 11 pin JST harness with NMRA 8 pin plug) Now with fully adjustable user friendly Back EMF making it the BEST VALUE full power standard sized 2 function decoder on the Planet! As with all TCS T series decoders the harness can be changed to match a specific loco type to make plug and play installation even easier. Of course it also has a “Goof Proof” 1 year warranty.

Text Box: TCS-T1x (bare wire) Text Box: $30.00 each      Click here for more informationText Box: TCS-T1x MH (8 pin) Text Box: $35.00 each Text Box: 8 pin orients across loco L to Right

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Text Box: TCS T-4x Decoder (2 amp max, 1.3 amp loco drive, 4 function)       

                 Text Box: TCS T4x (Includes 11 pin JST harness without NMRA 8 pin plug) TCS T1x MH (Includes 11 pin JST harness with NMRA 8 pin plug) Now with fully adjustable user friendly Back EMF making it the BEST VALUE full power standard sized 4 function decoder on the Planet! As with all TCS T series decoders the harness can be changed to match a specific loco type to make plug and play installation even easier. Of course it also has a “Goof Proof” 1 year warranty.

Text Box: TCS-T4x (bare wire) Text Box: $37.00 each      Click here for more informationText Box: TCS-T4x MH (8 pin) Text Box: $42.00 each Text Box: 8 pin orients across loco L to Right

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Text Box: TCS T-6x Decoder (2 amp max, 1.3 amp loco drive, 6 function)       

                 Text Box: TCS T6x (Includes 11 pin JST harness without NMRA 8 pin plug) TCS T6x MH (Includes 11 pin JST harness with NMRA 8 pin plug) Now with fully adjustable user friendly Back EMF making it the BEST VALUE full power standard sized 6 function decoder on the Planet! As with all TCS T series decoders the harness can be changed to match a specific loco type to make plug and play installation even easier. Of course it also has a “Goof Proof” 1 year warranty.

Text Box: TCS-T6x (bare wire) Text Box: $44.00 each      Click here for more informationText Box: TCS-T6x MH (8 pin) Text Box: $49.00 each Text Box: 8 pin orients across loco L to Right

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TCS MC Series Decoders:

Text Box: The T Series: For many N, most HO scale and many HOn3 & lower current S & O scale loco’s. The MC series is Perfect for BLI BlueLine! All T series decoders have a 7 pin JST mini socket with harness and provide a 1.0 amp continuous and 2 amp maximum power handling. Dimensions: 0.729” x 0.417” x 0.189” or 18.5 mm x 10.6 x 4.8 mm

All MC series Decoders have back EMF & full X series Features:

 

Text Box: TCS MC-2 Decoder (2 amp max, 1.0 amp loco drive, 2 function)       

                 Text Box: TCS MC-2 (Includes JST 7pin harness without NMRA 8 pin plug) TCS MC-2 MH (Includes JST 7pin harness with NMRA 8 pin plug) TCS MC-2 UK (Includes JST 7pin harness with NMRA 8 pin plug) Now with fully adjustable user friendly Back EMF making it the BEST VALUE full power (1 amp plus!) 2 function decoder on the Planet! As with all TCS MC series decoders the harness can be changed to match a specific loco type to make plug and play installation even easier. Of course it also has a “Goof Proof” 1 year warranty.

Text Box: TCS-MC2 (bare wire) Text Box: $30.00 each       Click here for more informationText Box: TCS-MC2 MH (8 pin) Text Box: $35.00 each Text Box: 8 pin orients across loco L to Right

Text Box: TCS-MC2 UK (8 pin) Text Box: $35.00 each Text Box: 8 pin orients along loco Frt. to Rear

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Text Box: TCS MC-4 Decoder (2 amp max, 1.0 amp loco drive, 4 function)       

               Text Box: TCS MC-4 (Includes JST 7pin harness without NMRA 8 pin plug) TCS MC-4 MH (Includes JST 7pin harness with NMRA 8 pin plug) TCS MC-4 UK (Includes JST 7pin harness with NMRA 8 pin plug) Now with fully adjustable user friendly Back EMF making it the BEST VALUE full power (1 amp plus!) 4 function decoder on the Planet! As with all TCS MC series decoders the harness can be changed to match a specific loco type to make plug and play installation even easier. Of course it also has a “Goof Proof” 1 year warranty.

Text Box: TCS-MC4 (bare wire) Text Box: $37.00 each        Click here for more informationText Box: TCS-MC4 MH (8 pin) Text Box: $42.00 each Text Box: 8 pin orients across loco L to Right

Text Box: TCS-MC4 UK (8 pin) Text Box: $42.00 each Text Box: 8 pin orients along loco Frt. to Rear

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TCS’s famous M Series Decoders:

Text Box: The M Series: For many N, many HO scale and any loco you thought was too tiny to fit a decoder into - Like the MC series, the Micro sized M series is also Perfect for BLI BlueLine HO! M series decoders have a fixed harness and provide a 1.0 amp continuous and 2 amp maximum power handling. Dimensions: 0.567”x 0.359”x 0.135” or 14.4mm x 9.12mm x 3.43mm

All M series Decoders have back EMF & full X series Features:

 

Text Box: TCS M1 Decoder (2 amp max, 1.0 amp loco drive, 2 function)       

                       Text Box: TCS M1 (Includes hardwired harness without NMRA 8 pin plug) TCS M1 MH (Includes hardwired harness with NMRA 8 pin plug) TCS M1 UK (Includes hardwired harness with NMRA 8 pin plug) Now with fully adjustable user friendly Back EMF making it the BEST VALUE full power (1 amp plus) subminiature 2 function decoder on the Planet! As with all TCS MC series decoders the harness is soldered directly to the decoder. This removes bulk, so for locos with very tight space installation becomes possible. Of course it also has a “Goof Proof” 1 year warranty.

Text Box: TCS-M1 (bare wire) Text Box: $40.00 each       Click here for more informationText Box: TCS-M1 MH (8 pin) Text Box: $45.00 each Text Box: 8 pin orients across loco L to Right

Text Box: TCS-M1 UK (8 pin) Text Box: $45.00 each Text Box: 8 pin orients along loco Frt. to Rear

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Text Box: TCS M3 Decoder (2 amp max, 1.0 amp loco drive, 3 function)       

                       Text Box: TCS M3 (Includes hardwired harness without NMRA 8 pin plug) TCS M3 MH (Includes hardwired harness with NMRA 8 pin plug) TCS M3 UK (Includes hardwired harness with NMRA 8 pin plug) Now with fully adjustable user friendly Back EMF making it the BEST VALUE full power (1 amp plus) subminiature 3 function decoder on the Planet! As with all TCS MC series decoders the harness is soldered directly to the decoder. This removes bulk, so for locos with very tight space installation becomes possible. Of course it also has a “Goof Proof” 1 year warranty.

Text Box: TCS-M3 (bare wire) Text Box: $43.00 each       Click here for more informationText Box: TCS-M3 MH (8 pin) Text Box: $48.00 each Text Box: 8 pin orients across loco L to Right

Text Box: TCS-M3 UK (8 pin) Text Box: $48.00 each Text Box: 8 pin orients along loco Frt. to Rear

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Text Box: TCS M4 Decoder (2 amp max, 1.0 amp loco drive, 4 function)       

                       Text Box: TCS M4 (Includes hardwired harness without NMRA 8 pin plug) TCS M4 MH (Includes hardwired harness with NMRA 8 pin plug) TCS M4 UK (Includes hardwired harness with NMRA 8 pin plug) Now with fully adjustable user friendly Back EMF making it the BEST VALUE full power (1 amp plus) subminiature 4 function decoder on the Planet! As with all TCS MC series decoders the harness is soldered directly to the decoder. This removes bulk, so for locos with very tight space installation becomes possible. Of course it also has a “Goof Proof” 1 year warranty.

Text Box: TCS-M4 (bare wire) Text Box: $48.00 each       Click here for more informationText Box: TCS-M4 MH (8 pin) Text Box: $52.00 each Text Box: 8 pin orients across loco L to Right

Text Box: TCS-M4 UK (8 pin) Text Box: $52.00 each Text Box: 8 pin orients along loco Frt. to Rear

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TCS’s Super Tiny Z2

Text Box: The M Series: Even tinier than the M1, the incredibly small Z2 is a tiny but tough decoder which will fit Z and N with ease, yet it is tough enough for many HO scale locos too with its 1 amp motor drive. There is now NO locomotive you cannot easily concert to DCC running! It is less than 7mm wide overall! Dimensions: 0.51" x .26" x .11" or 12.95mm x 6.6mm x 2.79mm

Text Box: TCS-Z2 (bare wire) Text Box: $45.00 each Click here for more information

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TCS’s A Series Direct PCB replacement Decoders:

Text Box: The A Series: Many HO scale locomotives have a flat top mounted PCB and whilst originally designed as a direct drop in main PCB replacement for Atlas, Kato and Athearn Diesels, these excellent, easy to install decoders will make retrofitting of many other non-DCC ready diesels a much easier task. A series decoders provide a 1.3 amp continuous and 2 amp maximum power handling. Dimensions: 2.860” x 0.680” x 0.145” or 72.64mm x 17.272mm x 3.683mm

All A series Decoders have back EMF & full X series Features:

Text Box: TCS-A4 (4 function) Text Box: $35.00 each     Click here for more informationText Box: TCS-A6 (6 function) Text Box: $45.00 each     Click here for more information

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TCS’s versatile “Fleet-lighter” function Decoders:

Text Box: The Fleet-lighter series: Lighting in steam and diesel locomotives often need more than a single decoders function ability can manage, and for multiple unit passenger diesel and electric sets, lighting in coaches and power cars needs control too. This is where “Fleet-lighter” FL decoders can really help! Dimensions for the FL2: (Note: FL2 has a removable Harness) 0.828" x 0.45" x 0.15" or 21.03mm x 11.43mm x 3.81mm Dimensions for the FL4: (Note: FL4 has non-removable Harness) 0.585" x 0.36" x 0.115" or 14.86mm x 9.14mm x 2.92mm

FL series function Decoders have fully re-mappable function assignments and of course they also offer fully comprehensive X series lighting control:

 

Text Box: TCS-FL2 (2 function) Text Box: $25.00 each      Click here for more informationText Box: TCS-FL4 (4 function) Text Box: $28.00 each      Click here for more information

Note: Both of these Fleet-lighter decoders will allow CV read-back. The FL2 already has a load built in so will read straight out of the packet. The FL4 requires you to add a 100 ohm resistor across one pair of function wires to provide a load (TCS left it out as the physically large resistor would have added too much bulk, and the FL4 was designed to be a “stealth” install!

This added load will allow the control system to “see” the FL4 while it is being programmed. It should be removed after programming is completed.

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TCS’s DP Series Direct Plug in wireless Decoders:

Text Box:  Text Box: The DP Series: The DP Series is the current incarnation of a clever original design concept that TCS created well before ANY other brand… the direct, wireless Plug and Play decoder! These clever and very compact decoders make plug and play install easy as there aren’t even any wires to take care of! DP2X is a direct plug and play installation for very many DCC ready loco’s from all over the world, while the DP2X-UK is specifically designed for loco’s with narrow lengthwise oriented installation spaces such as English Steam loco’s. DP2X: 0.460” x 0.690” x 0.140” 11.7mm x17.5 mm x 3.5mm

All A series Decoders have back EMF & full X series Features:

Text Box: TCS-DP2X (2Fn) Text Box: $33.00 each      Click here for more informationText Box: TCS-DP2X-UK (2Fn) Text Box: $33.00 each      Click here for more information

 

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TCS N Scale Decoders

Text Box: A TCS Specialty: Making it easier to install a high quality Back EMF decoder into N scale locomotives with a smile! With the tiny but powerful M series TCS takes care of many loco’s in one fell swoop, however to make it even easier TCS have now created a series of “total PCB replacement” drop in decoders that fit almost all Atlas and very many other Bachmann, Kato & other N scale diesel locomotives. All have amore than enough power handling for the hungriest N scale motors and are specifically designed to give the best possible results in N scale locomotives!

All N Scale Decoders have back EMF & full X series Features:

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For UK and European locomotives with NMRA small/NEM 651 6 pin socket

Text Box: TCS-EUN (2 Fn) Text Box: $46.00 each Text Box: See TCS website for manual

6-Pin NEMA type, European type, 2 function decoder for N-Scale UK and European prototype Locomotives .567”x.359” or (14.4mm x 9.12mm)

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For KATO N scale Locomotives

Text Box: TCS-K1D4 (4 Fn) Text Box: $49.00 each Text Box: See TCS website for manual

K1D4 id a 4 fn decoder which is a Drop-In replacement for the following: Kato SD40, SD40-2, SD70MAC, SD70/75M, C44-9W, AC4400

Text Box: TCS-K3D3 (3Fn) Text Box: $49.00 each Text Box: See TCS website for manual K1D4 id a 4 fn decoder which is a Drop-In replacement for the Kato NW2

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For ATLAS, Some Kato, Some Lifelike N scale Locomotives

Text Box: TCS-CN (2 function) Text Box: $49.00 each      Click here for more information

CN is a “Split lighting board” replacement decoder which fits Atlas, Kato,   Life-Like and other N scale diesel engines which have a split PCB design.

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Text Box: TCS-CN GP (4 fn) Text Box: $52.00 each      Click here for more information

CN-GP is a “Split lighting board” replacement decoder which fits GP Series,   & other N scale diesel engines which need 4 Fn &have a split PCB design.

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Text Box: TCS-VO1000 (4 Fn) Text Box: $47.00 each      Click here for more information

The VO 1000 is a 4 Function drop in for Atlas N scale VO-1000 locomotives.

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Text Box: TCS-MP-15N (4 Fn) Text Box: $40.00 each      Click here for more information

The MP-15N is a 2 function drop in decoder for the Atlas MP15N locomotive.

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Text Box: TCS-AMD4 (4 Fn) Text Box: $45.00 each      Click here for more information

The AMD4 is drop in for the Atlas GP-38, RS-11, Dash8-40B, Dash8-40BW, C628, C630, B23-7, B30-7, B36-7, AMD4 will also fit the DCC ready version   of GP-40, GP-40-2, SD-7, SD-9, SD-35, Train Master and U25B.

It has two extra functions which can be connected by soldering wires onto the provided PCB pads. The AMD4 features the TCS auto-adjusting BEMF.

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Text Box: TCS-ASD4 (4 Fn) Text Box: $45.00 each      Click here for more information

ASD4 is a shorter version of the AMD4, the ASD4 is a drop-in for the Atlas GP7, GP9, GP30, and GP35. It has two LED's (one front, one on the back).

It has two extra functions which can be connected by soldering wires onto the provided PCB pads. The ASD4 features the TCS auto-adjusting BEMF.

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Text Box: TCS-ALD4 (4 Fn) Text Box: $45.00 each      Click here for more information

The ALD4 Decoder will be a drop-in for the longest of the Atlas Locomotives.

 (Not yet in production - it will be available soon, so please ask)

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M Series information is available by clicking here

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ESU LokPilot Decoders

European technology at its best—LokPilot decoders deliver truly superb performance and can be tuned to match the start-up sound sequence delay which is part of ESU LokSound decoders, making them the perfect match.

Text Box: The Large scale LokPilot XL-V3.0 is a Superb decoder: Apart from a 3 amp motor drive, it also features a full 8 functions and a really nice “stay alive power pack” so stalling on dirty track and dead spots is a thing of the past! The redesigned LokPilot V3 DCC adds even more to a super set of features: Even better, it is flash upgradeable & ready for Railcom bi-directional communication. A superb decoder AND at a realistic price!

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Text Box: $120.00 each Text Box: LokPilot XL V3 Click here for more information

A 3 amp 8 function large scale decoder with 4th generation back EMF and super smooth silent drive. This decoder has a full “say alive” power pack built in so stalling will be a thing of the past! Fully flash upgradeable with LokProgrammer or ESU ECOS V3 and later. Overload protected

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Text Box: LokPilot V3 (8 pin) Text Box: $60.00 each Click here for more information

A 2 amp 4 function standard size decoder with 4th generation back EMF and super smooth silent drive. Superbly smooth loco drive and can be tuned to synchronise with ESU sound decoder start up delays. Fully flash upgradeable with LokProgrammer or ESU ECOS V3 and later. Overload protected

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Text Box: LokPilot V3 (21 pin) Text Box: $60.00 each Click here for more information

A 1 amp 2 function micro sized decoder with 4th generation back EMF and super smooth silent drive. Superbly smooth loco drive and can be tuned to synchronise with ESU sound decoder start up delays. Fully flash upgradeable with LokProgrammer or ESU ECOS V3 and later. Overload protected

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