TCS Introduces LT-50 LCC Throttle System

[C855B]

[Note to mods: this seemed to fit better in DCC/Electronics. If you think it should be in Products, be my guest!]

https://www.tcsdcc.com/lt-50
https://docs.tcsdcc.com/wiki/LT-50

The first link is to a starter pack for $200, so ignore the $259.95 on the Wiki page.

Commentary:

There is simply no clarity in how this thing works. What I don't get is there's no mention of it being a wireless system, but apparently it is, with a tethered connection the option. Little mention of expandability or compatibility with anything else (NCE, maybe?). Lots of thumping of LCC and RailCom®.

Bottom line? I don't get it.

[peteski]

Seems like it is similar in function to NCE Power Cab with a radio module installed. Except it is WiFi instead of proprietary radio protocol, and has other modern feature like RailComm.  Tethered, NCE Power Cab can be used as a complete DCC system or when tethered or wireless as a Pro Cab throttle for their larger command station.

Not sure why you don't get it. Looks pretty useful to me.

[C855B]

Exactly where did you see "Wi-Fi"?

[Scottl]

The interface board sure looks like the NCE system, I don't see any wifi or radio components on it.  The specs on the wiki don't mention wifi but confusingly mention tethering as an option.

Looks like an updated NCE system to me, with improvements in the controls (knob) and probably other more modern features.  My NCE runs 14 locomotives (12 idle, 2-5 running, some sound) without any problems so I think this would serve a lot of users.  My NCE is now 15 years old and keeps going, but I'm shifting to DCC-EX for wireless operation and other features like scripting.

But this is a great looking option for probably 90% of DCC users.

[Maletrain]

If you read the manual, you will see that this system is very similar to the NCE Power Cab, in that it requires the handset to be plugged into a specific jack on a special facia panel in order to be capable of providing track power to a layout.

It also says that if "Can be used as a throttle on LCC and NCE layouts," so it seems compatible with the NCE cab bus system.

I don't see any indication that it can be used untethered with any system, including the TCS CS-105.  So, in that sense, it is missing an option that NCE has for the PowerCab, which can have a radio board added so that it can act as an untethered radio cab when used with an NCE radio-equipped command station.  But, that might be "coming later" or whatever, from TCS.

[Steveruger45]

Quote from the flyer on the link.  “The DCC Starter System LT-50 "Layout Throttle" is an intelligently designed wired LCC throttle with a built-in command station.”
I see this as being equivalent to an nce power cab

[C855B]

Quote from the flyer on the link.  “The DCC Starter System LT-50 "Layout Throttle" is an intelligently designed wired LCC throttle with a built-in command station.”
I see this as being equivalent to an nce power cab

Okay. Now it makes sense. There seems to be no wireless option (so far), and very little indicated compatibility or expandability beyond the baseline LCC network.

I have their UWT-50P and UWT-100 and thoroughly enjoy them, running with JMRI on a Digitrax DCS240. So as it turns out I don't have a dog in this particular hunt; I was just trying to rationalize what was being offered versus the Wi-Fi throttles and new command station.

[mu26aeh]

I ran on Steve Johnson's Union Railroad a few weeks ago and he uses the LT-50 wi-fi throttles.  First time I've used them on my own, very easy to use.  Might get a few for my layout once I get up and running

[peteski]

Exactly where did you see "Wi-Fi"?

You know, my reading comprehension is lacking nowadays.     I received the email from TCS on this new item and I must have confused LCC with WiFi.  You're right, no WiFi capability.  It is just like a standard NCE Power Cab except more flexible since as a throttle device it also works on the LCC network.

[Hiroe]

The LT-50 also has the ability to operate on the NCE cab bus as a wired cab, using a custom cable you can make up out of standard available parts. Instructions on how to assemble this cable can be found in the LT-50 documentation page, there's a link to the NCE Adapter Cable page.