TCS strike two :(

[diezmon]

strike one was  the troubles I had with my first TCS decoder install:  Douse that light! - TrainBoard.com

Last night, I tried my hand at installing a CN decoder in one of my Atlas GP30's.   

Everything went well, no problems.  I got it installed and put it on the tracks to try it out.. and nothing.  No response.  Hmmm.. I'm I wiring the thing wrong?  Nope, double and triple checked the wiring.

I tried everything.. and was to the point of wondering why I'd decided on DCC when I decided to look through the packaging for any more documentation.   

that's when I saw a TINY little IC still in the package. It fell off of the front circuit board. No WONDER the thing doesn't work  LOL

So I'm 0 for 2 on installing tcs decoders with no problems.  I know they have the warranty, but now I have to send the thing back, what a pain.

Are others having the same troubles, or did I just happen to get TWO lemons in a row?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Wow, sounds like the luck that everyone else has with Digitrax.

And to think, I was really feeling the TCS love myself.

I just hope you're really unlucky!

[wm3798]

I just put a CN into an older GP-7, went without a hitch.  If it weren't for the fact that they cost twice as much as a DZ125, I'd be using them exclusively.

Lee

[scootbird]

I just put a CN into an older GP-7, went without a hitch.  If it weren't for the fact that they cost twice as much as a DZ125, I'd be using them exclusively.

Lee

Is there an advantage of TCS versus say NCE or DZ125?  Just curious,

Mike

[diezmon]

I just put a CN into an older GP-7, went without a hitch.  If it weren't for the fact that they cost twice as much as a DZ125, I'd be using them exclusively.

Lee

Is there an advantage of TCS versus say NCE or DZ125?  Just curious,

Mike

I think the big advantage is that it's all built into the light boards.  So you don't have to make any extra room for a decoder.   

[scootbird]

I just put a CN into an older GP-7, went without a hitch.  If it weren't for the fact that they cost twice as much as a DZ125, I'd be using them exclusively.

Lee

Is there an advantage of TCS versus say NCE or DZ125?  Just curious,

Mike

I think the big advantage is that it's all built into the light boards.  So you don't have to make any extra room for a decoder.   

OIC - we are not talking about hardwired decoder installs then?!

[diezmon]

I just put a CN into an older GP-7, went without a hitch.  If it weren't for the fact that they cost twice as much as a DZ125, I'd be using them exclusively.

Lee

Is there an advantage of TCS versus say NCE or DZ125?  Just curious,

Mike

I think the big advantage is that it's all built into the light boards.  So you don't have to make any extra room for a decoder.   

OIC - we are not talking about hardwired decoder installs then?!

well, it's kind of a hybrid... you still have to do some soldering.

[Ian MacMillan]

Never had a problem with a TCS decoder so far. Same with Digitrax.

[diezmon]

That reminds me.  I sent my TCS decoder back, right after I posted this thread.

not a peep from them yet.