Next Generation

Next Generation "X" Series Decoder Bulletin

TCS decoders that end with "X" designate next generation. Over 12 improvements and features have been added compared to the the existing line of TCS decoders. Below is a list that explains the new features.

Two additional new features are now added to the "X" series beginning January 2005.

Some customers have said the alternating rate that the ditch lights blink back and forth was a bit too fast so we made it adjustable. A value of one in CV117 sets the slowest rate. A value of 12 in CV117 sets the fastest rate. This is a very nice feature! The prototype varies from one railroad to another particularly depending on what equipment and brand of loco is in service. Now you can adjust to your liking!

The button control of the motor feature is improved too allow full range power setting adjustment. A value from zero to 255 in CV133 sets the power applied to the motor when the motor circuit is used in button control mode. One useful feature of this is to use this when doing loco switching. The speed setting can be set for a good loco switching speed and then with a single button you can change the direction or stop the loco without adjusting the throttle.

The following are standard "X" Series features.

Adjustable dim is used to set the intensity level of a LED (light emitting diode) or bulb when using a dimmed lighting effect like "Rule 17"or "Opposite Dim". This is a great feature for use with the new golden white or bright white LED'S used for locomotive headlights. LED'S and incandescent bulbs are different in the intensity level when used in the dimmed condition. This is not a problem with TCS "Adjustable Dim". Adjust CV64 value to a number between 2 and 30. A value of 2 produces the most dimming. A value of 30 produces almost no dim. A value of 2 to 6 in CV64 works great for LED'S. A value of 16 in CV64 works good for incandescent bulbs.
Three point adjustable acceleration and deceleration curve. There are now three acceleration and deceleration values that are used. Each value is assigned a speed reference at which it is active. This means there are a total of six CV's for adjusting acceleration and deceleration. Acceleration and deceleration can be adjusted independently of each other. The advantage is to obtain slower acceleration rates starting from stop. As speed picks up, the rate of acceleration increases. You are "stretching" the beginning point of acceleration. You can achieve more prototypical acceleration and deceleration curves. No longer limited to a simple straight line rate.
Improved, more prototypical Ditch light operation. Ditch lights now fade off as they alternately blink. They slowly diminish in there intensity never quite going off completely. They are very prototypical now in there operation.
Ditch light button mapping. You can now select which button operates the the alternate blinking of the ditch lights. Previously it was either button two or five. Now you select and assign from buttons 0-6.
Improved MARS light. We gave the MARS a smoother and more prototype look. We did not stop there. You have a group of 5 CV's that can be adjusted to obtain the look that you like best.
Improved Rotary Beacon. It also has a group of 5 CV's to adjust the style of the beacon. Give it the look of a fast moving dual reflector beacon or a slower single reflector.
Decoder lock comes as a standard feature. When CV15=CV16 decoder is unlocked or when CV15=0
Rule 17 button mapping. You can now select which button operates Rule 17 dimming. Previously it was only button 4. Now you select and assign from buttons 0-6.
Button control of the motor. This allows button 2 or 3 to control the motor as if it were a function button. It can be configured for auto reversing operation or manual direction control. This has many interesting uses. The motor drive can then be used for things like smoke units. Rotary coal dumpers. Even for operating directional marker lights in a caboose.
Momentary pulse. An adjustable one shot pulse is is available on function one and two. Useful for things like uncoupling or activation of a sound module.
Complete re map ability. Function zero can be mapped to buttons 0 thru 6. Functions 1 thru 5 can be mapped to any button 0-12.
All X series decoders come standard with with Dither (adjustable pulse power) and are covered by our one year "goof proof" warranty.