Two Function, 1.3 Amp N or HO "Micro Decoder" Now With Programmable BEMF/Dither Functions. Download The New BEMF PDF File Click Here.

From the start the design criteria for the M1 decoder was to make it small for N scale but fully capable of powering OO/HO locos! 

• Electronic Specifications:
  • 1.3 amp Motor drive rating
  • 2.0 amp peak load
  • Two 100mA function outputs
    
• Size:
  • Length: 14mm (0.570")
  • Width: 9mm (0.355")
  • Thickness:  3.5mm (0.132")

17.00 Each For 5+

Three Function X series , 1.3 Amp N or HO "Micro Decoder".

• Electronic Specifications:
  • 1.3 amp Motor drive rating
  • 2.0 amp peak load
  • Three 100mA function outputs
    
• Size:
  • Length: 14mm (0.570")
  • Width: 9mm (0.355")
  • Thickness:  3.5mm (0.132")

Four Function X series, 1.3 Amp N or HO "Micro Decoder".

• Electronic Specifications:
  • 1.3 amp Motor drive rating
  • 2.0 amp peak load
  • Four 100mA function outputs
    
• Size:
  • Length: 14mm (0.570")
  • Width: 9mm (0.355")
  • Thickness:  3.5mm (0.132")

TCS-MC2

Two-Function, 1.3 Amp N or HO Scale Micro Decoder With Miniature 7-Pin Harness Connector. Now With Programmable BEMF/Dither Functions. Download The New BEMF PDF File Click Here.

• Electronic Specifications:
  • 1.3 amp Motor drive rating
  • 2.0 amp peak load
  • Two 100mA function outputs
    
• Size:
  • Length: 18mm (0.71")
  • Width: 10.5mm (0.41")
  • Thickness:  5mm (0.19'')

TCS-MC4

Four-Function X series, 1.3 Amp N or HO Scale Micro Decoder With Miniature 7-Pin Harness Connector. 

• Electronic Specifications:
  • 1.3 amp Motor drive rating
  • 2.0 amp peak load
  • Four 100mA function outputs
    
• Size:
  • Length: 18mm (0.71")
  • Width: 10.5mm (0.41")
  • Thickness:  5mm (0.19'')

TCS-MC6

Six-Function X series , 1.3 Amp N or HO Scale Micro Decoder With Miniature 7-Pin Harness Connector. 

• Electronic Specifications:
  • 1.3 amp Motor drive rating
  • 2.0 amp peak load
  • Six 100mA function outputs
    
• Size:
  • Length: 18mm (0.71")
  • Width: 10.5mm (0.41")
  • Thickness:  5mm (0.19'')

Decoder Fits The following Atlas locos; GP-38,  Dash 8-40B,  Dash 8-40BW, Dash 8-32BW, B23-7, B30-7, B36-7, C628, C630, plus DCC ready versions of the following GP-40, GP-40-2, SD-7, SD-9, SD-35, Train Master & U25B.

• Features Include;

   

  • 2 x 100ma Function Decoder.
  • 1 amp (2 amp peak) loading.
  • Drop in style decoder for easy installation.
  • Golden White LEDs
  • Decoders are almost transparent on DC, making the engine act like a decoder isn't there. Brake on DC allows you to control the lights while the train is in a DC block.
  • Quiet Drive is active at all times.
  • Dither provides rapid bursts of power to overcome resistance. You control both the power and frequency. See slow speeds unequalled in the industry.
  • Lighting Effects: Auto-reversing headlights,  Mars, Gyra, Rotary Beacon, Single- and Double-Pulse Strobe, Opposite Dim, Flashing 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.
  • Button Control allows you to pick the control buttons of your choice.
  • Factory Reset lets you change most of your choices back to their factory default values if you get into a situation you don't like.
  • 128 speed steps are active when Mid volts, Top volts, Start volts or the user- loadable speed table is active for much smoother operation.
  • Primary 2-digit addressing or advanced 4-digit addressing may be used.
  • Consist Addressing has a Special Feature allowing you to automatically turn off any undesired lighting when you add the engine to a consist.
  • TCS decoders support all programming modes plus OPS mode ( on-track programming ) and meet NMRA DCC standards for compatibility.

• Size:
  • Length:  (3.030" Including LED's)
  • Width: (0.355")
  • Thickness:  (0.135'')

Has gold plated contacts for reliable operation!

MP-15N decoder installed in Atlas N scale MP-15N locomotive.

Installation notes: The plastic light shield that fits over the rear LED needs to be re installed as shown. A piece of electrical tape on the end helps hold it in place when re installing and helps block un wanted light coming out of the cab.

Red arrow points to function pad one (green pad) located on top side of decoder.

Black arrow points to function two (violet pad) located on bottom side of decoder. Red line indicates solder pad for 12 volt power.

Decoder Fits The following Atlas loco; MP-15.

• Features Include;

   

  • 1 amp (2 amp peak) loading.
  • Drop in style decoder for easy installation.
  • 2 extra light functions @100Ma output each.
  • Golden White LEDs
  • Decoders are almost transparent on DC, making the engine act like a decoder isn't there. Brake on DC allows you to control the lights while the train is in a DC block.
  • Quiet Drive is active at all times.
  • Dither provides rapid bursts of power to overcome resistance. You control both the power and frequency. See slow speeds unequalled in the industry.
  • Lighting Effects: Auto-reversing headlights,  Mars, Gyra, Rotary Beacon, Single- and Double-Pulse Strobe, Opposite Dim, Flashing 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.
  • Button Control allows you to pick the control buttons of your choice.
  • Factory Reset lets you change most of your choices back to their factory default values if you get into a situation you don't like.
  • 128 speed steps are active when Mid volts, Top volts, Start volts or the user- loadable speed table is active for much smoother operation.
  • Primary 2-digit addressing or advanced 4-digit addressing may be used.
  • Consist Addressing has a Special Feature allowing you to automatically turn off any undesired lighting when you add the engine to a consist.
  • TCS decoders support all programming modes plus OPS mode ( on-track programming ) and meet NMRA DCC standards for compatibility.

Has gold plated contacts for reliable operation!

Decoder Fits The following Atlas loco; Vo-1000.

• Features Include;

   

  • 1 amp (2 amp peak) loading.
  • 2 extra light functions @100Ma output each.
  • Drop in style decoder for easy installation.
  • Sunny White LEDs
  • Decoders are almost transparent on DC, making the engine act like a decoder isn't there. Brake on DC allows you to control the lights while the train is in a DC block.
  • Quiet Drive is active at all times.
  • Dither provides rapid bursts of power to overcome resistance. You control both the power and frequency. See slow speeds unequalled in the industry.
  • Lighting Effects: Auto-reversing headlights,  Mars, Gyra, Rotary Beacon, Single- and Double-Pulse Strobe, Opposite Dim, Flashing 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.
  • Button Control allows you to pick the control buttons of your choice.
  • Factory Reset lets you change most of your choices back to their factory default values if you get into a situation you don't like.
  • 128 speed steps are active when Mid volts, Top volts, Start volts or the user- loadable speed table is active for much smoother operation.
  • Primary 2-digit addressing or advanced 4-digit addressing may be used.
  • Consist Addressing has a Special Feature allowing you to automatically turn off any undesired lighting when you add the engine to a consist.
  • TCS decoders support all programming modes plus OPS mode ( on-track programming ) and meet NMRA DCC standards for compatibility.

VO-1000 application note regarding use of Kapton tape to protect electrical shorting of motor leads to frame of loco.

Before installing the VO-1000 decoder we recommend placing a small piece of Kapton tape over both  motor leads.  Place the tape in such a way that the top of the motor lead is not covered. The top of the motor lead must rest against the bottom of the decoder. Only cover the area of the motor lead that comes close to contacting the frame of the loco.  See photos below!  There is very little clearance between the motor leads and the frame. ( A definite over sight on the part of Atlas). We are talking only a few thousands of an inch. We have had several decoder warranty repairs do to the motor leads shorting against the frame. We used 1/4" Kapton tape cut to about 3/16" long. We put the tape in place using tweezers.  It is not necessary to take both sides of the frame off to apply the tape. It can be slipped down from the top and put in place.  It is not hard to do and could save a lot of trouble! If you do not have Kapton tape, it is available from TCS.

Top photo is looking down from the top. The tape can be slipped into place without taking the motor assembly out of the frame. Bottom photo shows engineers side. Notice tape placed over motor lead to protect it from shorting against the frame.

• Electronic Specifications:
  • Four light functions
  • Each rated 200ma.
     
• Size:
  • Length: 14mm (0.570")
  • Width: 9mm (0.355")
  • Thickness:  3.5mm (0.132")

Back EMF. 

All TCS decoders have a built in type of BEMF.  It is different then conventional type of BEMF.  It works automatically. There is no adjustment CV. Many people like how TCS decoders will smoothly go down hills with heavy train load pushing and not run away but maintain even speed. In fact many of our customers have told us that TCS decoders have the best performance of any decoder in this regard.

In addition, all TCS decoders have “Dither” which is adjustable. Dither has similar effects as “BEMF”. It can be best described is being like “pulse power” on a conventional DC power pack. With Dither you adjust the frequency of the pulses at CV56. Adjust the amplitude of the pulses at CV57. With Dither and built in BEMF you have the best control available from any decoder.

Quiet Drive:

Quiet Drive is for smooth and quiet motor performance.  All TCS decoders currently have the Quiet Drive feature.

Dither.  What is Dither?

Dithers are used at low speeds to help overcome the restriction of locomotive mechanics.  It provides better and smoother low speed performance.  It is similar to a start volt but not the same.  Dithers give an additional higher voltage pulse to the normal motor output voltage.  The effect is similar to adding pulse power on conventional DC power packs.  Dither are especially helpful on locomotives that have high starting friction.

There are two parameter that control the operation of a Dither in TCS Decoder.  Program the frequency of the additional pulse by putting a value in CV56.  A value of 1 will give the highest frequency of 30 additional pulses per second.  The higher the number (ranging from 1 to 255) the lower the frequency.  We recommend to try starting with a value of 5.  The practical range for CV56 is 1 to 10.

CV57 control the amplitude of the Dither's pulses, again valid values range from 1 to 255.  (1 being the lowest voltage and 255 being the highest voltage)  We recommend to try starting with a value of 25 or 30 for CV57.  The practical range for CV57 are values of 5 through 50.

When giving CV57 a value of 0, the Dither is disabled.  Dithers will be automatically cut off and not used above 21% of full speed.  It can be used in addition to start volt, kick start, and/or by itself.  Factory default for CV57 is 0, CV57 will also be reset to 0 when using when using factory reset feature.

Factory reset feature can be enabled by setting CV30 or CV8 with a value of 2, then turning the power off and then back on.

Try experimenting with Dithers to achieve better low speed operation.  The effect will narrow the window between what point the locomotive starts move and at what point it will stay running.

New X 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.

Function Re-Mapping:

Outputs can be reassigned to different control buttons.  Outputs can also be controlled by more than one function button.  See Function Re-mapping for more detailed information about this topic.

For TH120DP re-map rear headlights control from function 0 to function 1 or 4.  Set bit 0 of CV61.  To set this bit, write a value of 1 to CV61.  (How to Set a Bit to a CV)  Remap the rear headlights to function 1 and function 4 control with decoder versions 7 and up.

Easy Reset CV's:

This is how to reset decoders (version 8 and up) to their factory default value.  To see what version your decoder is, just look at the value for CV7.

To reset CV's:

1. On programming track, write a value of 2 into CV30 or CV8.

2. The decoder must now go through a power down, power up cycle.

3. The reset will take effect upon power up.

Note:  Writing to CV8 doesn't actually change the value in CV8, because it is a read only register.  When writing to CV8, it will write to CV30.  This enables a factory reset with command stations that use physical register programming, like the MRC 2000 Command and the Atlas Commander.

CV's that will reset to factory default:   1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 17, 18, 19, 29, 30, 49, 50, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, and  61.  User loadable speed table is not effected by the reset.