> Anyone have experience with TCS decoders? > Ed Davis A local train buddy and fellow member of BASS has conducted controlled testing to compare various brands of decoders to each other. The focus of this testing was primarily on slow smooth starts and stops. I believe he used AM diesels and SWM steamers for his tests. While I do not recall the exact methodology of testing, measuring, and so forth, I do recall the end results and have my own opinions as follows:
1. TCS has the best motor control performance of any American made decoder. Zimo decoders, made in Austria, were very slightly better in the motor control department. Simply put, TCS BEMF is better than the rest especially when it comes to multiple-unit lashups and the like. If slow smooth jerk-free starts are your desire, TCS will make you a happy camper. Compared to Tsunami, the TCS motor control is clearly superior. 2. It is a quality product and is the favorite non-sound decoder for most of the HO guys that hang out around here. 3. TCS has announced steam sound decoders which will become available this summer. 4. All TCS products are made in Pennsylvania. 5. My personal favorite decoder is Zimo for all the reasons as detailed in the S SIG forum at http://sscale.org/ Zimo now has sound decoders available and the variety is expanding. Hope this helps........Ed Loizeaux ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
