Decoders Digitrax vs TCS

Which will be the better drop in decoder for the GP35's? I know the TCS is still in developement stages. This would be based on the TCS Z2 decoder. Thanks for any input.

If you can wait, go with TC. I like their ability to run on dc. With Digitrax, it runs like crap under dc. If you going to run dcc only, Diitrax is not a bad choice, but I like the initial version with leds. Its easier to do my fiber optic conversion. It makes lights brighter, and you dont have those lighted eyebrows.

Yo, Dido to what John said, the digitrax is ok for DCC only (for me not a problem, i'm only DCC) but the DC running aspect of digitrax decoders is less that desireable.

Also as John said, if you plan to improve the poor lighting on the GP35 series with fiber otics, then the older version of the DZ123mo with the larger LED's is better. MTL resolved this issue with the GP9 series by adding the light snorkles. The Digitrax offers a few fun lighting options, and can be installed upside down (older version) and reprgramed to funtion correctly without a problem. If you go this route, post back to this thread, and John or i can post the CV's for this opperation.

Tony B..
Wasatch Z ClubB)

I have a few of them on the way from Anthony. You had stated the the older version are better for light operations. I believe I will end up with the new version. Is it possible to add the fiber optic upgrade to and assemblied loco?

Please forward any CV values as this will greatly help with the set-up. Thanks.

Ed

Hi Ed,
The problem with the newer version is that it use ulta small LED's, and there is not much surface area on the front/lit side to route the fiber optics to. It's do-able, but a little more percision in needed to align them right.

with the newer version, it will fit in right side up without modifying anything. On the older version, you either had to trim away the plastic from the black out curtain in the cab so the LED would fit, or simply install the decoder in upside down and re-programe it for direction of travel. So you shouldn't need to re-program the decoder as long as it goes in right side up.

Tony B..
Wasatch Z ClubB)

I have installed the TCS Z2s in several SD75s and really like them. As mentioned before, the ability to easily run DCC or DC is great if you have a DCC layout and your club modules are DC. I also like the TCS directions which have CV values and programming info right there. I have several of the drop-ins on order and plan to replace all of my Digitrax decoders in my Geeps.

John

It will be several more weeks (early-mid May) for the TCS decoders. After two runs of boards, they do not fit the MTL post notches well (too thick, then too thin). Digitrax boards have to be forced in on many too but TCS decided to just make it a true drop in: just push it down on the posts !

Jeff

Hi Jeff,
I emailed TCS last week and they said 6-8 weeks. It will be nice to have boards that you won't have to bend and contort to fit!

John

On the Digitrax decoders the LED is mounted on the board. What is the best method of directing the light from the rear LED into the light housing? Right now it just lights up the shell and no light gets to the rear number boards. I have put black tape on the inside of the side and that has helped but still no light to the number boards.

For the front headlights, you can get plastic fiber optic to put in the hole. Just the shortest piece (like 1/8" or 3mm) makes a HUGE difference in gathering up inside light. But for the number boards, it depends on the boards. Most are all black with only the numbers clear. Some are clear with the black numbers. You will have to either change the SMD (surface mount device) LED on the Digitrax board to a conventional T1 or so LED (like the original board, only put the LED on the correct side of the board !). One other option is to glue 2 fiber optics to the back of the number boards and run them to the LED, not an easy task.

But remember, prototype boards are not all that bright. Looking at them from the side will also greatly reduce the apparent light.

Jeff,

Thanks for your help. This makes complete sense. Thanks once again.

This is how you do it. Remember to melt the ends after cutting the fiber optics. It makes a big difference.

You know what they say, a pictures worth a thousand words. Thanks for the picture.