I have a free decoder coming from TCS. I want to convert one of my proto GP-18's I picked up recently. Anyone know which TCS is a drop in, or near drop in?
The TCS CN-GP or the K2D4 should work in the GP18. Take a look at TCS's installation page to determine which frame you have (Life-Like or Walther) http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/N_Scale/N_Search/search.html
I don't see how the K2D4 would work. CN-GP is the way to go. Both examples, with both frames, on the TCS site are the CN-GP. Closest thing to a drop-in without being one.
it's the proto unit, so split frame.. there's an example of the K2D4 install on there.. I must have missed it on first glance
Excellent! Three frame variations with the same body! I would have said the CN-GP (having done one myself) not knowing of the third Walthers frame.
Wouldn't the K2D4 fit? That's a drop in for the Kato RS2 which I thought would fit the Proto2000 GP18 with little or no modification. K2D4 [1294] - $39.95 : TCS, Digital Command Control Decoders BenW
Yes, it would, for the Walthers version. I wasn't aware there were three different runs of this loco with three different frames. What I said would apply only to the versions produced by Life-Like. Diezmon has the Walther's version (I suggest specifiying "Walther's", since LL also used the "Proto" brand name.) Pictures on TCS website, here. Note the differences between the LL versions, at the link posted by Trainguy above. Make sure you know which version you have before you obtain your decoder.
KD24 it is btw.. I got it for putting this together. gotta love their free decoder deal! TCS CN-GP Decoder Installation for N-Scale LifeLike GP18
Just to follow up on this. Here is the LL Proto GP-18 with the TCS K2D4 installed. I didn't have to file the frame as suggested in the TCS site install. I chose to trim the small contacts of the front of the board instead.
I'm glad it worked out for you on this decoder..... but just for future reference, what you did was dangerous. TCS uses a multilayering process in their board. So there are traces not only on the top and bottom, but also between layers. So that means that by filing, not only could you accidentally cut an important trace on the middle layer, but that it is possible to cause a short because of a burr from the middle layer is positive and touches the top layer is which might be negative--- zappp! But the good news it that they do in fact advertise goof proof! But once again, I'm glad it worked out for you-----this time. Ron
Tim, a simple and straightforward install. FYI, I've got into the habit of placing heat shrink over the LED's a la Atlas/LL non-DCC boards. Helps with controlling the interior light show. With the install I did, the frame was the first version of the split frame so used a CN-GP. I also changed the LL trucks out to a pair of Atlas GP Blombergs Jim, the decoder's running characteristics? In a word, superb!
Well, I'm certainly no expert.. but I have NCE, Digitrax, and TCS decoders installed. I haven't noticed any large difference between them.. I haven't had any trouble with any of them. I think if you were to ask the group, you'd get a whole slew of different opinions.
I use mostly TCS decoders and have even helped them develop a couple (proposals and beta testing- not circuit design). One of the things that drew me to them was the lack of a hummm at early start up. When turning the throttle just barely up, I noticed some decoders Atlas/Lenz and Digitrax had an annoying humm to them. Some people in the past have responded back to such a post and said-- you don't have this or that CV setting at the right value. Adjust them this or that way. Why can TCS get it right with no adjustment? I don't want to have to tinker (especially when another comaany gets it right. Another thing I've noticed is that if you ever need to run your DCC locos on an analog layout (not everybody does-- I use a dual layout, and I take my trains to friend's houses). TCS decoders consume very little of the initial analog voltage to get up an running. Digitrax, on the other hand, consumes a good deal of the voltage. What that means in the real world is that if a Digitrax loco is programed to run at a realistic speed in DCC, then on an analog layout, it will take a LOT of voltage to get it running fairly well, and even then it will run fairly slowly. If you plan to run one on analog, you need to increase MAX voltage to allow decent running speed. I don't find this necessary with TCS. Those are just a couple of small differences (aside from the fact that TCS directions are easier to read-- and so is NCE.) But decoders are very personal. People grow fond of brands, and the Digitrax brand has a huge fan base. They make excellent decoders and other features will no doubt be lifted up.
Ron, Since TCS has taken it off of rheir website, is there any where I can find a copy of your LL SW Z2 install?
nah, I wasn't worried.. what I trimmed was a VERY little part.. hardly noticeable, and I did check for leads. The tabs lead goes off in a different direction than where I trimmed.
Tad, They made a lot of changes to their website. They are moving more to an illustrated step-by-step install. In the old days, all they wanted was a photo of their decoder in a loco. But not any more. So they have deleted a good bit of old stuff. Including some of my old installs. They also want to point people to their newer decoders. So they deleted old decoder stuff. I just looked on my hard drive at my back up stuff and saw that my SW1200 was a) an M1, not a Z2. b) and did not have full instructions Both of which is probably why they deleted it. I installed it in the nose inplace of the light board. The Z2 will be a lot easier. The Z2 is so small, it might even fit in the cab over the flywheel.
I have over 50 locos with digitrax decoders, started to see decoders that are too wide, missing wires, and just not working correctly. So I started using TCS decoders and so far I really like them. Installed there new Z2 in 2 LL SW1200. CNs in 2 old Atlas RS3, and 4 old Atlas GP. Looks like TCS has a new customer.
Oh! I made a couple of suggestions to prod TCS on the development of the new wide bodied decoders. And for about a year, I've been begging them to give us more functions than 4. Four only gives you headlights and ditch lights and that's it. But if you model anything more (like a lot of SP fans, or NS fans or anyone else who has ditch lights on BOTH ends, or a railroad that has the above AND a flashing beacon), then you NEED more. I reminded them that Digitrax had them beat with six functions. Well, they surprised me and developed the new F3/F7/E8/PA-1/P42 decoder with EIGHT functions! Whooo-Hooo! Now if they would just make a generic M-6 or M-8, or better yet, a Z-6 or Z-8, then I would be in business. The MC-6 is too wide for most N scale work.
