TCS Command Station

This product is currently under development. The feature list below is not complete, and images may not accurately represent the final product.

The TCS command station brings DCC to the modern era by leveraging recent technology and industry developments. Layout Command Control (LCC) and RailCom support enables consistent bi-directional communication between your locomotives and peripheral devices.

The TCS command station also includes out-of-the-box wired support for NCE, including wireless systems such as those offered by NCE, or third-parties such as WiFiTrax. Built-in mounting holes and compact design means the TCS command station can be inconspicuously attached to any layout or dispatchers board. The TCS command station is rated for 5 Amperes of continuous current, but can be throttled back via user configuration to suit your needs. Especially for smaller layouts and scales, the system an still supply all of your Z, TT, N, and HO locomotives without boiling their shells! For lager scale enthusiasts in G and O scales (narrow gauge variants included), add-on boosters will keep your workhorses steaming ahead no problem!

List of Features:

• Separate outputs for Mainline and Programming tracks
• User-configurable Short Circuit Detection
• 5 Ampere Maximum Current Rating (add-on Boosters Available)
• One RJ-11 bus for wired throttles or peripherals
• Up to 62 Cab Bus (NCE, Ramtraxx, and SystemOne) Throttles and Accessories (via RJ-11)
• Up to 31 XpressNET™ (Lenz, Roco, ZTC, etc...) Throttles and Accessories (via RJ-11)
• One RailCom™ detector
• One dual-RJ45 Header for LCC Communication
• Support for Data and Power Transmission Over LCC
• Smartphone, Tablet, or PC WiFi Configuration
• Unlimited WiFi Throttle Connections Through Auxiliary LCC-enabled WiFi Base Station(s)
• Up to 10 LCC WiFi Throttles when Using an External Wi-Fi Access Point (Router)
• Up to 4 LCC WiFi Throttles via on-board WiFi when used in Access Point Mode
• Up to 250 Locomotives and Consists
• Intelligent Stack Management
• DCC Programing on the Main (with CV read-back via RailCom®)
• DCC Direct and Paged Mode Program Track Programming
• Support for Märklin/Motorola Protocol Decoders

JMRI Integration
With the TCS command station at your disposal, integration with JMRI has never been easier. You can load your roster from JMRI, including custom names and information given to locomotives within JRMI, and they will display on your throttle. You can use JMRI PanelPro to configure settings for your TCS Command Station and Universal WiFi Throttle. You can further set up and maintain custom configurations for different connection modes.

Programming Options
Take advantage of several different programming options with the TCS Command Station. RailCom programming on the mainline allows for live CV readb-back without the need for a dedicated programming track! Or, you may use an isolated programming track to use Direct or Paged mode programming. The TCS Command Station does not require an add-on "programming booster" for programming operations, unlike some command stations offered today, and older-generation systems available in the past.

When programming a decoder, the TCS throttle can display information about the CV down to the individual bit, giving users the ability to further understand and visualize CV's, and manipulate them at the bit level, which is especially useful for CV's used to configure multiple options, such as CV29 or CV61. TCS is striving to offer the most user-friendly programming interface possible, while not compromizing the operational capabilities in favor of "simplicity." The CV programming interface also includes the "Help" option which you may use after entering a NMRA standard CV to view the description of it without ever touching a manual!*

*note: TCS is not liable for discrepancies in programming as a result of manufacturer-specific deviations from NMRA standards.

LCC Integration
LCC Bus connections on the command station allow for direct interfacing with LCC layout devices and modules. You can communicate with any LCC system to control switches, adjust layout lighting, and anything else that the LCC bus is connected to.

RailCom Integration
RailCom enables bi-directional communication between the command station and decoders. This allows for read-back of CVs while programming on the mainline. The inclusion of RailCom opens up significant opportunities for future features and expansion.

Physical Throttle Compatibility
The TCS Command Station is cross-compatible with current hardware from other manufacturers. It currently includes support for up to 62 NCE, Ramtraxx, and/or SystemOne Throttles and Accessories via the on-board RJ-11 connector. The connection supports all NCE cabs such as the Power Cab, Pro Cab, and also NCE wireless throttles! The RJ-11 connector can alternatively support up to 31 XpressNET™ (Lenz, Roco, ZTC, etc...) Throttles and Accessories!
 

The TCS Command Station Prototype:

Boosters

Add-on boosters will be available for larger layouts, scales, and clubs that require additional power; however, the TCS command station may also be used with other manufacturers’ command stations and boosters through an LCC adapter.

The TCS booster will also be available with the same current-limiting user options as the command station.

Below is an example of a "layout" set up with the TCS WiFi Command System.