Note: Product Literature

The literature that originally arrived with your decoder purchase, including basic instructions and wiring diagrams can be found on each specific product page on the TCS website. Navigate to your specific product and check the literature under the "Documents" tab. Most TCS products can be navigated to directly by entering the SKU number into your browser's address bar. For example, "https://tcsdcc.com/1517" would take you directly to the WOW101-KA-Steam decoder. You may also use the search box in the top right of the page to search for a product by name or SKU number.

Decoder Programming Resources

Here you can find programming guides including CV numbers and values to set up your decoder to your desired settings.

This page contains helpful documents and links for TCS users. Click here to find programming tools specific to your decoder.

Comprehensive Programming Guide

TCS Comprehensive Programming Guide: Download

The Comprehensive Programming Guide contains all the information we could fit into one document regarding CVs and decoder configuration. The Comprehensive Programming Guide covers configuration options which apply to both WOWSound and Non-sound decoders. Learn how to modify everything from decoder addresses and lighting features, remap lighting functions, set speed curves, control momentum, and more!
Download the Comprehensive Programming Guide (PDF document, 713KB.)

Complete Programming Guides for WOWSound Decoders:

WOWSound Steam Programming Guide V4: Download (PDF document, 1.0MB)

This manual covers the setup and configuration of the sound components of the Version 4 WOWSound Steam decoder. This guide contains details for steam-specific sounds and functions. All general NMRA, lighting, and motor control programming options are covered in the TCS Comprehensive Programming Guide above.
Download the V4 WOWSteam Guide (PDF document, 1.0MB). 

WOWSound Diesel Programming Guide V4: Download (PDF document, 1.2MB)

This manual covers the setup and configuration of the sound components of the Version 4 WOWSound Diesel decoder. This guide contains details for diesel-specific sounds and functions. All NMRA, lighting, and motor control programming options are covered in the TCS Comprehensive Programming Guide above. Download the V4 WOWDiesel Guide (PDF document, 1.2MB). 

WOWSound Electric Programming Guide: Download (PDF document, 1.2MB)

This manual covers the setup and configuration of the sound components of the WOWSound Electric decoder. The ACS-64 model from Bachmann has TCS' first WOWSound decoder with electric sounds. TCS does not currently offer other Electric decoders. Download the WOWSound Electric Guide (PDF document, 1.2MB).
 

WOWSound Decoder Complete Sound Lists:

Looking for a specific sound? WOWSound decoders come with our ENTIRE LIBRARY of sounds loaded onto them. It's easy to choose your chuff set or prime mover, as well as set horns, bells, whistles, and many other sounds. Click these links to view what's included in our current lineup: WOWSteam Version 4 | WOWDiesel Version 4 Prime

Audio Assist Programming Trees

Need help figuring out what the menu structure is for Audio Assist in your TCS WOWSound decoder? Download the Audio Assist Programming Tree for the current Version of your decoder:
WOWSteam | WOWDiesel (PDF document, 5.1MB).

Classic N (CN; CN-GP) Installation Guide

CN/CN-GP Classic N Installation Guide: Download (PDF document, 2.5MB)

TCS continues to offer a standalone guide for "Classic N-Scale" locomotive (CN and CN-GP decoder) installations. This installation guidebook can familiarize yourself first with the different styles of "Classic N" chassis, and walk you thorough a generic installation. Following the advice and recommended practices in this guide will guarantee a successful installation every time! Download the CN/CN-GP Classic N Installation guide (PDF document, 2.5MB). 

Note that our list of photo-documented installations can be found on out N-Scale Installations Page.

Connector Wiring Diagrams: Visit

Wiring Diagrams for many common locomotive connectors, including 8-Pin NMRA and 21-Pin MTC.

Recomended Solder Practices: Visit

Follow this guide to strip, tin, and solder your wire just like our professionals in production!

Bachmann OEM Decoder Resources:

Find decoder literature and other resources specific to your factory WOWSound-equipped Bachmann models here:

Bachmann Spectrum | ACS-64 Resources Visit

Bachmann Spectrum | Streamlined K4 Resources Visit

Bachmann Spectrum | Russian "Decapod" Quick Start Guide

Bachmann Spectrum | On30 "Trench" Locomotive Quick Start Guide | Chassis Exploded View | Boiler Exploded View

Bachmann Spectrum | SC-44 Charger Quick Start Guide | TCS Documentation Wiki

Rapido OEM Decoder Resources:

Find decoder literature and other resources specific to your factory WOWSound-equipped Rapido models here:

Rapido | ALCO PA/PB (Coming Soon)

Universal WiFi Throttle Guides & Resources:

Many of the questions and instructions for setting up and using your Universal WiFi throttle from TCS can be found in the Quick Start Guide which comes included with your device. If you have lost or misplaced your QSG, you can view and download it for free by visiting the product page for your device, and then clicking  "Resources" on the right. However, we can't dream of fitting all of the features into one shot manual! If you want to learn more, or need support for features of the Universal WiFi Throttle not covered in the QSG, check out the articles below. Follow the links below to view resources and guides for setting up and using your UWT-100 or UWT-50:

Updating your Universal WiFi Throttle Firmware | TCS D.E.P.O.T. Instructions | JMRI (PanelPro) Instructions

Changelog for Universal WiFi Throttle Firmware Updates | (Coming Soon)

How to interface the TCS Universal WiFi Throttle with your Command Station: Visit

Setting up and using NCE Macros with the Universal WiFi Throttle: Visit

Technical Support Resources and FAQ: Visit

Is my decoder too hot? How do you wire speakers and LEDs to WOWSound decoders? What is advanced consisting anyway? 
We've compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions and most helpful answers all in one place. When you have a technical support issue, take a quick look here to see if your issue has already been resolved!

Multimeter Troubleshooting Guide: Read

Grab a multi-meter and try these basic checks on your decoder before calling in the cavalry. These short, simple tests can be performed to diagnose a wide variety of simple issues you may be having with a decoder installation.