I did the testing at the request of Ed L. I also used SHS engines and new and older brass RR models [SP Mike & GP9]. Even took photos and made some draft write ups for an article. Maybe someday . . .
TCS T1 is an outstanding motor control decoder. Best value too of the motor control decoders out there - cheaper than the other brands and better warranty (free repair even if you smoke it -- who said there isn't such a thing as a free lunch!) The Zimo will give you slightly better motor control, but I would guess the majority of decoder users would not notice the difference or find the improvement worth the additional cost [2x the T1]. FWIW, for motor control I use Zimo decoders in my steamers and TCS in my diesels with sound provided by a Tsunami. Cheers, John Gibson Rocklin, CA S Scale SIG Secretary/Treasurer sscale.org BASS bayareasscalers.org --- In [email protected], "Ed" <Loizeaux@...> wrote: > > > 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/
