TCS LT-50 DCC Beginner Set Takes Aim At NCE PowerCab (304)

[@josephcosta5161]

Wow i love that tsc throttle system..so easy to work . perfect consist... expensive but pretty much worth it..i have the mrc prodigy express for a good 5 years and still working good...but not as easy as this one , joe

[@peteengard9966]

Thank you Larry. Nice little system, but I don't see it replacing my Power Cab.

[@scotabot7826]

I've been waiting on this system. Will be ordering one for sure! Thanks for the vid Larry!

[@phil36310]

If you're a new comer to this hobby have a look at Blunami from Soundtraxx or the soon available HM7000 Hornby. This DCC middle age system is already obsolete compared with the simple to use - hassle free CV Bluetooth systems. And for the price you won't get tangled up in cables either !

[@TheDCCGuy]

Be aware that some TCS dealers will offer reduced prices once these get into distribution. I know that Streamlined Backshop lists them at about $229 once they get them in stock.

[@scotabot7826]

Yes, thanks for the earlier heads-up. The Yankee Dabbler has them on sale for $149,99, which is a excellent price. I love it and the controller is so much nicer than the big "hammerhead" contriller from NCE.@@TheDCCGuy

[@Sinistar24]

I was just about to order a NCE power cab, then I watched this. Seeing that this system is now on a "sale" for $150, I guess its a no brainer now lol , $50 less than power cab.

[@jhoodfysh]

Thanks for the information Larry.

[@elsdp-4560]

Thank you for sharing.👍

[@michaellawson1518]

I use a digitrax Superchief (it was my first experience with DCC) I got for free, so for now, I'll keep using it, but this looks a lot more user-friendly especially for a beginner

[@bittyboy721]

I bought the CS-105 a few months ago. Its been great so far and I look forward to the continued advancement of LCC.Obviously LCC is still in the early phases but its amazing what you can do with it with the limited amount of hardware available, the possibilities will truely be endless.

[@robertbarnes5262]

Great video sounds like a good system.

[@thomasgrassi8817]

Larry nice presentation I will stick with my NCE system but may be looking for another controller

[@TheDCCGuy]

Tom-TCS does offer special bundle deals that combine one of their wifi throttles with a WifiTrax transceiver. Take a look at www.tcsdcc.com/shop?Category=Throttle+Bundles .

[@isaiahfurrow7414]

​@@TheDCCGuyor even the Wifitrax module alone to add wifi ... I think that is my next purchase , some Wifitrax products... I will likely get one of the panels for my SB5 to add another fascia panel and wifi, as well as possibly one of the wifi panels that act as the PCP main panel for a power cab... but I just noticed that they also have a 5A wifi command station and booster panel... I may look closer at that one first. Cheers

[@donaldshroyer8633]

This is a nice looking system. Questions: 1. Does consisting work with, or separately from, CV 19? 2. Is there noticeable heat generation in the hand-held unit? 3. If one wanted a coiled cable, what spec is needed (eg. Rj12 6p6c)?

[@TheDCCGuy]

All good questions and I’ll send them to the tech guys at TCS. Consisting is handled in the handheld using their own approach however it would of course support CV19 advanced consisting. I am sure that if you pushed the unit to its max capacity the handset would get warm just like the PowerCab.

[@markdeschane4467]

Larry, Would you be able to say that the TCS system is easier to use than a Digitrax DCS52 Zephyr Express? I'm interested in easier programming when using a dedicated Programming Track?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Mark I planned to check out more of the capabilities this weekend, including programming. That literally was the first time I had it out of the box.

[@markdeschane4467]

@@TheDCCGuy Larry, I have been a Digitrax guy for 25 years. I don't like their Help Desk, It's stupid to make your customers go through the way they connect for help and I hate how they have written their Manuals, CONFUSING to say the least. I'm not necessarily going to make a switch, just considering my options. Mark

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes, their manuals have been an issue since the first one about 1994. Matter of fact almost all DCC manuals are like that, probably because they are written by the technical geniuses who design this stuff. They just can’t seem to be able to explain it in terms normal folks can understand!

[@BriansModelTrains]

Thanks for the informational video. I am surprised how similar it is to the NCE PowerCab as you stated. One big difference is on the panel; the LED on the TCS is Green and the NCE is Red. I will check out the documentation as you suggested. My first impression is why would they make this? I do like choices however.

[@TheDCCGuy]

For one thing it offers LCC compatibility and once they get it fully tricked out with accessories I think it will be a more modern system using current technologies.

[@BriansModelTrains]

@@TheDCCGuy Very true about LCC compatibility. Thanks.

[@stuartbaker3595]

As stated, TCS' goal was to bring an LCC capable system to the market that is reasonable close in price to other comparable entry level systems.

[@TG73928]

Larry I am a little off topic here but, do I remember you making a speaker box with multiple speakers in it? You used a rotary switch to select which speaker the sound came from. I am looking to build one and wire it up to my ESU decoder tester. I am not sure how to get it all wired correctly. Any help is appreciated. Thanks and keep up the great topics and reviews on your channel.

[@TheDCCGuy]

That wasn’t me, better keep searching on KZbin.

[@randydobson1863]

hello larry its is randy and i like u video thanks and i like super cool thanks larry friends randy

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Larry so I guess more stuff coming, big issue for me TCS does not have dealers in Canada ,, too costly to order directly, I have the UWT 50 with a wifi interface with my NCE system

[@TheDCCGuy]

I am surprised to hear they have no dealers in Canada-they even have them in the UK!

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Larry TCS won’t give Canadian dealers them reselling pricing some day maybe, I got my UWT50 because of shipping error got at cost

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Larry it looks like TCS has taken a step backwards, I have UWT 50 throttle wireless , wish they created a system that would work with my UWT 50 , great video

[@TheDCCGuy]

You can use the UWT-50 with it if you purchase the LCC-USB interface from RRCirKits or their own wifi interface once it is available. They have a lot of things in development that will be coming out ASAP.

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Larry that is great , waiting for your helix video stageing yard

[@TheDCCGuy]

Every time I get ready to start the next big project that will allow me to make the final helix connection something else pops up. This time it was the TCS DCC systems.

[@danmycio5308]

The UWT-50 and UWT-100 are able to be used with the CS-105 WiFi Command Station directly. TCS is also developing a WiFi add-on device for the wired LCC bus. This device can add support for UWT's to the LT-50 directly, rather than relying on JMRI for example, as Larry mentioned.

[@woodalexander]

I agree. The form factor of the PowerCab and LT-50 is quite limited. I wish that they had targeted an LCC command station with built-in Wi-Fi that would start out with an app-based throttle and allow UWTs to be added on instead of this.

[@jefferykeeper9034]

Digitrax all the way, because you don't have to stay pluged in all the time after you plug in only once you don't have too again until you turn on layout next time.

[@woodalexander]

With the Zephyr, you have one throttle that's tethered. Compare apples to apples, not oranges.

[@isaiahfurrow7414]

​@@woodalexander, right... entry level starter set... I'm really interested in the Wifitrax stuff... add wifi so easily to NCE without JMRI...and also, they have a 5A wifi command station that is like 150 bucks... I might try that for a small portable layout.

[@woodalexander]

@@isaiahfurrow7414NCE is OK, but really expensive for what you get. I'm not a fan of the PowerCab or the LT-50, they're just very limited compared to the Digitrax DCS52 Zephyr in that price point.

[@phil36310]

So we're still in the middle ages with tethered control ? I can do the same with the NCE power Cab (cheaper). LLC is still a baby in the making. In conjonction with the Wifitrax WFD-30 I have true walk-around on my NCE. Anyway Bluetooth is "The" future to enjoy model railroading without all the middle age hassle of CV settings, complicated JMRI, PC hook up etc.. Have a look at the new HM7000 from Hornby with sound decoder price less then half of the big boys decoders. And for younger new comers to this fine hobby Bluetooth the way to go. Plug and play - no cables, no difficult to understand manuals and IF -extension procedures... and for the price of a power supply and a decoder. Everybody has a smartphone these days, and you can get one for - 50$. Whatever Android or Apple. This NCE copy fromTCS is already OBSOLETE ! Cheers

[@BriansModelTrains]

No bluetooth for N scale and the NMRA is supporting LCC. Currently using DCC-EX (an arduino based command stattion for @ $40) so I have no dog in the fight. Cheers!

[@phil36310]

@@BriansModelTrains Good for you. But Bluetooth is coming for smaller scales. LCC with Bluetooth will make the difference too. Exiting times for our hobby. Success!

[@farmerdave7965]

I've been a Digitrax user for many years. I'm moving away from Digitrax in favor of LCC. I own a CS-105 which is a great system.

[@steveashcraft718]

I'm surprised nobody has a wireless system yet.

[@TheDCCGuy]

There are lots of wireless systems available and you can use wifi throttle with this one via a DecoderPro connection. I discussed this in the video, didn’t you watch it all?

[@steveashcraft718]

@@TheDCCGuy , somehow I missed that part. Sorry.

[@jrisner1951]

A lot of info.

[@greeneyedggirl]

Frankly I cannot see why getting this one would be better that getting a powercab from MRC at a less expensive price.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Except MRC doesn’t make the PowerCab.

[@greeneyedggirl]

@@TheDCCGuy right! Okay, whomever makes it, it's still cheaper than this...

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes, MSRP for the PowerCab is $249.95 whereas the LT-50 is $259.95, not a really significant difference given the increased capabilities. Personally I like them both and use the PowerCab on my modules.

[@BriansModelTrains]

@@greeneyedggirl NCE 😁

[@roystevens4333]

The 1990's called and want their TV remote back. Seriously, can't just one DCC manufacturer hire someone that has taken at least one class in ergonomics?

[@HulaViking]

Best is to use a cell phone app and wifi

[@woodalexander]

Have you actually used a TCS throttle? They are very ergonomic, more so than any other DCC throttle, and very well thought out. I don't like the LT-50 as a tethered system, but it is the same case as the UWT-50 series. The UWTs are the best general purpose throttles on the market.

[@scotabot7826]

You're exactly right. I love the new TCS LT-50. Very comfortable to hold, and quite smaller than the large NCE "Hammerhead" handheld, by far!! Some people have smaller switvhing layout's. This system is perfect for me!!@@woodalexander

[@scotabot7826]

Sick of holding cell phones. Give me something different when enjoying trains!!@@HulaViking