[zmil]

Hi All

Just found out TCS have released the New Z2 decoder

Z2 Decoder Now Availible! The Z2 is now the smallest decoder from Train Control Systems. Approximately the same size as an 8 pin NMRA plug this powerful little hardwire will serve all of your Z-Scale, N-Scale and Light Duty HO-Scale needs. Here are a few facts you may want to know about the Z2:

* MSRP $34.95
* True Z Scale decoder -- under 7mm in width.
* Fits all Z-Scale Diesel Locomotives.
* Super small size with powerful 1 Amp motor drive.
* Includes all standard TCS decoder features including: Auto-Adjusting BEMF / Load Compensation

Just thought this would interest some of the N and Z modellers

Regards Zmil

 

[80class]

QUOTE (zmil @ 10 Dec 2008, 11:09) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Super small size with powerful 1 Amp motor drive.

If the 1 amp output is continuous, surely it will be capable of handling most new 00 locos?
Rob

 

[zmil]

There is not a lot of info available just yet
But they do say suitable for small HO , so OO would be the same

The M series will fit in just about anything HO or OO anyway it is so slim

I try the MC series first , for small loco's The MC series are a little thicker as they have the wiring harness that plugs into the decoder

For the loco's with more room inside the T series as the T series is the most economical

Regards

Zmil

 

[80class]

Yes i use the T series for almost all non sound OO installs and then the M series for tight locos however there are plenty of very small 00 locos that this chip could be very useful for!

Rob

 

[upnick]

Another sure winner in small decoders Zmil

no firm price for it in the U.K. having looked at some suppliers but at the quoted $34.95 on the TCS site around £23.50

 

[Chinahand]

Thanks zmil.

That looks an impressive bit of kit. The smallest decoder prior to this was the Elektroniks DCX75Z which I have in several of my small N Gauge 0-6-0 s.

It will be interesting to compare them performance wise.

 

[upnick]

Certainly will be interesting to compare them Expat my 04 was fitted with an Elektroniks and i have a Minitrix 9F fitted with the DCX75Z both giving very good performance.

 

[zmil]

I just cant believe the size of the decoder and having 1Amp rating it has the same features as the M series
so I'm thinking it will run very similar

I have only 1 N scale loco , now I'm tempted to have a go

Regards

Zmil

 

[Chinahand]

The Elektroniks DCX75Z is the same length and is only slightly (0.3 mm) wider and also has a full 1 amp rating with a maximum 2 amp stall rating. Hence my comment re. comparison tests.

 

[Richard Johnson]

***Performance wise it'll be the equal of, and is a great deal easier to use/adjust.

Richard

 

[Martin71]

HI

Very interesting, I have not heard of this, shame I cant get onto the TCS web site as it seems to be down or is it just me.

Will have to give them a try.

m

 

[BromsMods]

Now available in the UK. Some photos at http://www.bromsgrovemodels.co.uk/TCSDecoders1.htm which compare the Z2 with M1 and show the size of the Z2 - click on photos for larger view.

Regards

John R
Bromsgrove Models

 

[wiggy25]

That is good news!!!

I have had to use the CT Elektronics in a few of my N-gauge locos and they do need a bit of tweaking to get the best out of them.
The other real pain is the CT Elektronics decoders don't have 'Brake-on-DC' as a feature, not when I've been trying them anyway.

The TCS ones all have this feature which proves a very useful function when wanting to have partial automation!

Looks like I will have to get some of these and see how they perform, no doubt excellently like all the other TCS ones I've had.

Good old TCS

 

[barrymx5]

QUOTE Performance wise it'll be the equal of, and is a great deal easier to use/adjust.
Sorry Richard, I am not quite clear which transponder you are referring to:
The Elektroniks DCX75Z or TCS Z2 ? I take it you are referring to the latter as probably being better but would be grateful if you would confirm.

 

[John]

QUOTE (wiggy25 @ 23 Dec 2008, 17:25) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I have had to use the CT Elektronics in a few of my N-gauge locos and they do need a bit of tweaking to get the best out of them.
The other real pain is the CT Elektronics decoders don't have 'Brake-on-DC' as a feature, not when I've been trying them anyway.

The TCS ones all have this feature which proves a very useful function when wanting to have partial automation!
The DCX75 currently has "Brake on DC", you just have to put the right setting in CV 114. See the documentation (so long as you can read German). CV 114 can set various types of braking, but it only works from s/w version 40 onwards, so it may well be a recent addition.

 

[Richard Johnson]

QUOTE (barrymx5 @ 24 Dec 2008, 01:38) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Sorry Richard, I am not quite clear which transponder you are referring to:
The Elektroniks DCX75Z or TCS Z2 ? I take it you are referring to the latter as probably being better but would be grateful if you would confirm.

*** Hi

yes, I'm talking about the TCS decoder

Merry Christmas

Richard