TCS prepares 2 Z Scale Decoders

Jeff,
Any inside word on when the TCS Z4s for MTL locos will be out?

Thanks,
John

 

Jeff said they were due in two weeks last weekend.

 

Pushing the end of the month as they deal with some of the M4's made in december (not a Z scale decoder).
.

 

OK folks, the long waited TCS MZA4 decoder for MTL GP9, GP45 and whenever released SD40 has . . . shipped ! About $5 more than the Z2 for the AZL's. ($40 list)

You can see the view of it on their site:
http://www.tcsdcc.com/ (the one on the right)

And the install details at:
http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/Z_Scale/MTL/GP-35/MTL_GP-35.html

This is a sorta press fit design, more of a sandwich fit.
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Thanks for the update Jeff - that's good news indeed.

John

 

This is good news indeed.

Out of curiosity, are there any plans for a 4-function version (Z4?) of the Z2 decoder?

~Paul E.

 

Paul, unfortunately, not on the Z2 <--- can I make that any bigger ?
.

 

Yes and unfortunately it won't fit in an AZL chassis hood though. So I stay with the original plan to add 4-function decoders to my AZL stock. Now if i just had an original plan :tb-confused:

~ Paul E.

 

Paul, I need to look at the newer Digitrax DZ125 decoder chips. This is near identical in size to the Lenz Mini series but both are slightly wider than the AZL chassis. Some of the 2 function decoders actually have devices on them for 4 functions just not wired. (like the new TCS MZA4).
.

 

I installed my TCS MZA4 in the MTL GP9. Easy, schmeaZy. No screw tweaking, dropped right in. In addition to the MEGA clear pictures on TCS's sight, I'll add a few comments:

Removing the MTL board: First, to get the springs off or back on: to keep the springs from flying, I hold the bottom of the spring (at the motor tab) while I unhook from the PC board. If the spring slips, it goes down toward the captured end:


To get the original LED board off, you have to get past the 5th post that helps hold it in place. Try not to bend the posts, they're not all that giving and they'll break off with too much bending. Simply place a small screw driver under board, between the LED and chassis to lift that end up over the post while you push on the opposite end of the board:




Press the new board in place and reinstall the springs, short end on the motor, longer end at the PC board. Make sure the spring at the motor tab does not touch the brass flywheel behind the tab:


Now go run your trains !
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Jeff,
Thanks for the pictures. I hope to get my decoders next week. I heard a rumor that TCS is working on a drop in decoder for AZL locos. Have you heard anything?

John

 

I haven't heard and doubt it or they would have done it in the first place (at least that is what we discussed at NTS). They would be competing with themselves on the Z2 and obviously need to recoup these costs first.
.

 

"I know nothing, I see nothing, and I say nothing!"

 

I really like the TCS decoders. I'm still waiting on my drop in Z scale decoders but I just installed TCS decoders in two N scale Kato NW2s. The installation was quick and easy and they work like a charm.

John