TCS Command Stations
This page is a generalized summary of the CS-105 and LT-50 command stations. For more information, please visit our Documentation Wiki.
The TCS command station brings DCC to the modern era by leveraging recent technology and industry developments. Layout Command Control (LCC) and RailCom® support enables consistent bi-directional communication between your locomotives and peripheral devices.
The CS-105 DCC & LCC Command Station
The TCS command station also includes out-of-the-box support for wired throttles via an on-board RJ-11 connector. You may use this connector to interface with several different kinds of wired throttles, including NCE, Lenz, SystemOne, and more! Support not only includes literal hard-wired throttles, but also wireless systems such as those offered by NCE, or third-parties such as WiFiTrax. The TCS CS-105 command station is rated for 5 Amperes of continuous current, but can be throttled back via user configuration to suit your needs. Especially for smaller layouts and scales, the system can still supply all of your Z, TT, N, and HO locomotives without boiling their shells! For lager scale enthusiasts in G and O scales (narrow gauge variants included), add-on boosters will keep your workhorses steaming ahead no problem!
CS-105 List of Features:
DCC System
- 5 Ampere continuous current rating with soft start, configurable current limit, and load reporting
- Up to 260 locomotives running simultaneously
- Up to 300 10-step Macros using both DCC and LCC accessories
- Integrated RailCom® detector on Mainline and Programming Track
- Global detector for compatible Boosters, supporting “Ops” CV reads
- Dedicated Programming Track output with automatic switchover, supporting Direct, Paged, and Register modes
Throttle Support
- Up to 4 LCC WiFi throttles via on-board WiFi Access Point (AP)
- Up to 10 LCC WiFi throttles via external WiFi Access Point (Router)
- Up to 250 LCC throttles, wired or via auxiliary LCC WiFi base stations
- Up to 62 Cab Bus (NCE wired and wireless, Ramtraxx, and SystemOne) throttles and accessories via AUX RJ-11 jack, including ISE ProtoThrottle™ and WifiTrax WFD-30/31 WiThrottle Protocol Bridge
- Up to 31 XpressNet™ (Lenz, Roco, ZTC, etc.) throttles and accessories via AUX RJ-11 jack (starting from software version 2.0)
For more information about throttle capacity, please see CS-105 Throttle and Device Capacity.
For more information on the behaviour of your NCE throttle(s) when using the Aux Cab bus, please see Cab Bus.
NMRA Layout Command Control (LCC) Features
- Dual RJ-45 jack for LCC communication through CAN-bus
- 400mA output current per LCC port
- Built-in WiFi LCC computer interface
- Plain English configuration via TCS throttles or a PC
- Supports various DCC boosters connected via LCC cable
- Global RailCom® transmissions over LCC for supporting Boosters
- Firmware updates via WiFi or LCC interface
Power Supply Selection: When selecting a power supply voltage, you choice should depend on two factors: 1) Modeling Scale 2) Maximum loco speed. For smaller scales such as Z, N, TT, etc., the 12V supply is recommended. The 12V supply is also acceptable for larger scales such as HO; however, if you like to run your trains at higher speeds the 15V supply increases the maximum voltage available to the motor, allowing your models to reach higher top speeds. This is particularly beneficial to modelers of bullet trains and other high-speed passenger services. Both power supply options are rated to supply the CS-105 with up to 5 Amperes of continuous current all day long!
Small Package; Big Power
The CS-105 is not only feature-packed, but also highly capable with plenty of horsepower for your railroad. The CS-105 has a user-configurable short circuit protection algorithm and current limit up to 5 Amperes. Unlike many systems on the market, when we say "5A continuous" we mean it! The CS-105 can supply up to 5 Amperes of current to your railroad all day and all night long. The CS-105 can also simultaneously operate up to 260 individual locomotives (consisted or solo) thanks to a highly-intelligent packet handler and "stack" management algorithm.
Auxiliary Boosters
5 Amps not enough? We understand. That's why we offer auxiliary boosters such as the B-106! Expand out your current capacity while maintaining your RailCom® network using the LCC-enabled B-106 auxiliary booster. Already have a large layout with boosters you don't want to upgrade yet? No problem! The CS-105 can be integrated into existing ecosystems such as Lenz, NCE, Digitrax, and more using our Booster Adapter (sold separately).
Multiple Connection Modes
The CS-105 can be used as a standalone access point for WiFi throttles such as the UWT-50, but can also connect to an auxiliary AP (router) to expand the network and maximum number of throttle connections. In addition to WiFi throttles, wired throttles such as the LT-50 and T-50 wired LCC throttles can be connected through the LCC Can Bus. But that's not all! The "Aux Cabs" jack on the CS-105 allows you to connect and use some other manufacturers' throttles (such as NCE, Ramtraxx, SystemOne, and more) with the CS-105. Add-on devices such as the "LCC-LocoNet Gateway" from RR-CirKits can also be used to interface Digitrax throttles and a PC.
LCC Integration
LCC Bus connections on the command station allow for direct interfacing with LCC layout devices and modules. You can communicate with any LCC system to control switches, adjust layout lighting, and anything else that the LCC bus is connected to.
RailCom® Integration
RailCom enables bi-directional communication between the command station and decoders. This allows for read-back of CVs while programming on the mainline. The inclusion of RailCom opens up significant opportunities for future features and expansion.
RailCom® is a registered trademark of Lenz Elektronik, GmbH
Consisting
Consisting doesn’t have to be difficult, intimidating, or complicated! The CS-105 features a simple consisting interface where users can make, modify, and break up consists in mere seconds. The CS-105's consisting system also features new and unique configuration options for consisted engines which will make your consisting experience more realistic than ever without having to spend hours setting it up!
Full-Text Menus
The settings of the CS-105 can be accessed through a TCS throttle or JMRI. Configuration menus and options are listed in full words and phrases. No guess work or manuals needed! Use the [?] button on the TCS throttle keypad in any menu to access help text for that menu item. The throttle will display a simple description of the highlighted option. Help is always one button press away!
Programming Options
Take advantage of several different programming options with the TCS Command Station. RailCom® programming on the mainline allows for live CV read-back without the need for a dedicated programming track! Or, you may use an isolated programming track to use Direct or Paged mode programming. The TCS CS-105 Command Station does not require an add-on "programming booster" for programming operations, unlike some command stations offered today, and older-generation systems available in the past.
When programming a decoder, the TCS throttle can display information about the CV down to the individual bit, giving users the ability to further understand and visualize CV's, and manipulate them at the bit level, which is especially useful for CV's used to configure multiple options, such as CV29 or CV61. In addition, when using a TCS throttle, you may press the Help button after entering a a NMRA standard CV number to display a "plain text" explanation of the CV and what it does.* TCS is striving to offer the most user-friendly programming interface possible, while not compromising the operational capabilities in favor of "simplicity."
Easily Updatable
Field-update your software to add new features to your command station from the comfort of your own home. And don't worry, you won't lose your settings or your roster!
Purchase Your Own CS-105 Today!
The B-106 Auxiliary DCC Booster
6 Ampere add-on DCC boosters are available for larger layouts and clubs which need the additional power; however, the TCS command station may also be used with other manufacturers’ command stations and boosters through an LCC adapter cable or our Booster Adapter. Similarly, the same Booster Adapter can be used to adapt a command station from another manufacturer to the B-106.
The B-106 booster features user-configurable current-limiting and short circuit protection options as the CS-105 command station.
The B-106 features also features RailCom. The B-106 can re-transmit RailCom data from decoders over LCC to supporting nodes (such as the CS-105), meaning you can read back data from any decoder anywhere on your layout!
Below is an example of a "layout" set up with the TCS WiFi Command System.
The LT-50 Handheld "Layout Throttle"
The LT-50 "Layout Throttle" is an intelligently-designed wired LCC throttle with a built-in command station. Ergonomically designed to comfortably fit your hand and provide easy access to all of the buttons, the LT-50 is the perfect DCC command station for newcomers, or layout operators and builders looking for a highly-capable, portable command station and throttle. Like the CS-105, the LT-50 is overflowing with features, including RailCom® - but there's so much more it can do!
Large, Full-text Screen
1.42" x 0.92" LCD screen with white backlight. Brightness is entirely adjustable for a variety of operating conditions.
Programmable Buttons
The encoder button, two buttons on the face of the throttle, as well as two multi-position switches on the side (9 total) can be reassigned to control many functions. Examples include dynamic braking, manual notching, and more! Higher-numbered functions are now a simple button press or switch flick away!
Multiple Connection Modes
The LT-50 can be used as a standalone command station, but if connected into an LCC network, the LT-50 will act as a normal LCC throttle. For operators who prefer a wired throttle, the LT-50 can connected to a CS-105 to offer that wired throttle experience.
Integrated Consisting System
Consisting doesn’t have to be difficult, intimidating, or complicated! The LT-50 features a simple consisting interface where users can make, modify, and break up consists in mere seconds.
Yard Mode
Yard Mode is an innovative, TCS exclusive feature designed for switching operations and control. Perfect for spicing up repetitive yard moves!
Full-Text Menus
Menus present all options in full words and phrases. No guess work or manuals needed!
Help Text
Use the [?] button on the keypad in any menu to access help text for that menu item. The throttle will display a simple description of the highlighted option. Help is always one button press away!
Flashlight
The LT-50 unit comes equipped with two bright white LED's that can be activated at any time - handy for those dropped screws, lost detail parts, decoupling, and ventures under dark, cavernous benchwork.