New - TCS LT-50 all-in-one DCC system.

[Ron Ron Ron]

TCS have launched a new handheld DCC system at the Amherst Model Railroad Show, held last weekend.

 

The LT-50 uses a combined throttle, with a Command Station built into the handset (similar to the NCE PowerCab).

Aimed as a direct competitor to the PowerCab, it has several advanced features and increased capability over NCE's 20 year old design (n.b. its origins go back almost 30 years).

 

The LT-50 handset is very similar in appearance and function, to TCS's upcoming UWT-50 utility throttle and incorporates the functionality of their CS-105 Command Station.

 

It features RailCom (a first for a US DCC manufacturer) and TCS's own quick access "in-throttle consisting".

The LT-50 also has LCC master station functionality, allowing it to control for example, devices such as an LCC compatible signalling system.

 

TCS also demonstrated the long awaited CS-105 Command Station.

DCC, LCC, RailCom, WiFi etc.

The LCC capability also allows the system to be used an sync'ed with other manufacturers DCC throttles (e.g. Digitrax, NCE etc, - n.b. LocoNet via an adapter interface), ....as well as with TCS's own UWT-100 and UWT-50 wireless throttles.

 

There are no details yet on the LT-50's track power output or price.

 

 

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[Ron Ron Ron]

 

[AMJ]

Has anyone seen a UK price point yet?

[Nigelcliffe]

I wouldn't worry about prices yet.  TCS to date have been announcing products a long way from releasing them for sale.  The first throttle took ages to get to the shops (three or four years).  The utility throttle was announced at pretty much the same time as the first throttle and is still, I think, waiting to appear.  

 

When they appear, UK prices seem to be approx £1 = US$1.   

 

- Nigel

[Ron Ron Ron]

The TCS LT-50 system is now shipping.

 

As described earlier, this is a low powered DCC system in a handset, similar in concept to the NCE PowerCab starter system, but with advanced features and much more capability.

 

Current introductory offer = $229.95 before sales tax (approx.  £192)

 

 

 

Features.....

 

Comfortable, Ergonomic Design
Lightweight, ergonomic design maximizes user comfort and ease-of-access while limiting strain. 

 

Large, Full-text Screen
1.42" x 0.92" LCD screen with white backlight. Brightness is entirely adjustable for a variety of operating conditions.

 

Nine Programmable Buttons
The encoder button, two buttons on the face of the throttle, as well as two multi-position switches on the side 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.

The LT-50 can also be connected to NCE command stations via a specialized adapter cable (not included) and function just like a NCE utility throttle.

 

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.

 

Integrated Roster System
You can save your roster of locomotives into the memory of the LT-50.

Information such as the Name, Description, Address, Consist Functions, and more can all be saved to an internal roster entry for easy access in the future.

 

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.

 

 

Specifications:

 

Dimensions
6.57" x 1.96" x 0.97" (L x W x D) - (Handheld Only)

 

Display
1.42" x 0.92" backlit LCD, 128x64 pixels, white LED

 

Power Source 
Wired; 15V, 36W (Included)

 

Communication Type(s)
LCC  CAN-bus (RJ-45)

 

Communication Protocol(s)
Digital Command Control (DCC)
Layout Command Control (LCC)
RailCom®

 

DCC System Specifications

 

1.4A continuous, 2.8A peak current (Configurable current limit and protections)

Soft-start power output

Integrated RailCom® detector

Programming Track over main output with automatic switchover, supporting Direct, Paged, and Register modes

DCC accessory control for addresses 1 - 2044

Up to 20, 10-step Macros, including LCC accessory control

 

 

 

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Edited December 22, 2022 by Ron Ron Ron