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+--- Thread: TCS Keep alive (/showthread.php?tid=5947)
TCS Keep alive - Lester Perry - 03-27-2013
Just in case anyone is interested I just purchased one and put it in a Bachmann Berkshire.
I love it. I accidentally knocked it over on its side while running and it laid there still running for a few seconds. I have a cross over coming out of yard. Nothing will go through it without stopping. Until now, at a snails pace no problem. I have a swing out section with about 4 feet of safety kill track when open. I have the top speed set so that it stops before it gets to the end of the track when opened. I feel that this is the ultimate in decoders.
Re: TCS Keep alive - Green_Elite_Cab - 03-31-2013
I really want these to equip my MU (Silverliner IIIs, etc) cars that only operate with a single power truck, but they are also VERY expensive.
I'm kinda surprised I can't just make a small circuit with a capacitor to store power for a few bucks and 10 minutes with a soldering iron.
I tinkered with a circuit simulation program I have, and it looks like I have a winner (will have to get a screenshot some how), but i wonder if this would mess with the DCC signal, since the capacitor seems to want to release every once in a while (in fact, i needed to wire in a diode to prevent a "negative" current). Still, when i open the switch, the simulated LED stays on for a little while.
Are there maybe not capacitors available that are small enough or store enough power to run a locomotive available to the average modeler?
Re: TCS Keep alive - Gumpoleon - 08-04-2014
Sorry if I'm beating a dead horse
Will this gizmo Work with non TCS decoders?
Re: TCS Keep alive - Lester Perry - 08-04-2014
TCS say's no but there is always someone who figures out how. <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/mainnorth/alive.htm">http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/mainnorth/alive.htm</a><!-- m -->
I am going to be trying this soon. If I haven't posted my results in about a month PM me I might forget to post it.
Re: TCS Keep alive - Gumpoleon - 08-05-2014
Thanks, Lester
If I understood that page correctly, it's essentially a capacitor, supplying the decoder with a bit of power...
Re: TCS Keep alive - Lester Perry - 08-05-2014
Yea plus a few things