TCS CS-105 and LT-50 now available

[Jbub]

I saw this is available to purchase on their website. They must be VERY proud of what they have considering the price point DOES NOT include a throttle. If you pair it with a UWT-100 as they suggest you're looking at $830 for DCC/LCC system. I'm still trying to figure what makes it that much better than any other system at 500ish with a throttle.
They also offer the "Layout Throttle" which is a UWT-50 with at track powering system similar to what NCE uses.

Command Station

https://tcsdcc.com/CS-105

Layout throttle

https://tcsdcc.com/LT-50

[C855B]

Integrated LCC is not cheap. I applaud them for the "next-gen" bus, but in the relatively low quantities a niche manufacturer like TCS uses, the chips are expensive, and no doubt the current turmoil in the semiconductor marketplace is stressing them (and everybody else!) immensely. The competition may have a temporary advantage given backstock from before everything went to hell, but there will doubtless be jaw-dropping "adjustments" for anything newly-manufactured.

[greenwizard88]

I think, in a few years, when there's more LCC railcom detectors, it will make sense. You'll be able to use a CS-105 and run your railroad, basically replacing JMRI for most functionality.

But I agree that, today, it's not priced very competitively, even if the pricing is in line with development costs. I live in a Digitrax+JMRI world, and it will cost me over $800 to replicate my current setup, and despite owning an entire LCC signaling system, the only advantage I get today is that it will connect to my home WiFi, so I don't need to connect to a LnWi or boot up a Raspberry Pi to use my phone as a throttle.

In all honesty, I'll wait for reviews, and probably pick one up for my next layout. But for now, my T-trak modules can survive with a DCS51.

I grew up in the 215 area code (the same area code as TCS's phone number) and I'm always happy to support Amercan made, but supporting a company this local is even better.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Wait, TCS is out of Philly? I had no idea.