TCS LT-50, Quick Start Manual, Page: 17 / 20

RailCom
®
Requirements
In order to make use of RailCom, some requirements have to be met:
1. The Command Station must provide a RailCom cutout and have a
way to handle RailCom communication traffic. (The LT-50 does this.)
2. RailCom Cutout must be enabled. You can find this in the settings:
DCC System Settings > Advanced > RailCom Cutout > Enabled
3. The decoder must support RailCom.
A) Supporting hardware is physically on the decoder. Check your
decoder literature, or our online wiki resources: docs.tcsdcc.com
For non-TCS decoders, ask your manufacturer.
B) RailCom enabled in CV29, Bit 3 (see below)
4. RailCom-addressed feedback must be enabled in the decoder. CV28
bit 2 must be set. (Typical values are CV28=3 or CV28=131) If you’re
unsure, you can place the locomotive on the Programming Track to
read the value of CV28. A TCS UWT will show you which bits are set.
5. The locomotive must be on the track directly connected to the LT-50’s
Mainline track output.
CV29 RailCom
®
Configuration
To enable RailCom on a TCS decoder, start by reading the value of
CV29. Compare the value to the chart shown below and reprogram as
necessary. More info can be found on the TCS Wiki Support - RailCom®
17
CV29 Configuration
Bit Feature Description Value
0 “Forward” Direction
This setting can be used to invert the polarity
of the motor when the decoder receives a “for-
ward” direction command (in DCC mode only)
1
1 Speed Step Mode
When enabled, 128 speed step mode is active
2
2 Analog (DC) Mode
The decoder will operate when DC power is
applied only if this setting is enabled
4
3 Enable RailCom®
This setting determines whether the decoder
will send or receive information over RailCom
8
4
3-Point Speed
Curve
This setting will disable CV 5 and CV 6 if
enabled
16
5 Address Type
When this setting is enabled, the decoder will
use a 4-digit “long” address
32
Note: Support for RailCom® via CV29, as well as the default
value of CV29 will vary based on the specific decoder and the
decoder manufacturer. Use this information only as a guide.