Throttle Update: Injection Molds
We've been getting some cool updates throughout the past few weeks regarding the molding process of our throttle, and we wanted to share some pictures of the throttle molds on their way to being completed.
The TCS Universal WiFi Throttle case will be created from injection-molded ABS plastic. Injection molding is a manufacturing process that is especially useful when there is a need to produce parts in large volumes. Once a mold is created, heated material (metal, thermoplastic, etc.) is forced into the mold cavity and released once cool, leaving a shape cast in relief of the mold.
Before we can have a great-looking throttle case, we have to go through the process of preparing for injection molding. John Socha-Leialoha handled the critical task of finalizing the designs so they would be ready to head to the molding house. (Check out his in-depth video below!)
Now the wait is over, and we're seeing results. Much like the tooling process for most model trains, cutting the mold is a meticulous process. Check out these cool photos of the throttle mold!
Things are wrapping up with our molds and we should have test shots in-house at TCS very soon. Each day brings us closer to release! Stay tuned to our social media and website for updates!
Individual Sound Volumes Tutorial Is Here!
Adjusting the individual sound volumes of a locomotive may be necessary for users in a variety of situations. It's fast and easy to adjust individual sound volumes with Audio Assist® - the TCS-exclusive auditory feedback menu system. Check out the video above for the inside scoop.
Follow along with our Audio Assist® Quick Reference Guides available on our website.
View the "Understanding Audio Assist®" Series of videos here.
Audio Assist® comes with every WOWSound decoder. Try it for yourself today! Visit our shop.
First Look: Bachmann SC-44 Charger Model
Have you heard the news? Bachmann Trains and Train Control Systems are teaming up to deliver the Siemens SC-44 Charger locomotive - with precision detailing, unrivaled motor control, and incredibly detailed WOWSound on board.
We recently returned from a trip from the Transportation Technology Center, Inc. in Colorado where we worked directly with Siemens engineers to record some SC-44 units in residence there. We had an awesome time and got a lot of great Charger material - check out our trip recap if you're into cool behind-the-scenes train content!
Several railroads are using the SC-44 in revenue service, and many more are expected to purchase these units to replace older, less efficient locomotives in the coming years. The SC-44 has a full career ahead of it, and you can be one of the first to put them to work on your railroad as well!
Stay tuned for more information from TCS and Bachmann as a 2020 release date is set.
August Update: Kato with TCS DCC
These Kato USA N-scale Locomotives are being made available with TCS DCC direct from the factory!
These locomotives will be ready to ship in mid-September - Kato USA is now taking orders through August 30th for the first delivery.
For pricing information and item numbers, be sure to visit www.katousa.com.
To learn more about our N Scale Decoders, click here: http://tcsdcc.com/decoders/n-scale
Throttle Keypad Update
August really snuck up on us! After returning from Colorado, it's been an absolute beehive of activity at TCS. We've been doing a lot of testing with the throttles and software improvements to enhance the overall user experience. One of the most important things to happen this week was the much-awaited arrival of the keypads for the Universal WiFi Throttle! We've spent months designing these: drawing up plans, choosing materials and colors, deciding on tactile sensitivity, and finishing the artwork for the keys.
Having them arrive in our shop - and looking fantastic - was a big step toward our first production push! Check out a short celebratory video below!
Our brilliant tech gurus are continuing to plug away at our new software application. Updating the Universal WiFi Throttle is even easier than we set out to make it. We've already pushed patches and fixes to beta testers, enabling them to address problems and fix bugs without physically sending their throttle to us. Please note: Secrets are being blurred out in this image, so don't run out and get an eye exam just yet!
Got Questions? Be sure to visit tcsdcc.com/throttle-faq for more information.
Give it a browse and get familiar with some of the finer technical points of the UWT-100.