Difference between revisions of "Support - Decoder Version"

From Train Control Systems Documentation
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(page creation)
 
Line 1: Line 1:
This page offers support on how to identify your TCS decoder hardware and version information.  
+
This page offers support on how to identify your TCS decoder hardware and version information.
  
 +
== Identifying Your Decoder ==
 +
The information on this page pertains ''specifically'' to TCS decoders. Start by identifying the decoder as a TCS decoder by reading the [https://www.nmra.org/manufacturer-id-numbers Manufacturer ID] [[CV 8]]. TCS' Manufacturer ID Number is 153.
 +
 +
If your command station AND decoder supports [[Support - RailCom®|RailCom]], you can read CV's on the main. Otherwise, you will need to use a DCC Programming Track. If you are having issues with your programming track, see our [[Support - DCC Programming Track|Help Article]] on the subject.
 +
 +
Once you have confirmed that CV 8 is 153, you now know that the decoder in question is indeed a TCS decoder! You can further identify your decoder by checking the Hardware ID number, stored in [[CV 249]]. Refer to the lookup table on the wiki page for [[CV 249]] to compare the number in your decoder.
 +
 +
== Identifying the Version Number ==
 +
TCS Version numbers and Version identification varies between product lines. Below are listed the various ways that TCS identifies version information based on the product type:
 +
 +
=== Non-Sound Decoders ===
 +
TCS Non-sound decoders use a single software/firmware version number which is incremented every time TCS patches a major bug or introduces a feature. This version identifier information is stored in [[CV 7]].
 +
 +
Hardware versions can be identified by looking at the decoder itself. A revision number or letter will be assigned and displayed on ''most'' (but not all) TCS decoders. If a decoder does not have a written Revision number on it, it can be assumed to be Rev1/RevA.
 +
 +
=== WOWSound Decoders - V4 and Older ===
 +
TCS sound decoders use a an "architecture" or over-arching "major" version number which is incremented every time TCS introduces major changes in hardware. This version identifier information is stored in [[CV 7]]. WOWSound decoders Version 4.x and older do not individually track software/firmware updates.
 +
 +
Sound decoders are further identified by "Sound Set," meaning the library of sounds included on the decoder. In WOWSound Version 4, this is used as a "sub-major" version as in "4.5" or "4.6". The Sound Set version is stored in [[CV 248]], and correlates to a particular List of Sounds for the decoder type. See the list on the wiki page for [[CV 248]] for links to the sound lists for each version.
 +
 +
=== WOWSound Decoders - V5 ===
 +
(Coming Soon!)
 
[[Category:Technical Support]]
 
[[Category:Technical Support]]

Revision as of 02:07, 10 August 2023

This page offers support on how to identify your TCS decoder hardware and version information.

Identifying Your Decoder

The information on this page pertains specifically to TCS decoders. Start by identifying the decoder as a TCS decoder by reading the Manufacturer ID CV 8. TCS' Manufacturer ID Number is 153.

If your command station AND decoder supports RailCom, you can read CV's on the main. Otherwise, you will need to use a DCC Programming Track. If you are having issues with your programming track, see our Help Article on the subject.

Once you have confirmed that CV 8 is 153, you now know that the decoder in question is indeed a TCS decoder! You can further identify your decoder by checking the Hardware ID number, stored in CV 249. Refer to the lookup table on the wiki page for CV 249 to compare the number in your decoder.

Identifying the Version Number

TCS Version numbers and Version identification varies between product lines. Below are listed the various ways that TCS identifies version information based on the product type:

Non-Sound Decoders

TCS Non-sound decoders use a single software/firmware version number which is incremented every time TCS patches a major bug or introduces a feature. This version identifier information is stored in CV 7.

Hardware versions can be identified by looking at the decoder itself. A revision number or letter will be assigned and displayed on most (but not all) TCS decoders. If a decoder does not have a written Revision number on it, it can be assumed to be Rev1/RevA.

WOWSound Decoders - V4 and Older

TCS sound decoders use a an "architecture" or over-arching "major" version number which is incremented every time TCS introduces major changes in hardware. This version identifier information is stored in CV 7. WOWSound decoders Version 4.x and older do not individually track software/firmware updates.

Sound decoders are further identified by "Sound Set," meaning the library of sounds included on the decoder. In WOWSound Version 4, this is used as a "sub-major" version as in "4.5" or "4.6". The Sound Set version is stored in CV 248, and correlates to a particular List of Sounds for the decoder type. See the list on the wiki page for CV 248 for links to the sound lists for each version.

WOWSound Decoders - V5

(Coming Soon!)