TCS 1600 | WOW501 Steam Sound Decoder - 5A Large-Scale DCC w/ Keep-Alive & Smoke Control | Large Scale
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Description
The TCS WOW501 is a universal 5-amp WOWSound decoder built for large-scale (O and G) locomotives, with Keep-Alive® on board for stutter-free running. Function outputs 5 and 6 can drive a coil-and-fan smoke unit, and setting CV58 to a value of 9 syncs the smoke to the chuff timing.
This is the Steam version, delivering TCS's authentic steam sound set with synchronized chuff and a full suite of whistle, bell, and running effects. An on-board Keep-Alive® keeps it running smoothly across dirty track and dead frogs — no add-on capacitor needed.
Pick a matching speaker from our DCC Accessories collection, browse more DCC Decoders, or shop the full Train Control Systems WOWSound lineup.
- CD-quality WOWSound — 16-bit audio at a 44.1 kHz sample rate.
- Authentic TCS's authentic steam sound set with synchronized chuff and a full suite of whistle, bell, and running effects.
- Back-EMF load compensation for superior slow-speed control under load.
- Quiet Drive super-quiet motor control for buzz-free running.
- Variable Momentum for custom acceleration and deceleration curves.
- Audio Assist® menu programming — set up sound and CVs right on the track, no computer required.
- Universal hard-wire decoder with a 5-amp output; F5/F6 can drive a coil-and-fan smoke unit.
- On-board Keep-Alive® for stutter-free operation over dirty track.
| Brand | Train Control Systems (TCS) |
| Item Number | 1600 |
| Decoder | WOW501 |
| Type | WOWSound DCC Sound Decoder |
| Sound | Steam |
| Connection | Universal hard-wire, 5 A output |
| On-board Keep-Alive | Yes |
| Scale | Large Scale (O / G) |
| Condition | New |
Will this decoder fit my locomotive?
The WOW501 is built for large-scale (O and G) locomotives and is hard-wired; its 5-amp output handles the bigger motors found in large-scale models.
Do I need a separate speaker?
Yes — this is the decoder only. Add a WOWSpeaker (or any 8 Ω DCC speaker) sized for your locomotive to hear the sound.
What is Audio Assist?
It's TCS's on-the-fly programming menu that walks you through sound and CV setup using your throttle and the decoder's own spoken prompts — no programming track or computer needed.