TCS 1516 | WOW101 Steam Sound Decoder - 9-Pin DCC, CD-Quality WOWSound | HO Scale
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Description
The TCS 1516 WOW101 Steam is a universal WOWSound decoder for HO locomotives with a DCC-ready 9-pin JST plug, or any locomotive that can't take a motherboard or WOWKit. It plugs straight into a 9-pin socket or hard-wires in, works with any TCS T-Series harness, and includes an auxiliary harness for your speaker, CAM, Keep Alive and the extra F3 and F4 lighting functions.
The steam sound set uses TCS's Chuffinity chuff library and True Scale Sound, which changes chuff intensity with the load, and the CAM input lets you synchronize the chuff to your drivers. Pair it with a WOWSpeaker sized for your locomotive.
Specifications
| Brand | Train Control Systems (TCS) |
| Item Number | 1516 |
| UPC | 879508004700 |
| Decoder | WOW101-Steam |
| Type | WOWSound DCC sound decoder |
| Sound | Steam |
| Audio | 16-bit, 44.1 kHz sample rate |
| Connection | 9-pin JST plug or hard-wire, T-Series harness compatible |
| Keep Alive | Not built in; connection on the auxiliary harness |
| Lighting | 20 programmable effects, F3 and F4 on the auxiliary harness |
| LED Resistors | Not on board; use external resistors with LEDs |
| Speaker | Not included |
| Scale | HO |
| Condition | New |
Features
- HD-quality WOWSound: 16-bit audio at a 44.1 kHz sample rate
- Steam sound set with Chuffinity, a large chuff library that never falls into a repeating pattern
- True Scale Sound changes chuff intensity with the load
- CAM input to synchronize the chuff to driver rotation
- Rotate through every whistle and bell on the decoder with one button
- Plugs into a 9-pin JST socket or hard-wires in; compatible with any TCS T-Series harness
- Back-EMF load compensation for smooth slow-speed control
- Quiet Drive motor control for buzz-free running
- Automatic DC mode detection
- Variable momentum and user-loadable speed tables
- 20 user-programmable lighting effects with dimmable brightness
- Function remapping on F0 through F12; supports 12 volt bulbs
- Decoder Lock and Airwire compatibility
- Audio Assist menu programming: set up sound and CVs on the track, no computer required
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate speaker?
Yes. A speaker is not included. Choose one sized for your locomotive from our DCC Speakers.
Can I use LED lighting?
Yes, with external resistors. WOW101 decoders do not have on-board resistors.
Can I add a Keep Alive?
Yes. The auxiliary harness has a Keep Alive connection, and the TCS 1517 WOW101-KA Steam is the same decoder with Keep Alive built in.
Will this decoder fit my locomotive?
It suits HO locomotives with a 9-pin JST plug, or ones you can hard-wire, and it works with TCS T-Series plug-and-play harnesses.
What is Audio Assist?
TCS's spoken programming menu. Your throttle and the decoder's own voice prompts walk you through sound and CV setup, so you don't need a programming track or a computer.
Is there a diesel version?
Yes, the TCS 1530 WOW101 Diesel.
Explore More
Browse more DCC Decoders, shop the full Train Control Systems lineup, or find a matching DCC Speaker.