PC Desktop-style All-metal Train Simulator Control Console (with Mechanical Damping)

How did you change the buttons to ressemble the PZB controls ? Would love to have that

 

It was fairly simple. Opening up involves removing the rubber feet to undo the screws holding the bottom on.

I literally removed the three buttons and put in my buttons/paddles. They are the same diameter so it was a straight swap

 

I must say my TSC-X is such a step-up from my Raildriver I have had for some years. Good though Raildriver is, it’s not up to the feel and quality of this controller. One thing that did fox me for a bit was there were no instructions in the packaging to get the controller up and running. It says ‘ C-type connection plug and play’ but when you do nothing happens. I had to do some searching on the internet to make the controller work which now I have COBRA’s software, it is fantastic. Big thanks to COBRA for allowing use of his software and making it easy to set up the TSX-X.

 

I have just released V3.3.0.8 of my TS Classic Raildriver And Joystick Interface which now fully supports the TSC-X controller and auto configures the controller if it's plugged in when the program is run for the first time.
Here is the link to the post and download links,
https://forums.dovetailgames.com/threads/ts-classic-raildriver-and-joystick-interface.72488/

CobraOne

 

just ordered one tsc-x today

 

You won’t be disappointed. Worth every penny. Has reinvigorated my interest and time spent in the game.

 

Hello, I'm a bit of a rookie when it comes to external controllers, so please bear with me
I'm on the verge of purchasing the TSC-X, and when looking at the installation guide from CobraOne, I can see the following:

Here's the quirk: I don't have such a Railworks.exe file on my computer (yes, I'm on Epic instead of Steam). Would that be an issue to make the TSC-X function?

Thanks in advance for your help

 

Hello Choo choo

You don't need to download the TSC Controller Interface, but rather the TSW Raildriver & Joystick Interface V2.0.1.4.

Here is a link to the TSW Raildriver & Joystick Interface V2.0.1.4 programme.
CobraOne has made it so easy with this version that you just connect the controller, start the programme, and there are already 3 profiles in there for the TCS-X controller.

Here is the link: https://forums.dovetailgames.com/th...joystick-interface.61440/page-18#post-1022066

 

Thank you for clarifying ! I purchased mine earlier today

 

Has anyone else received a TSC-X Train Simulator Controller with a non-functioning first lever? I contacted support, and they initially said it would be fixed with a software update, but since then, they’ve gone silent.

I’m not even sure if this is really a firmware issue. I asked them whether they could assist me in downgrading the firmware - after all, if it is a firmware problem and other people have fully working controllers, I should be able to downgrade (or upgrade) it, shouldn’t I?

Update: Sim Workshop got in touch with me, performed remote diagnostics confirming that this is not a firmware issue, and offered to send me a replacement controller.

 

I am the creator of both the TS Classic Raildriver and Joystick Interface and the TS World Raildriver and Joystick Interface.
I received a FREE TSC-X controller from Sim Workshop to help with integrating the controller into my software.

Unfortunately the TSC-X arrived with the middle lever not working properly and on inspection I found that the support bracket for the potentiometer had broken in transit.
Spark immediately sent a replacement, which I am happy to say, arrived in full working order.

I have been using the controller for a couple of weeks now and I must admit, the precision in the levers out performs the Raildriver by a mile.
I found the levers to be a little stiff for my liking, but by pulling the levers down, you can see the lock nuts holding the levers on. You can use a 10mm spanner on the locknut to adjust the tension to your liking.

Although there are far less buttons on the TSC-X compared to the Raildriver, I find they are sufficient for my needs. The problem I find with the Raildriver buttons is remembering which do what. I find it very difficult to read the labels too.

I particularly like the two big buttons for the AWS and Emergency Brake, so easy to find, in fact I have been pretending there is an obstacle on the line, just to have an excuse to hit that red button, so satisfying

For the next version of the controller, I would recommend maybe adding a fourth lever for those driving German trains.

In conclusion, I find the TSC-X is a much sturdier and more accurate controller than the Raildriver and I would definitely recommend those sitting on the fence to take the leap and get one.

Although I received my TSC-X for free, I made it clear to Sim Workshop that I would do an honest revue, and that is exactly what I have done.

CobraOne

 

good to know that you can use a 10mm spanner to adjust it
hopefully i get mine this week

 

CobraOne, for some reason, it seems that my Zone Alarm is blocking your dl. I am troubleshooting on my end.

 

uninstalling zone alarm is an good option too
i have been using that for a few years and later firewall comodo
i stopped using those because i got fed up with making rulesets and such
got tired of it

now with windows 11 i just use the firewall of windows 11 same for virus scanner
have not ran into any problems yet

 

Ok, tried opening it in my Chrome instead of Edge and got this. I did a copy/paste on the link so I know its correct.

 

Hi Sharon

I have just tried both links on the TSW forum and downloaded the software without any problem I did this in both Chrome and Edge and as a guest to the forum too. Looking at your copied link, it looks like some of the letters have been replaced with their ascii code!
Can you try this link:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/yqpi...ey=rwrrwo9r8v7u1s2vbzjwetkd3&st=mvee7xvt&dl=1
Chris

 

CobraOne, it is weird. The copied link is correct until I hit enter to apply it and some characters do transform into their ascii code. It does it both in Edge and Chrome. I even tried to manually enter it and does the same thing.

 

I don't know why that would happen, can you try this TinyUrl link instead
https://tinyurl.com/yc7784pd

 

that is because of certain characters in that link (the url is longer then what shows)
use copy link instead of copy paste the txt what shows

 

Its definately the Zone Alarm. Guess will turn it off long enough to get it.

 

I would love a variant with 4 levers, and I'd pay extra for it

 

Also would be nice if one of the levers had a middle detent to better simulate a combined power/brake lever.

 

US style controls is my wish.

 

CobraOne , after an exchange of emails with Zone Alarm tech support, was able to dl the file.

 

Sharon E
Are you able to say what the solution was for the benefit of others who may be using Zone Alarm.

 

Sure CobraOne, open your Zone Alarm app and right click on web secure. Once open turn off these 2 items,

Then restart your computer to implement. Once that is done you can dl the file. Then reverse the process to get these protestion back on.
These instructions only apply to Zone Alarm Extreme Security NextGen.

 

As a console player, I'm reading all this with great jealousy. What is the biggest obstacle for bringing this to console players (aside for the obvious answer being Sony and Microsoft)?
I can already connect a keyboard to the PS5 - would it be possible to map the keyboard controls onto this controller somehow, and make the console think it's just another keyboard? Maybe it wouldn't be perfect, but it's better than nothing.

 

In theory, it could be doable. The usb controller can say it’s an HID keyboard. They’d probably have to cook a specific firmware though (if the bother is worth the investment)

 

received mine today
was lucky the parcel was not stolen
delivery was by DPD who are not that great on care
i was not at home and they just dropped it at the neighbors on the front of their house
out of sight at least that
but in my email it was saying delivered and signed (not)

just opened it and everything is looking ok
its about 4kg which is fine by me
at least it will not move around much by using it then

 

Glad to hear your parcel arrived safely, even if the delivery wasn’t ideal. We completely understand your concern about DPD’s handling and will pass along the feedback.

Happy to know everything looks fine and that the weight works well for you — it should indeed help keep it stable during use.

Enjoy, and thanks again for your support!

 

Just checking in to see if you’ve received the replacement TSC-X controller we sent you.

 

Thank you for your suggestion about a 4-lever variant. We’ll take your request into consideration.

 

Thank you so much for your detailed and honest review of the TSC-X controller. We truly appreciate the time you took to share your experience, from the initial delivery issue to your feedback after weeks of use.

We’re delighted to hear that the replacement arrived in perfect condition and that you’ve found the precision, build quality, and design features to your liking. Your suggestions, especially regarding the possibility of adding a fourth lever for German trains, are very valuable to us and will be considered for future versions.

It’s always great to hear from someone with your expertise, and we’re glad the TSC-X has found a place in your setup.
Spark Chen

 

very satisfied customer here so far
all i had to do is untighten the bolts so the levers where easier to move

only a small thing for me
the usb cable could have been 5 cm or 10 cm longer
I need to look for a longer one
but that is just a very minor detail

 

We’re glad to hear you’re enjoying it!
During factory setup, we set the damping to maximum by default to prevent internal mechanism damage during transport.
Wish you a great time using it!

 

1 part of manual is not very clear
under section damping control

it says at step 5 after adjustment ensure that the locking nut is tightened to prevent loosening during use

but is that not the nut that you turn to loose it ?
so the levers move easier if you tighten that then it is harder again to move it ?

unless there is a step i overlook

 

update the manual and add TSW 2
for people who still play TSW2 it also works on that

also useful was this video
TSC X Setup for Train Sim World (TSW) Tutorial

 

Mine arrived today, I haven’t had a ton of time with it today but first impressions are very good:

- setup in TSW was plug and play with the latest version of CobraOne’s utility.
- I found the default button mapping to be great for UK trains, tweaking it to create a map for US trains was easy. I’ll tackle German trains tomorrow, I need to think how I want to map AFB speed controls and the PZB buttons.
- as for the unit itself, it’s very solid and the button presses and lever throws are quite satisfying.
- the lever throws are so much longer and more precise than my Raildriver, making power or brake adjustments feels much more intentional and specific if that makes sense.
- I also set it up in SubwaySim 2 and for trams in City Transport Simulator without issues, it’s great in those two sims as well.
- it feels so different than the Raildriver in a great way, it feels like a whole new sim experience.
- if the plans to produce different lever handles materializes I’d happily buy some.

Overall I’m quite happy, and if it’s nearly as durable as my 20 year old Raildriver I’ll be a very happy camper.

 

Hello everyone, I just received mine this morning, and it really has nothing to do with my raildriver which looks more like a “toy”. With the Cobra One software it's just a joy, well seen just before 09/25 to try it on TSW6 hoping that DTG will take this new controller into account to better optimize everything!!!
Sincerely, to all, tof

 

In the meantime, thank you, Chris, for his control interface, which recognizes a very large number of different controllers, including this new TSC-X, which, as you point out, is very different from RailDriver. So, thank you again for your interface, which is recommended by Sim Workshop, the designers of this new railway simulation controller, and according to them, much more in the future. So, good news for the future, starting with TSW6, and this new company alongside us should be beneficial to all of us, so watch this space.
Kind regards, tof.

 

TSW on the XBOX doesn't 'officially' support keyboard and mouse, but both in fact work fine.

Given this, will this controller work on an XBOX?

 

Hello drdavewatford, in theory No, at first glance only compatible on PC, but as you point out for the keyboard/mouse, there could indeed be existing or emerging shortcuts. Personally, having contacted them several times and given the speed of the responses - from 4 hours ~, and their quality, they will tell you exactly what it is, or, if you prefer via this forum, ask: Spark Chen who is the link between the Dovetail community and Sim Workshop [ https://forums.dovetailgames.com/conversations/add?to=Spark+Chen ]. And you'll be all about improvements and suggestions for other peripherals, even a joint effort already underway with Cobra One and its excellent program [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/udch...ey=7z3fa01yyihaw17c0owixdba9&st=6qerngrs&dl=1]. I hope you can get some information about using it on XBOX, and who knows, you might be pleasantly surprised.
Good luck with your research.
Kind regards, to all, tof

 

First of all, I love the fact that there is (finally) an alternative to the rather old and outdated Raildriver. Basically all reviews and comments I have seen so far are positive, indicating a solid product. I am certainly tempted and have this on my radar as a potential alternative to my keyboard

However, in this regard:

Have you ever considered a more modular approach?! I believe that more or less all setups and player preferences differ in a certain way. For a German S Bahn I would need only one combined brake / power lever. For the Br 101 I do need four levers. Other combinations are existing, obviously.

Another idea would be to incorporate a flexible way to add detents, making it possible to use a single lever in different ways. For example a lever as single brake / power lever with a single detent in the middle in one case and as a single main brake lever with a detent right at the end just before the usually spring loaded overcharge section in the other case.

Obviously just ideas from a single user, however, I am sure it would attract even more players (like me) in buying your product. Also, you could scale your packages, with a less expensive “base package”, or “starter pack”, which could be gradually extended and expanded by the user.

In any way, happy to see more companies coming up with solutions to this niche market (if it even still is a “niche” market).

 

I think the 4 lever solution for german rolling stock is kind of pointless as long as AFB does not work the way it should. Right now it works more as a "increase/decrease AFB speed" instead of "set AFB speed to xxx km/h".

 

Many thanks for your response - I’ll reach out to Spark Chen.

 

Modular is a great idea, now that I own one, if there was a way to add another lever I’d be all for that. Plus being able to buy different lever handles.

 

Would love a console version for this.

 

yeah i was actually surprised there was not even a good reverser option on the TSC-X
luckily with cobra one Software and the help of a tutorial video
i did set that up on one of the 2 switches (used the headlights switch) next to the emergency button
that actually works great see this video
which was very useful for me

TSC X Setup for Train Sim World (TSW) Tutorial

i have it in use since 15 august and still a very satisfied customer
only thing that was not fastened good was the usb-c output on the back
I could turn that around a bit
now i just let the cable in and put some duct tape over the cable
now i can move the TSC-X around without the cable getting stuck under it

 

Me too but sadly I think not likely.