Re: Track Power Controllers

["Ira Schneider" <ira_schneider@iname.com>]

Ed,

We were not trying to use five TPCs.  We were only using four TPCs.

The fifth TPC was left on the serial diasy chain because it was easier to leave
it there than unhook it.  I had no idea there was a limit of four devices on the
serial port.

We originally replaced the PowerMasters with TPCs because PowerMasters
are not compatible with the sound system in early MTH engines (i.e. ProtoSound 1.0
engines).

Now, as I mentioned in my previous note, the Legacy Command Base can only
control TPCs, not PowerMasters.  So, we really don't have much choice.

The other problem is that the PowerMasters are limited to 135 watts of power,
which won't work with our current configuration.  The TPCs can handle either
300 watts (our current models) or 400 watts (a more expensive alternative which
we have not invested in).

Since we only have four mainline tracks, and (normally four TPCs controlling them),
there shouldn't be a problem with the serial bus.


Ira