Re: Track Power Controllers

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

Bill has made us a very generous offer.

I would like to point out some differences between the IC Controls TPC3000
and the Lionel TPC300.

Both units are physically the same size.  However, Lionel redesigned the
connector panel on the back.  They moved the power in and power out
connectors to different locations.  Also, I believe they swapped the
DAT and COMM connectors on the serial port.

I looked at the power cart on Sunday.  The wires going to the TPCs have
very little slack in them.

In order to replace the TPC300 with another Lionel TPC300 is probably
a 10 minute job.

To replace the TPC300 with an IC Controls TPC3000 might take much
longer.  If the wires fit, there is no problem.  If the wires don't fit, we
might have to remove the shelf, drill new holes (since I don't think they
just swapped the connector locations - I think they moved them), and
replace one or both sets of wires going to the TPC.  This could take
an hour or two.  This would not be a real problem if we did this work at
a work day.  If we want to swap the units at the beginning of the next
show, this could be a problem.  If course, we could jury-rig it like we did
for Steve's TPC3000 until we had the time to properly install the unit.

There are also some programming differences between the IC Controls
TPC3000 and the Lionel TPC300.  To turn off track power on the TPC3000,
you just have to press the AUX1 button.  On the TPC300, you have to press
AUX1 followed by the zero button.  (This is not a real issue since we have
this difference now between tracks 1/2 and 3/4.)  Also, Lionel added some
new command sequences to the TPC300.  I don't think anyone is using these
new sequences, but they are there.

Personally, I think the IC Controls units are more reliable than the Lionel units.
The two IC Controls units we have in the layout have been working for years
without any problem.  The Lionel units are both newer.  If I remember correctly,
the unit on track 3 failed and had to be replaced about a year ago.  Now the
unit on track 4 has failed.

I don't have any recommendation on whether to replace the unit with another
Lionel TPC300 (which would be easier) or to replace the unit with an
IC Controls TPC3000 (which would possibly be harder but might be
more reliable).  I am just presenting some information which the Board of Directors
may use to evaluate this offer.


Ira