Re: Track Power Controllers

[Steve Wise <swise@aoot.com>]

Ira Schneider wrote:
> 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.  


Couldn't you just solder on extensions to the existing wiring and use 
heat shrink tubing to insulate the joints?  Then you wouldn't need to 
take apart the cart maybe?

> 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.
>
>   

Note, my TPC3000 is still hooked up to the club power cart and can be 
used at the next event, if desired. 

Also, I my offer to donate the TPC3000 still stands, if the board 
decides to not buy a new Lionel model.  BTW: We couldn't get my unit to 
power off with aux1-0.  You had to dial down the power via the big red 
knob on the cab 1.  But when we saw this, we still had the 5 units wired 
on the serial bus which could have caused problems.  Anyway, if my unit 
is busted, then we probably shouldn't use it as a long-term solution...


STevo.