First timer, having recently changed out my tubular track to Fastrack, including remote switches (15), loops (3). blocks (around 10), remote activating tracks, etc. I have conventional locomotives, and this is what I want to run using variable power supplied to the track. Initially, I will not attempt to isolate blocks and loops, the intent being to just make a locomotive operate using a single CAB remote (again, in Manual/Conventional Mode). I also have a couple ZW 275 transformers that I hope eventually to set aside. I have no reverse loops.
I began my instrument and power updating by acquiring two 6-12866 135V block transformers with a Y-cable connector, an IC Controls TPC3000 Track Power Controller, and a 6-12867 PM-1 Powermaster (the earlier version for 270w with no selector switch). (I understood I did not need a PH-1 Powerhouse. and do not have one.) I believe with this combination I will be able to power up just one (1) loop/block (or the whole layout, without loop/block isolators).
To complete my instrumentation, I just acquired a CAB-1L remote. The major reason was to enable the remote activation of the turnouts and activating track, using AC-AS switch controllers. The second objective is to control one locomotive using the CAB-1L remote. I believe the CAB-1L remote is to transmit key pad instruction to the PM-1 receiver. So I tried a simple set up first, wiring the PM-1 to my ZW transformer, at which I got a green LED light, and also was able to get track power. MY PROBLEM- the CAB-1L would not transmit a signal to the PM-1 receiver, so I was unable to do a basic TR #1 setup. The remote beeps 3 times, indicating a failure. I suspect this is because they are at a different frequency. I believe the frequency can be adjusted/standardized, but the instructions tell me I am to change it at the base but there is no base for the PM-1. The PM-1 is probably from around 2006, so maybe there is incompatibility between it the later CAB-1L.
Questions:
1. am I able to make the PM-1 and the CAB-1L compatible?
2. will I need to acquire a Legacy or TMCC base unit, or can I make the PM-1 receiver functional using a different model of remote?
3. I don't think I received the entire PM-1 instruction manual, so is there one?
Then, incorporating the TPC3000, and how to do it. Connecting power is straightforward. Connecting track should be too, but, with just these two hookups I am not getting any track voltage output, so that leads to the part the is puzzling.
If there is power in to the TPC3000, is there automatically power out to the track terminals, or, must the DAT and COM ports be connected (thereby, the remote's control features are enabling a track voltage output)? So again the question, in order for the TPC3000 to be functional, will I need to invest in a command base, and if so which one? Recall, I have only conventional engines.
In the TPC3000 instructions, there is a DB9 connector described with red (DAT) and green (COM) terminal ends. I do not have this cable. The instruction manual for the TPC3000 is for Version 1.1. I suspect this (as with the PM-1) is probably from 2006.
Questions:
4. Will the CAB-1L communicate with the TPC3000, or do I need a different part number remote?
5. As with question 2, is my basic problem that I need a Legacy or TMCC base unit?
Thanks for any assistance. I'm sure I have many other questions, but this is start.
