I have two TPCs produced by IC(my train inventory does not show name) which I bought in 2000. This conpany was bought out by lionel around 2003-5 as I recall. Does anyone know if these TPCs produce chopped sine wave output or was it introduced by lionel.
stan
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Stan, I don't think anything was changed other than the Lionel name put on the product.
romiller
Yes. In order to vary the voltage electronically instead of mechanically the output must be chopped.
Ron
thanks, guess I will not have to buy new ones!!
stan
The TPC made by IC Controls had a very large voltage
spike when there was little load on the TPC and a low
voltage output. That voltage spike blew out the PS 2
circuits in a new MTH engine. Lionel corrected the spike
problem after they took over IC Controls.
pa
maybe I should think about buying 2 new TPC 400s as I I drive them with 6 135w bricks. I run only lionel engines! What do you think? What kinds of problems might I have??
stan
You might also consider a TVS across the outputs to minimize any possibility of a large spike sneaking through. 
I run a 400 with two 180 bricks. One thing about the 180 bricks. They have very quick breakers!
I think you're fine with the circuit breakers and TVS diodes in place. Probably more protection that most folks run with here.
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