Need help understanding the AVC (Accessory Voltage Controller)

As long as I am asking, what other devices are there besides

TPC/AVC

Bridge

ASC/BPC/OTC/AMC Gantry crane etc.

Recorder

Are there any other devices that connect to the serial line?   Is the Backshop wireless?

Hi Dale

The AVC looks EXACTLY like the TPC 300, it is black and the same footprint and wiring posts. I have sent a picture.

There is the BPC, ARC, OTC, AMC, ASC as separate devices. The ASC and BPC come in the IC version along with the TPC.

Lionel added TMCC control to a couple of accessories, like the Crane. I think a Coaling Station is another, and there are more.

hope this helps your endeavor.

Ralph

<< Is the Backshop wireless?>>

Dale, the Backshop is wireless.  It has a motherboard and a radio receiver board, along with a couple others.  It's either TMCC controlled or conventional.

Well, there is the ARC-Action Recorder Controller.  I never understood the functionality of the AVC.  It controls the amount of juice given to accessories, but they are all at the same setting.  It seems I did the same thing without an AVC, using the variable outputs available on an AMC.  It is the only controller box I haven't used.

I guess if you are using Ross switches with DZ 2500 machines, that would count as well.

Dale, the Lionel 6-24115 AMC-ARC Log Loader connects to the command base serial line.

Was there also a TMCC Culvert Loader?

The list is longer than I thought!

I think there is a TMCC culvert loader & unloader.  I have my crane & my log loader powered by AMCs.  Later they came out with both with the capabilities built in.  And the ability to make a recording on both as well.  Mine are still working great the original way. 

<<Was there also a TMCC Culvert Loader?>>

Dale, I think it was mentioned but the CC Culvert set is TMCC with radio receiver boards.  I have the set and both are controlled by an ENG command.

I just got my PRR TMCC crane back from Lionel.  I've had it in for repair at least 5 times.  Hopefully, she's all good now.  Can never have enough cranes on a layout.  There's always room for one more. 

Dale;

  The accessory voltage controller is the biggest waste of $130 I have ever experienced.  I bought it believing there would be either multiple outputs which could be set at different voltages and addressed by an accessory number, or multiple program addresses which could be adjusted and stored for particular accessories. HA HA!  The thing is nothing but a transformer with a single adjustable output.  Sure you can fine tune your accessory voltage provided that every accessory on the circuit works best at the same voltage.  If not, you have to reset every time you use any accessory, keeping in mind that all other accessories on the circuit will also be set to that voltage.  I created an accessory bus powered at 18 volts, and put a rheostat between the bus and each accessory.  Each rheostat is set to the best voltage for its own accessory.

Much better control than the AVC.

Is it basically just a dumbed-down TPC?  It wouldn't need to provide DC offsets for whistle/bell, momentum or any PS1 codes, just variable voltage.

Dale,

There is also a DZ-2001 Data Wire Driver which I have as the very first item on the Command Base "chain" of devices.  Sequence is:

Command Base

DZ-2001 Data Wire Driver (controls all DZ-2500 switch machines)

ARC

TPC-400

BPC

AMC (this is its eventual position, but not yet hooked up)

Hope this helps,

George

Dale, the AVC looks like half a TPC to me, it sure doesn't look like anything I'd waste money on!  I don't see much demand to constantly change my accessory voltage!

I agree with taylorra.  All the accessories are at the same voltage.  What's the point?  I run lights and some accessories through the open outputs on my AMC's.  At their own optimum in/outputs.