Questions about the Block Power Controller

G3750 posted:

So here's the problem:

I have 4 yards that I want to shut off using a BPC.  I've done this before.  The question is:  Do I also need a TPC?  If possible, I'd like to do this without using a TPC.  Is that possible?

Thanks,

George

Yes it is possible.  But be fore warned, that the Original TMCC BPC, works differently than the newer BPC2.  The BPC2 is strictly an on/off switch.  The older BPC was also an on/off switch but could also switch between two power sources.  The lack of this latter feature is very limiting in my opinion if you are like me and wish to run both conventional and command on different blocks.

Loose-Caboose posted:

G3750 posted:

So here's the problem:

I have 4 yards that I want to shut off using a BPC.  I've done this before.  The question is:  Do I also need a TPC?  If possible, I'd like to do this without using a TPC.  Is that possible?

Thanks,

George

Yes it is possible.  But be fore warned, that the Original TMCC BPC, works differently than the newer BPC2.  The BPC2 is strictly an on/off switch.  The older BPC was also an on/off switch but could also switch between two power sources.  The lack of this latter feature is very limiting in my opinion if you are like me and wish to run both conventional and command on different blocks.

Thanks Jim.  I probably should have explained this a bit better.

Of the 4 areas I want to control with the BPC:

• Kids Loop:  I have 1 loop that I wish to run in both Command and Conventional (River Route). 
• 1 small yard - Command only (Weirton Junction)
• 1 larger yard - Command only (Weirton Steel Yard)
• 1 staging area - Command only (Staging Area)

Right now I am struggling with how to appropriately power these areas with the components at hand - 1 BPC, 2 TPC 300s, 1 TPC 400, 2 PH135s, and a few PH180s.

Current thinking is:

• River Route:  PH180 + TPC300 + BPC
• Weirton Junction & Weirton Steel Yard:  2xPH135 + TPC300 + BPC (above)
• Staging Area:  PH180 + BPC (above) + BPC (above)  

I don't think I need a TPC for the Staging Area.

George

Keith L posted:

Loose-Caboose posted:

G3750 posted:

So here's the problem:

I have 4 yards that I want to shut off using a BPC.  I've done this before.  The question is:  Do I also need a TPC?  If possible, I'd like to do this without using a TPC.  Is that possible?

Thanks,

George

Yes it is possible.  But be fore warned, that the Original TMCC BPC, works differently than the newer BPC2.  The BPC2 is strictly an on/off switch.  The older BPC was also an on/off switch but could also switch between two power sources.  The lack of this latter feature is very limiting in my opinion if you are like me and wish to run both conventional and command on different blocks.

Although the BPC2 does not have all the capabilities--or the complexity--of the BPC1, it does have two sets of four relays and allows for controlling two power districts with four blocks each. One could be fixed voltage (command) and one could be variable voltage (conventional).

If I understand correctly though you can assign Cab1 (Power District 1) to outputs 1 - 4 and Cab2 (Power District 2) to outputs 5 - 8. You cannot however assign Cab1 to any of outputs 5 - 8 and vice versa. This is very limiting.  Complex? Pick your Block Number (ACS 45, for Block 45) hit Aux1 and assign either Cab1("1") or Cab 2 ("2") or turn power off to the Block by pressing "0". Very functional, not very complex. The only advantage (?) to the BPC2 is the added power cabability to the electronic switches. However I have never fried one in the BPC. Knock on wood!