First let me say, when it comes to electronics, plugging a cord in is usually the peak of my game.
Our club's traveling layout has 3 ovals, none tied together in any way. Today one of the TPC 400's decided it was done. The immediate reaction by some was lets get another TPC 400. I took to Google and it appears for our needs a Legacy Powermaster would be a better choice. Newer and less $$.
Am I missing anything?? Thanks!
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Probably right but there’s a chance the TPC can be fixed. All depends what’s wrong with it.
A Legacy pm does the same thing without the com/dat connection to the base.
It communicates with the base remotely like everything else.
Just be sure to get the Legacy powermaster with the proper voltage. They have been offered in 180w and 360w versions.
Check two items, The switch (rocker switch), and the thermal cutout/reset.
Edit/Add, it may need re-programmed. These silver boxes were often used as an off/on switch, that could be controlled by a TMCC handheld Cab1 remote.
Edit/Add (2) Red (rocker) switch, top left corner of the unit. Program switch is a slide (left/right) switch.
Bottom right 20A Push in, to reset.
These silver boxes were designed as a large off/on box. Required programming, I used TR1, and TR2. Used to power-on the layout. Also used as an emergency shut-down. Wired directly to the Command base, Dat/Comm connections. Run/Program switch, (Run position).
Foggy head. TR1 Aux1 boost, (On) TR1 Aux1 ??? Zero??? Off I think.
Search for additional information. Lionel website. TPC 300 or 400.
If a TPC400 is anything like the IC Controls units, of which it was derived from, these devices are more than a simple on/off devices. They have over-current protection, and can be switched to CONVentional mode from the remote, unlike PowerMasters that you have to walk over to them.
I bought three separate IC Control units, and they changed the firmware in them (I read the manuals, silly me), later units could control some MTH PS1 features (in CONVentional mode) . I would assume the TPC400 would get all of those improvements.
I would have to think over which is better for a traveling layout. With a PowerMaster having two less wires to connect would seem an advantage, on the other hand, anybody could come with a CAB1 or CAB1L and monkey with your trains. You could in theory have the TPC400 hooked up only to a personal computer, but I don't know of anyone that does that - this would mean you would have to go over to the computer to cut the power in an emergency, sounds like a pretty big downside to me.
My experience has been that battery powered wireless control is the most trouble free operating mode for club visits. From now on, these are the only engines (including LC+ & BlueRail) that I bring to a meet and they have never disappointed me.
Get the new PowerMaster, either the 180 watt, or the 360 watt…. I’ve had several TPC 400’s to die, and one of the very best technicians trying to repair them to no avail. If it’s the processor, it’s over. I’ve added the newer 360 watt PowerMaster to my system and it’s fantastic. I use two 180 watt bricks with the PowerMaster. Good luck. Happy Railroading Everyone
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