which is the better......

They're both good. The 85226 is an updated part number for a recent newer production version.

The 22983 can most likely be found for less on the secondary market. I believe there is a recent ad on the FS forum with 4 available.

I have 2 of the 22983's and they work great.

Don’t the later ones have a requirement for an extra pin in the mating connector before they will operate?

Correct Chuck, other than that I don't see much difference in capability.  I have a bunch of the older ones, they're going to do just fine for me.

thanks

Does this mean the TMCC adapter cables , (so you do not have to cut off molex Connector) will not work on new bricks

Are there three wires in the cable, or just two? If there are two, then the switch is in the plug and you can probably cut it off. Keep in mind, I’ve never seen the circuit so just guessing here.

Three wires, you need to leave the cable intact or skywire it.  Easier to just do it right with a connector.