Connecting pm powermaster and tpc300 to postwar transformers and command base

[James_Huff]

So I ordered one pm powermaster, tpc300, and command base 1 and in the process of finding a cab 1 remote that works under 100 dollars. The power master and command base 1 came in the mail today and they didn’t come with the manuals only the units themselves and the proper power adapters. How do I hook up both the powermaster and tpc 300 and 275 watt Zw and 190 watt kw to a 2 block section layout? I am planning on adding 3 sc2 switch controllers as well using a 125 watt transformer to currently power 13 022 switches fixed voltage minus the 022c controllers I’m excited now that my dream to control my prewar/postwar layout is finally coming together! Other than the cab 1 remote I think I have everything i need to control The switches and 2 trains via handheld remote control! I just would like to know how to properly install all the tmcc components into my 6x9 layout Without damaging anything! Also can I plug the powermaster, tpc300 and command base 1 to a power surge protected power strip?

[smokey1]

Okay to hook up a TPC300 follow this link

https://www.lionelsupport.com/Support%20Service%20Documents/71-4189-250.pdf

Powermaster

https://www.lionelsupport.com/Support%20Service%20Documents/71-2867-250.pdf

[smokey1]

Remember the U terminals on a ZW are all connected together, so when attaching to U it doesn’t matter which one you use.

[James_Huff]

Those videos were of great help but opened up a can of worms of more questions!

First off, the video about the tpc 300 didnt say what to do if you couldn’t find the exact command base cable 6 14191 or 614195 on eBay I am seeing enhanced or modified command base cables that look a bit different than the one shown in the video!

[BigAl_956]

It’s a bit of work but all the parts you need to make your own cable are readily available. I made my own back when using a 9-pin male rs232 and phone cable with parts from Radio Shack and from my telecom parts bin.

[James_Huff]

It’s a bit of work but all the parts you need to make your own cable are readily available. I made my own back when using a 9-pin male rs232 and phone cable with parts from Radio Shack and from my telecom parts bin.

ok so what parts did you exactly use? Unfortunately RadioShack closed down by where I live so to make my own cable can you give me instructions to make open like how thou made yours please?

[ADCX_Rob]

@cjack posted:

Pin # 2 is the dat output and pin # 5 is the com. Lionel makes a cable, part # 6-14191 which has the two wires from a db9 plug. So you could make your own with a two wire cable and a male db9 plug. They also have a 3 wire, part # 6-14192, one that has the receive pin #3 which you don’t need for this application.

As John says, the drive capability of the Legacy base is limited. It will drive about 3 TPCs or maybe one Z driver and a TPC, but a friend of mine had trouble with even that. Dennis from Z stuff has made comment on what you can do with early drivers to modify the current draw on these driver boards. I made a booster amp for my friend, Shane on the forum, and all works fine now.

Dale M on the forum here is now offering/producing a nice high output booster amp(s), one with a pass thru of the db9 pins, for a very nominal amount of money. Several have bought them and are well pleased.

[James_Huff]

cjack

@cjack posted:

Pin # 2 is the dat output and pin # 5 is the com. Lionel makes a cable, part # 6-14191 which has the two wires from a db9 plug. So you could make your own with a two wire cable and a male db9 plug. They also have a 3 wire, part # 6-14192, one that has the receive pin #3 which you don’t need for this application.

As John says, the drive capability of the Legacy base is limited. It will drive about 3 TPCs or maybe one Z driver and a TPC, but a friend of mine had trouble with even that. Dennis from Z stuff has made comment on what you can do with early drivers to modify the current draw on these driver boards. I made a booster amp for my friend, Shane on the forum, and all works fine now.

Dale M on the forum here is now offering/producing a nice high output booster amp(s), one with a pass thru of the db9 pins, for a very nominal amount of money. Several have bought them and are well pleased.

So for connecting the tpc 300 the command base 1 do I need these driver boards and booster amps for running conventional locos and maybe in the future, a command loco? The tpc 300 already outputs 15 amps just barely in my comfort zone and I would be powering the tpc 300 with my postwar 275 watt zw transformer

[ADCX_Rob]

So for connecting the tpc 300 the command base 1 do I need these driver boards and booster amps for running conventional locos and maybe in the future, a command loco?

No. That part of the narrative is with regard to the TMCC data signal, which you won’t have a problem with.