Hello all,
Sorry for my leave of absence recently.
I have 2 questions regarding the TPC 400. 1) Is it able to run on DC power, and 2) If it can run on DC, would it be able to handle 10 AMPS of power?
Thank you for the help.
Colin
No.
The TPC 400 is good for 20 amps AC. What are you trying to accomplish with DC & a TPC?
Rob
Rob,
Thank you for the help. I have an MTH G Dash 8 and since I dont have the money for DCS right now, or an extra power source ( I have one 180 watt block) I was wondering if it was possible for me to use DC with the TPC 400. I have a 10 amp power source (DC) from Aristo Craft trains that I was going to use if possible.
Are you trying to run DC power on Gauge 1 Track by remote with a CAB-1? There is a way to do this with a PowerMaster/PM-1 and a 2 position E-unit.
Rob
Rob,
Yes, this is what I am trying to do. I think the Dash 8 is 3 position, forward-neutral-reverse, if that is what you mean. I have no powermaster though.
How do you get neutral? Turn it off? How do change direction & speed now? If you are just using a power pack, there is a way to do it with the CAB-1 & a TPC/PM-1 & a 2 position reversing unit, & full-wave bridge rectfiers. If the loco has an internal reversing unit, it’s even easier, only a rectifier is required with the TPC/PM-1.
Rob
With just the DC power pack, I can only get forward and reverse. But, when I use TMCC with the small 180 watt power source, I press the direction button and it goes into neutral.
I am realizing now that I don’t know enough about your loco. It sounds like you are already running it on AC… how are you using the CAB-1? What is your “small 180 watt power source”? Do you have DC or AC to the track now?
I guess the real question is, what are you trying to do if you can already use the remote?
Rob
Rob,
I am trying to get more power to the track without buying a new power source.
What are you trying to power, Why do you need more than 10 amps on the track for a G MTH diesel?
Rob
Rob
The reason that I need that much power to power is for lights, smoke, and couplers. Also, I cannot control the horn or bell.
Colin, your 180 watts should run 3-4 trains like yours, with lights, & literally all the bells and whistles. Exactly what is your power set up now - from the wall outlet down to the track, & all the controls/remotes/TMCC components? How, for example, are you controlling the train with the CAB-1?
If this is just a 180 PoHo brick with a TPC, you can add another 135 or 180 PoHo with the optional TPC Y-cable. But you are talking like you want DC? Do you have DC or AC on the track now?
Rob