Powering a TMCC Controller

[KeithL]

I recently picked up a Block Power Controller (BPC) so I can toggle my sidings on and off from my CAB-1. In reviewing the instructions, I note that Lionel recommends powering the BPC from a separate power supply (not connected to the track) to avoid the possibility of noise from the TMCC signal interfering with communications. Have others found this to be necessary with the BPC or other TMCC Controllers? I would rather not have to bother with a dedicated power supply for the BPC.

Keith

[Buckeye Riveter]

After running TMCC for at least five years, my suggestion is to follow Lionel recommendations to the letter. Less problems and less headaches.

[tmcc man]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Buckeye Riveter

After running TMCC for at least five years, my suggestion is to follow Lionel recommendations to the letter. Less problems and less headaches.

I could not agree more. The way Lionel puts the directions in the letter is how i would follow them.

[Anonymous]

Hi Keith,

As with many toy train electronics, the answer is "it depends."

I use the action recorder controller (ARC) on my layout and until I powered it from a separate source, it wouldn't record/playback properly. (It is now powered by one of those small wall-outlet transformers).

However, my accessory controller works fine without a dedicated transformer.

Neil Besougloff
editor, CTT

[KeithL]

Thanks. I guess I'll try it first without a dedicated power supply. If it doesn't seem to be working well, I'll assume that's the problem and I'll just have to pick up a small transformer to use with it.

Keith

[KeithL]

I hooked the BPC up to a power supply that, as all the power supplies on my layout, is connected to a shared return. At this point, at least, with one operator (me) using one CAB-1, the BPC is controlling four blocks normally. If I start to see any degradation in the performance of the BPC, which might be more likely when one operator is giving a command to the BPC while another operator is giving a TMMC command to something else, I'll pick up a small transfomer just for the BPC. Thanks guys for your help.

Keith