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| Gilbarco
MPD-3 |
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| Description |
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| The
MPD-3 was the last of the MPD series products, which
included the MPD-1 and MPD-2/C. |
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The
MPD-3 has the distinction of being the first model introduced
with “modular” electronics, where the circuit
boards that operate the dispenser are contained in a
card cage that allows easy board removal from the front.
The
displays are “screened image” (SID) type. |
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| The
modular electronics package was then made available
in the Highline and MPD-1 lines as well. |
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The
easiest external way to tell the difference between
an MPD-2 and an MPD-3 is by the door height. The door
height on the MPD-2 is approximately 30" and the
MPD-3 door is approximately 24". (See page 10 for
a door
identification diagram.) |
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| Electronics |
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There are two “SID” plasma style displays used in the MPD-3: the T15994-G1 is the original, taller version. It has 5 digits. When CRIND came on the scene, the T15994-G1 proved too tall to allow the CRIND retrofit kit to be received. Gilbarco introduced a shorter version of this board, the T17339-G1. This item uses only 4
digits. |
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| Popular
Production Options |
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| Standard production options on Gilbarco electronic equipment include cash/credit (2-level) pricing and customer preset. Preset is not a common option and most equipment originally provided with cash/credit pricing has been converted back to one price per grade. |
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| Retrofit
Options |
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| Gilbarco offers LCD displays kits to replace the orange plasma displays originally shipped on the MPD-3. These displays offer improved reliability but are expensive. |
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All members of the MPD series (MPD-1, MPD-2/C,
MPD-3) can be upgraded by installation of an MPD-3 CRIND head. Most major oil companies have made this upgrade, installing a card reader (CRIND) head that Gilbarco offers at an attractive price. |
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| All members of the MPD-series can also be upgraded to assist (Vapor-Vac) vapor recovery. This is an expensive upgrade, however, and is most cost-effective when it can be done on the island -- saving removal, transportation, and installation cost of a replacement dispenser. |
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| Suction
Pumps and Blenders |
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The MPD-3 chassis was also used for blending
dispensers. “Pro Blender” (programmable) units feature two hoses on each side. One hose is dedicated to a single product, while the customer can select one of five products to be dispensed from the other hose. Fixed blenders look like standard MPD-3s, but the center product is blended from the other two grades. The blend valve orifices can be changed in the field to select one of eight mid-grade blend ratios. |
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In addition, it is relatively easy to convert a 3-product MPD to a fixed blender by installation of a blend valve. |
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| Suction MPD-3’s were manufactured but they are very rare in the United States. |
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| Console
Compatibility |
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| Anything newer than a Transac 12A will operate most MPD-3s. For a programmable blender a T12G or later model console is needed. The TMS MPC will also operate the MPD-3. |
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| Comments/Usage
Recommendation |
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The MPD-2 and MPD-3 are excellent units for new installations. Because of major oil company upgrades, they are frequently available with Vapor-Vac and card readers already installed. With these upgrades, the two models become essentially the same, except that they cannot be mixed at a location due to being different
heights. |
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| Both the original MPD-2 and MPD-3 heads are quite susceptible to water damage from accumulations in the bottom of the head. It is very common to see rusted-out dial face hinges. This concern does not apply to MPD-2s and 3s converted to CRIND, however, as the head design is different. |
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The vast majority of older Gilbarco meters leak to one degree or another. Buyers of used Gilbarco equipment should expect that, in most cases, the meter(s) will need replacement or will need to have gaskets and seals replaced. This tendency toward leaks is worsened in equipment where gaskets have dried out due to extended
storage before re-installation. |
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