DCS question

[Anonymous]

Is the Z-1000 Transformer able to power the DCS? Or would I have to buy the Z-4000 to power DCS?
Thanks,
Greg

[Anonymous]

You can use pretty much any transformer (including the Z-1000) to power the DCS system.

If you plan on using the Variable channels to remotely operate conventional engines, you might want to consider getting a pure sine-wave transformer (like a Z-4000, a MRC Pure Power, or any older Postwar transformer such as a ZW or KW). This is because the system used by the DCS Variable channels to control track voltage chops the sine wave. Most modern transformers (like your Z-1000) also chop the sine wave to some extent. Thus, using these transformers with the DCS Variable channels results in a "double chopping" which can cause operating anomalies in some (mostly older) locomotives.

[Anonymous]

Let's just say, at this point, my layout would be small, and I don't intend to run anything other than a PS2 equiped loco, or two. If I'm reading you properly, I shouldn't have any problems then, using the Z-1000 for running DCS???
Thanks,
Greg

[Anonymous]

You are correct...the Z-1000 will work just fine with the DCS system for your present needs. In the future, you might need more power if you intend to run multiple unit lash-ups or long passenger trains.

[phillyreading]

I was planning on running DCS system for my PS2 locomotive and was told to use a newer transformer because the circuit breaker on the old ZW's & KW's don't trip quick enuff. The Z1000 should be good enuff for two trains on the DCS system, the reason for the DCS system as I have heard or been told is to operate all the locomotive sounds and to have better speed control over the locomotive.
Lee Fritz

[Anonymous]

Thanks. In case I forget to mention it... you guys, and this forum ROCK. I appreciate all the wisdom.

I'm pretty limited on space, so running two trains on the same track is very important to me. I've already got a PS2 loco, so I've decided to go in this direction. I figure down the road, I'll need a hog like the Z-4000, but until today, I thought I'd have to have one in order to run DCS. This is good news!
Thanks again.
Greg

[Anonymous]

It's not necessary to use a newer transformer with the DCS system. When using older transformers like the ZW and KW, just place fast-acting in-line fuses between the transformer and the DCS TIU. Then you have the best of both worlds...the pure sine-wave output of a postwar transformer with the circuit protection of a modern transformer.

[CSX FAN]

The z-750 with the controller won't work right on a DCS var channel it chops the sine wave up to much. The Z-1000 will work for a small layout as noted above. Any transformer new or old should have in line fast acting fuses 32v. 10amp to be safe and to avoid going into the newer TIU's to replace a fuse. The TIU has the 20a in line fuse on the ground side. I put the external fuse on the red side. I have seen both block before the Z-4000 trips. Typicaly caused by a bad derailment.

Jamie

[Anonymous]

You should be able to use any of the modern "bricks" to feed power to the TIU channels, aka you don't need or really want to use the controllers. This is where the waveform would get chopped.

So long as the brick has a fast acting breaker and the power requirements on the layout side don't overtax the power supply you sould be fine. Biggest "problem" are most bricks don't have bannana plugs, they have connectors for whatever the were meant to mate with. MTH has its pin type and Lionel the mini molex. You can get butcher the TPC adapters to connect PH 135's or 180's. Other types would require building an adapter from parts,

[Anonymous]

It looks like MTH has a TIU/Barrel Jack Adapter cable for just such a thing.
Thanks for the help.
Greg

[jimhaleyscomet]

DCS also has a hole in the banana plug so you can alternatively feed it stripped wire.

Jim H

[Jamesh1083]

Hi, I'm very much in the same boat as Greg, in that I got back into the hobby recently and received a PS2 loco for my birthday. I bought the Z1000 that day, too, just because I wanted to make sure I didn't have any problems running the new loco (I've already got a Lionel 1033 used to power an inner, separate oval). But I do have a question about DCS and the train sounds. From everything I've been able to learn, reading these posts and the manufacturer's literature, am I wrong in saying that you don't get any additional sounds by using DCS, but DCS just makes it easier so instead of pushing a combination of bell/whistle buttons you just have to hit one button the DCS remote? Thanks and again I'm so grateful to have this forum and the folks who are patient enough to answer newbies questions!

[Anonymous]

There are about 35 different soft key functions available with the DCS remote. (Depending on the engine) Not all are sound related; I would guess about 25 or so are. Some are "idle" chatter you hear when the engine is sitting still that you will occasionally hear without DCS. These are available at the touch of the button with the remote along with others; coupler slack, a train wreck, startup and shut down and a few others not available without it.

Most sounds files on the engine are specific to that engine (sorta), Usually Passenger sounds are more specific to the region of the road name but freight sounds are usually not road name specific but vary depending on the type of engine.
If they produce say 6 Hudson’s on one catalog with freight sounds with different road names the sound file would probably be the same. If they have passenger sounds then the basic sounds like chuff, bell and whistle would be the same but the name of the towns it stops at will be different.