I am a new user to DCS and this forum. I am looking for any tips or suggestions anyone could provide to help in this transition. I will be adding the system to an existing 16X5 layout. It consists of two ovals of Fastrack on the mainlevel with an elevated line of realtrax. The three lines run independant of each other as of now.
My power sources include a 250 watt ZW, a 150watt VW and MTH z-750. which one of these will be the most beneficial. I have also read that you could power the TIU with a external power source. Does this mean that a transformer will no longer be needed?
fireflan My power sources include a 250 watt ZW, a 150watt VW and MTH z-750. which one of these will be the most beneficial. I have also read that you could power the TIU with a external power source. Does this mean that a transformer will no longer be needed?
You will need to have power to the track even though you are going through the TIU. The TIU gets its power either from the transformer input via track power or from being powered seperately, like from a Z-750. When powered seperately you can get better control from the TIU and the handheld unit, like variable voltage to the track for running convential engines. You must run power to the tracks NO matter what way you wire the TIU. Each track needs to have its own seperate supply from the TIU, like variable one goes to track one or fixed input one can go to track one.
Not sure if you will need more than one TIU for three tracks, as I run two tracks on my TIU and power it with an MTH Z-750 transformer.
Do you have updated circuit protection since you mention using a postwar transformer with modern engines? Should be around 7 or 8 amp circuit breaker on the output side of each terminal from the postwar ZW.
Lee F.
One of the long time posters to this forum had a club layout that they just wired the DCS in and had no problems. I mention this as it is suggested that you do "Star" or "Home Run" wiring for optimal performance. They had a large club layout and did not have any issues. You do have to make sure you have good track connections and clean track. As Lee suggests, you will need the power in addition to a TIU. I am not a DCS user, but did look into it so that my layout can be easily adapted should I go that route. Others with much more history with the system are sure to chime in. Also, you may want to do a search of the forum here so that you can get a good amount of information regarding DCS.
Dennis
TCA#09-63805
fireflan!!!!
Jack.
IF IT WON'T COME LOOSE BY TAPPING ON IT, DON'T TRY TO FORCE IT. USE A BIGGER HAMMER.
I did not use the recommended wiring for my layout. My layout is approx 22 x 22 and I wired it like my previous layouts with 3 leads going to various locations on each main line. For the TIU I have 4 Lionel 135 watt bricks powering the 4 inputs on the TIU. I have a TMCC command base connected to the TIU so I can run Lionel's TMCC locos through the MTH DCS system. I have not had any problems with this set-up and enjoy running PS-2, TMCC, and conventional locomotives, sometimes at the same time on the same track.
Bill T.
Another device that you may want to add to control switches is the Accessory Interface Unit(AIU), which hooks into the TIU. Just like the TIU each switch or accessory needs to be powered up, the AIU acts like a switch and not a power source. You may want to hook-up an accessory power output from a transformer to power all ten switches on one AIU, or to several accessories, as you can only operate one switch at a time with the handheld remote.
I will definitely be adding an (AIU). I am patiently awaiting the delivery of the DCS system. I am sure once I view the DVD many of my questions will be answered. In the meantime, I have been reading the MTH DCS companion e-book that I downloaded. I am guessing since most of my engines are conventional, I will be utilizing the variable channels on the TIU.
Do you know whether fastrack switches are compatible with AIU?
Thanks for info
I don't have any Fastrac switches, so I don't know how they would hook-up for any certainty. I would think that the Fastrac switch should use the same kind of wiring that most of the tubular track switches though. As with all new switches be sure to read in the instruction manual how much voltage the switches are supposed to recieve, as more than 14 volts supposedly killed the 6-23010 series switches.
Your chances of DCS working well is limited as currently wired. Do these things in this order. try running trains after each.
1. have a test track to make certain everything works
2. At the TIU output (or if using star wiring at terminal strip) add a 18-24 volt light bulb or rf filter. These have been described on forum # of times.
Try running trains... My sense is that there will be a low signal because of how you have wired your layout. Its best with DCS to isolate the center rail every 15 ft and run leads to terminal block. From terminal block run lead to TIU output. For three loops use three terminal blocks ,one for each loop. This makes trouble shooting easy. Run leads from terminal block to tiu outputs. Use fixed one , fixed two and variable one. Variable one can be set to fixed by using the remote.
3. External power source is not needed for TIU if you use the fixed one input. Also with modern engines I would always use a new transformer with modern circuit breaker. If you don't make certain to buy a modern circuit breaker
Bill D
model in O. the Western NY and Ontario Railroad
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