So we had an operating session at the club layout today, and this keeps happening: we have 4 Lionel 180W power bricks feeding the 4 TIU channels (2 fixed, 2 variable but running as fixed,) powering 4 blocks of the layout. If too many locomotives are in any one block at one time, the multiple motors draw too much amperage and the circuit breaker in the brick powering that block trips. So someone asked this question: what happens if you hook up an additional transformer (circuit breaker and TVS equipped) directly to the track to supply extra amperage to power these blocks? Will it "backfeed" power back through the TIU's outputs and cause damage, or will the extra amps only be used when needed? It would be the same voltage as the bricks on the input side. I personally think this would damage the TIU, but I'm sure we're not the only large layout with multiple locos that's had this problem. So I figured I'd throw it out there and see what you all think. TIA!
The TIU's were designed to be able to run in "passive" mode without the power running through them at all, so your idea should work. It should actually reduce the load being passed through the TIU.
Rob
Another thing to do is to make your block sections smaller to cut down on power useage in any one block, making more blocks. Adding more power from another transformer or brick can add more current than your wire may safely handle. In electrical work never try to go around or bypass a circuit breaker.
Lee F.
Why not try the TIU passive mode with a K-Line 120F transformer?
Andrew
Watch my videos on-line at https://www.youtube.com/user/AndrewNeilFalconer
Is "passive mode" something that must be turned on and off in the TIU, or does it just mean that you're not running power through the TIU's 4 inputs and just powering it from the AC adapter power cord? As for circuit breakers: we wouldn't be "bypassing" anything, just adding an "additional" power source, also with its own CB and TVS protection. Keep the idea coming!
Taranwanderer "passive mode"... ...does it just mean that you're not running power through the TIU's 4 inputs and just powering it from the AC adapter power cord?
"passive mode"... ...does it just mean that you're not running power through the TIU's 4 inputs and just powering it from the AC adapter power cord?
That one.
This type of operation has been known about since the early days of DCS but has never been an officially supported practice. It has never been included in the DCS manual and is not discussed in the DCS Remote Commander's manual. However, it does work, is perfectly safe, and is covered in Barry Broskowitz's book.
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