MTH DCS TIU power question

[Suzu3949]

I have an MTH DCS TIU and I power it through fixed input #1 using a ZW transformer. Most articles recommend powering it with an additional 18v radio shack power supply. When i add the RS power supply I lose control of the DCS trains. 

 

I have both power supplies on at the same time. I have removed the RS power supply and regained control of my trains.

 

Notes:

2 tracks 75' long powered by fixed input 1 and 2.

 

Thanks....Craig

[Stourbridge Lion]

Craig - Welcome to Trains.com!

[Seayakbill]

It is possible that the RS power supply is interfering with the DCS command signals. I know there are a couple transformers that are not recommended for use with DCS.

[Suzu3949]

I just didn't know the importance of having the TIU powered by an independent source.

 

Is there an optimal voltage setting for the tracks? I have mine running at 14v and it seems to be doing just fine.

 

Thanks all! I appreciate the great reading and tips! Setting up the DCS was easier than I thought. It makes the hobby 10X more fun!

 

Craig

[Seayakbill]

Is there an optimal voltage setting for the tracks? I have mine running at 14v

I have 4 Lionel 135 watt bricks attached to my TIU, one for each input connection. Eash 135 watt brick supposedly has an output of 18 volts. Two of the TIU connections are a constant 18 volts and two are varible that I adjust with the DCS controller depending if the loco is conventional or command. I also have a Lionel TMCC command base connected to the TIU to operate TMCC locos.

 

[willpick]

It sounds like the Aux port isn't working properly. Try this: remove the ZW power from fixed 1 in. turn on  the RS supply , then plug it into the Aux input. You should see the red light blink once, then be on steady. If the light doesn't blink, or stay on, then the aux input is bad. You can run just fine without using the aux input, the reason it's reccomended is so that if there is a problem with fixed 1in/out(short/overload/etc.) the TIU stays powered and you don't lose control of the trains.

hope this helps---

[phillyreading]

What I have done is to use an MTH Z-750 transformer(without the speed control unit) that I bought at a train show to power the DCS TIU base. I have no problem with the DCS unit. USE ONLY MTH approved transformers!!

[Suzu3949]

Thanks for the replies!!! Good stuff! Great forum!

I will try your suggestion this weekend.

 

Craig