Running conventional engines with DCS

[Anonymous]

Sorry if this has been discussed but i couldn't find anything

I just bought the DCS system and it works great. Now i am trying to control my conventional engines through the remote. I can control them through the transformer but i'd rather use the remote.

I was looking at the DCS instructions and it says that if you want to use the remote for conventional engines you need to wire your transformer through Var1 input/output. However if i understand correctly, the manual also tells you that in order for DCS to work you have to wire the transformer through Fixed1 input/output.

Can i wire the transformer through Var1 input/output instead of Fixed1 and control DCS and conventional engines and not have any wiring problems. I have two mth transformers, can i just wire one through fixed and one through var if need be.

Thanks for any insight

[ben10ben]

From what I understand about DCS(which, I admit, is not much), unless you have an external power source, the TIU needs to have some power going into Fixed 1 to power it. What you can do is either buy an external power supply for about $20 from Radio Shack, or simply wire it as you are describing and then jumper two small wires on the input side to Fixed 1.

[willpick]

You must have Fixed 1 powered or power the TIU via the AUX power input. Any 16-18VAC transformer rated at 1 Amp or more will do to power the TIU. What MTH transformers do you have? As to using one on Fixed 1 and one on Var 1, yes-- that will work without problems, as the two transformers should be phased properly. Just remember: Red terminals connect to the center rail, black to outside rails.
It's also a good idea to wire the outside rails together, as this will help the DCS signal stay strong.
HTH!

[spankybird]

Lets see if we can add some more light on this.

Option 1 – powering TIU from track power

In this case, you can connect your transformer to Var1 input. You must also add a jumper wire from Var1 red input to Fix1 input red. This jumper will provided power to TIU

Option 2 – powering TIU from fix (aux) power

In this case, you again can connect your transformer to Var1 input. Then, as stated above, add a second transformer (18 volt, 1 amp) to the Aux power plug.

Hope this helps
tom

[Anonymous]

Ok, well i have 2 transformers but i am short wires so this is what i have done.

I wired my transformer through Var1 input/output. I then connected the power supply from my other transformer to Aux power.

Should this be ok?

[spankybird]

Most likely yes. What size voltage and amperage is the transformer that you have to Aux power [?]

[ChiefEagles]

Go to Radio Shack and get the double plugs so you can move your transformer imput from fixed to variable. Do the same for the output side too. Then power it with the 18V little transformer from Radio Shack. Makes things so much easier. Old picture and I have things different now. Look at the TUI. See how I can move plugs from one output to the other.

[Anonymous]

It's a Z-750 power suppy which they recommend on in the manual so i am assuming it's fine.

I think 3.75 amps and 21 volts if i am reading it correctly

[spankybird]

QUOTE: Originally posted by usairways85

It's a Z-750 power suppy which they recommend on in the manual so i am assuming it's fine.

I think 3.75 amps and 21 volts if i am reading it correctly

That will be fine [:D] [;)]

[spankybird]

Jon - I believe we have done a very good job of answering his questions on this forum. [8D][^]

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the help.

As for the other forum I am not too familiar with it. Also i just have a large loop around the room for the christmas time and DCS was a big enough investment for me, i doubt i will be getting or needing the Z-4000 anytime soon. Chances are i'll get another PS2 engine.

[Anonymous]

Alright since you guys have been helpful i have a few other questions

When i tested my two conventional engines, one the horn or whistle(Lionel steam engine) did not work using the remote and the other an MTH Amtrak engine with a basic horn, the horn would not stop it continued to go off without me pressing anything.

Should i be able to activate the horn using the remote?

[Anonymous]

Get Rich Melvins video on it. It makes it a clear as glas.

[spankybird]

Gil - your are correct, the OGR tape is very very good and well worth the invetment.

Yes you sould be able to use the remote for the horn and bell for both engines. Sounds like you need to add the extra light to your track. 18 volt light bulb in parallel should fix the problem. This is covered on the video also.

This sometimes happens because of dirty track. What is your single strength?

[Anonymous]

As Spankybird mentioned, that light tied to your track power seems to be all important in making DCS work correctly. In a recent article on DCS in CTT, stranded core wire was also suggested for use on track feeds. Seems signals from DCS don't like to travel on solid core wire. I'm trying to learn all I can about DCS before I make a choise between it and TMCC.

Bruce Webster

[Jim Duda]

85 - Does your remote show "volts" in the display while you are running conventional?

[Anonymous]

Sounds like i should get the video.

Yes the remote displays volts

Maybe i should just stick with the Fixed1 and control conventional engines by the transformer. I really don't want to start tapering with the wires unless i absolutely have to.

[spankybird]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jonadel

Tom--

After watching several forums for 7 years there is no better resource than the OGR forum with Berry B. when it concerns DCS, IMO the advice on the OGR DCS forum is easy to read and written with the beginner in mind. I think the advice given so far on the topic in this forum is OK and mostly adequate. Why not take advantage of the best there is with Barry B.? And no, this is not a paid polictical commercial[:)]

Knowing what I know now I wish I had had the resource of the OGR forum from the get go concerning DCS.

Jon

Jon - I agree that Berry has a very high knowledge of DCS. He also refuses to help anyone on another forum. YOU must go to him on OGR only.

IMO there are several of us on this forum with a very good working knowledge DCS.

Maybe we should send all people with all questions to OGR not just with DCS question. Therefore I shouldn’t / won’t offer anymore help [V]

[Jim Duda]

85 - is the whistle/bell performance the ONLY thing that isn't working correctly? I presume controlling the speed and direction work satisfactorily? Try a lighted lock-on or add the light bulb. Bethcha' that cures it.

What Transformer is powering your track?

[spankybird]

Jon - I think I got your point. In your opinion, no on the this forum should offer an tech info. Just send them over to the OGR forum.

So in your opinion, what should we be talking about on the CTT [?]

[csxt30]

Let me be first to go to bat for my buddies on here, though he don't really need me to do that. On or off this forum, here's one guy that's always helping some body ! I've been with him in hobby shops, train shows, wherever theres someone looking at trains, he's helping them, & within minutes, he's invited them over to his house to help them some more. He's an Industrial Engineer, a former College teacher, for race driver in top fuel dragsters racing with the best of them years ago. He's highly qualified to help those in need on this forum, right along with some of the other great ones we have here, like Lionelsoni & Roy Mc Clellen to name just a few ! I'm talkin about Spankybird, & this forum ! I don't care what the other forums have. "We got it all right here" !
Thanks Tom , & all you others that know your stuff !!

[Anonymous]

The whistle/horn is the only thing not working. Forward/reverse/neutral all work fine, the speed is fine...it's just the horn