2 rail power supply?

The 180W brick is  great. You won't find a new one available, but there are some used ones about

So basically it's the same power supply for 2 rail DCS as 3 rail?

I'm a little confused on this one.  Are you running DCS on 2 rail, or DCC?  I am used to seeing DCC on 2 rail, but I suppose it would be theoretically possible to run DCS.  

If what you mean is 2 rail DCC, then you need a DC power source.  You could make an AC to DC converter to use transformers you already own, for not much $$$, but if you are looking for a plug and play solution... Have to see what the 2 rail guys say.  I don't have any idea what the recommended brands are.  

I want to use DCS in 2 rail.  Don't wanna use DCC unless I have to. 

Ok.  Well, then, any transformer or power brick you would use in 3-rail will be what you want.   

JGL

JohnGaltLine posted:

Ok.  Well, then, any transformer or power brick you would use in 3-rail will be what you want.   

JGL

It's not going to be an issue to use AC power? Or is that ok since I'm running in DCS and not DCC?

thanks

You have to use a DC transformer connected to your TIU just like you would if you were into 3 rail.

Do not use a AC power source if the engines are DC. 

I run Ho using MTH engines with PS 3 with DCS. Powered with a MRC DC transformer thru a TIU,  It works great. 

ON the o scale engines I think there is a switch to go from 3 to 2 rail. Check with MTH to make sure. 

All my locomotives will be MTH PS3 DCS. Yes there is a switch for 2 rail. 

I am fairly sure that the DCS signal needs AC on the rails to transmit, but I'm not absolutely sure about it.  The switch on the bottom that David1 mentions is, as far as I know, to switch between DCS and DCC.  

I'm afraid I just don't know enough about DCS to know what is needed to run it on 2 rail.  

JGL

I think there is a 2 rail and DCS switch. 

I had the PS2 system here for a while doing a review for a now defunct magazine.  The TIU at that time accepted either AC or DC, and I have the capability of testing both.  Either worked just fine.

Without the TIU,  a PS2 locomotive works just fine on straight DC, but all you get is chuff out of the sound system.

There is absolutely nothing inherent in 2-rail that keeps you from using AC if you want.  For some reason there has always been a tendency to think that AC works with 3 rail and DC with 2 rail.  The power source has no idea how many rails you have.

I have zero experience with PS3. I doubt they downgraded its capabilities.

Just as another FYI and something to think about, only the fixed TIU channels are compatible with DC, the variable channels are not. If you don't already have Barry's book I would highly recommend getting a copy of the latest (3rd) edition. I believe he covers all specifics of the different engines and power sources pretty well.

So it sounds like with having new PS3 2 rail locomotives from MTH I can have an AC power pack to the TIU and power my trains no problem. 

Am flyer. 2 rail ac