Another AIU question

You can use the ACC side of the AIU as the remote has a momentary/on/off function.  With momentary/pulse softkey, power will be applied to the magnet only so long as you hold the button.  With the switch side, sometimes the short pulse to fire a switch may not be long enough for a magnet to actually activate the coupler.

 

Otherwise, I would say you're on the 'right track.'

 

Hi Todd,

 

Welcome to the forum and the hobby!

 

Charly's got the right idea.  Use the AIU's switch ports for the switches and the accessory ports for uncouplers.  On the uncouplers, power will go into the "IN" terminal.  Connect "1" to the electromagnet.  That's the "normally open" (NO) terminal.  When you press the "ACT" softkey power will be applied.

 

Be sure you have the latest software on your TIU and remote (v4.20).  Some versions of the DCS software have had a bug that effects the operation of some AIU ports.  Atlas switch machines and uncouplers are vulnerable to sticky activation buttons that apply power for too long.  Making sure your software is up to date will help avoid any damage.

Thank you for your replies. I am so happy I found this site. While I was waiting to see if if someone could help me with ideas, I decided to call MTH. I think what was mentioned above is referring to the ACT function on the ACC side of the AIU. Even though they were extremely nice, they could not tell me how long the 'on' portion of the pulse was. In fact I was told the switch side may have a longer 'on' period and that I should test them both out with a volt meter and time it for myself. I am learning as fast as I can and had another idea they said may work. I asked if I was to hook something like a light to show the ACC is on and then hook a wire off of that to the uncoupling track would that work. I was told yes. I am more concerned that my son will forget it is on. I think he will be overwhelmed with all of the other switches, trains and accessories. I view this as one big puzzle and love it. I was building this for him but I am the one working on it until my wife yells at me that it is 2am!!! Thank you for any help!!!!!! Todd

Hi Todd,

 

The "ACT" feature on the accessories works just like a push button.  It stays on as long as you hold down the button on the remote.  If you press and release it right away it will be on for only about 1/4 second.  However, you can press and hold it until the cars actually uncouple.  That might even be a good learning experience for your son.  He can start to relate to the idea that his actions on the remote have real results on the trains.  You can safely supply power to either the switches or the uncouplers for several seconds before they start to get hot.

Witjh the ACC function, be sure that you don't have it set to toggle on or off, but only to stay on as long as you have the button pushed.  Otherwise, you'll burn out the uncoupling track.

One of the concerns I had was he (or me for that matter) may push the wrong button. This was why I was wondering if I could hook everything up to something like a light and then extend a wire from there to the uncoupling track. This way if we saw a light on, we would know the magnet was being powered. Any thoughts on this?  Thanks again!! Todd

Hi Todd,

 

Absolutely, a light bulb in parallel with the uncoupler is a great idea and very easy to wire.   Simply add a second wire coming out of "1" on the AIU and connect it to the light bulb.