Anyone know of a cleanup bulb with wires/pigtails for TIU I can buy on Amazon?
Looking for 18V.
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What version of the TIU do you have? The "magic" light bulb isn't really helpful for the Rev. L TIU. Most any bulb serves the function, though you're better off using the Deat's Engineered DCS Filters if you want to add filtering to an earlier TIU.
When you add the bulb, it must draw at least .2 amps or it doesn't do as much, the less it draws.
So as John says, a Deat's filter is a better choice for older TIUs.
I think I used bulbs #1818 at the TIU output and #1873 at the track block connection per Ray Manley's pages. The MTH Z4000 goes above 18 volts!
Rev H2
have a Z4000 transformer.
On my previous layout I had two bulbs with yellow plastic housing, but there is no marking on them.
And I lost one of them, so I need to replace.
#1873 might work. 28v, 5.6w is .2 amps as per Ohm's law.
#1818 is .17A, not enough amps.
I'm sure Deat's works well, probably better, but it's a 4 week estimate to deliver and costs $4 each.
@SteveG posted:#1873 might work. 28v, 5.6w is .2 amps as per Ohm's law.
#1818 is .17A, not enough amps.
I'm sure Deat's works well, probably better, but it's a 4 week estimate to deliver and costs $4 each.
Yes, sorry for that.
My tracks are set up for higher than 18 volts when needed. I run both G scale, and O scale. My MTH Z4000 goes up higher than 18 volts.
The 1818 bulb at the TIU is extra and is used in addition to the 1873 at the furthest points.
I just ordered the bulbs and empty sockets. I just soldered on short wires to add to them.
The filter when used, is only needed at the furthest points in each block connection.
If you can, connect the tiu to a spare piece of track with only one engine getting power.
Check signal strength and report back. If it's very low the TIU maybe damaged. It may save time since if it's bad, we won't get anywhere.
Those 18 power drops may actually be a problem. Just not always. You could connect a light bulb to each of your 2 blocks and also right at the TIU outputs.
http://www.rayman4449.com/MTH_DCS_Info-Tips.htm
http://www.rayman4449.com/DCS_...m#Tuning_your_Layout
from Ray Manley's pages:
Step 1: Select light bulb or SSLT
Light Bulbs:
You can use any bulb with a voltage rating at least as high as the voltage you intend to use on the layout. The amperage of the bulb will determine how many you will need to use and recommend using bulbs with a .2 amperage rating. Make sure you acquire a bulb that has an adequate rated life.
I would suggest connecting both fixed #1 and #2 to your layout. One channel goes to each of your blocks. You can jump the input side of the TIU if you're only using one power pack. You add the bulbs to the outputs (like #1818) and/or at the blocks connections (like a #1873).
or use filters:
https://www.slsprr.net/technical/filter.htm
BTW, what are you using for power to the rails? Is anything else drawing power from it like switch machines?
Did you remove all other equipment from the rails for the test?
Do you have Lionel's TMCC or Legacy connected too?
Go Bills!!!!!!!!
I'm in the process of wiring to each track section and putting a plastic joiner on the middle rail to isolate the blocks.
14 gauge stranded wire feeders to each section, Atlas O 3-rail track, about a dozen Atlas O switches.
I will use the variable outputs for accessories.
MTH DCS engines only, nothing else.
In 1-2 weeks I should be able to test an engine and check the signal.
I had a nice, big layout, built about 15-16 years ago, but took it down 3 years ago, so I've forgotten a few things.
@SteveG posted:I'm sure Deat's works well, probably better, but it's a 4 week estimate to deliver and costs $4 each.
You can buy the 200 ohm resistor and the capacitor for about 35 cents in any quantity at Mouser.
Kemet R82EC3100DQ70J, $1.17 for ten of them.
Vishay CMF60221R00FHEK, 27 cents each.
Assembly is... easy! The resistor and cap are just in series!
It escapes me why you'd want a power hungry bulb that doesn't do as good a job instead of the filter that won't consume any power.
Thanks John,
I'm going to assemble the filters.
I have 4 separate track runs (I like to run my 4 engines sometimes at the same time) only connected by a 2 switches (track 1 to 2, 2 to 3, 3 to 4), and with the 2 TIU fixed outputs going to one terminal block each, then about 8 feeders per terminal block (16 total), I believe I need to make 10 filters in total, correct?
2 at the fixed TIU outputs plus 4 at farthest feeder x 2 terminal blocks.
I don't think Susan or her son is getting rich of the sale of these DCS filters. They are only needed for the older TIUs.
I think we should support her with the sale of these when possible. She shared this design for free with all of us. Otherwise, we wouldn't know the values to use for the parts. We went a long time without her help.
We should thank her again.
