Confused over DCS input choices to TIU

Bryant,

Can I connect both variable of the Z 4000 to the 2 variable inputs on the TIU?  Use banana plug to jump from TIU variable Chanel 1 input to fixed itput channel 1?

Yes, you can. Just be sure to do two things:

• Jumper both Hot and Common from Variable #1 input to Fixed #1 input.
• Make sure both variable channels are getting power when using Variable #2.

This and a whole lot more about DCS is all in MTH’s “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

This and a whole lot more about DCS WiFi is all in MTH’s “The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

This discussion needs to know what your doing with outputs.  If you need all four outputs for 4 loops you will have limitations based on the Z-4000 single channel output of 10amps.  If you have some other wiring in mind it would be good to know.  G

GGG posted:

This discussion needs to know what your doing with outputs.  If you need all four outputs for 4 loops you will have limitations based on the Z-4000 single channel output of 10amps.  If you have some other wiring in mind it would be good to know.  G

I am using #1of the variable transformer outputs to provide power to 2 outer loops with 13 power blocks.  The remaining 11 will receive power from transformer #2 variable output.  The idea behind the plan was to adhere to limiting power blocks to no more than 13 , or so, per TIU output.  That’s all in a nutshell.  I have 1 Lionel conventional, 2 PS- locos and adding MTH PS-3 and Lionel Legacy from now on.  I would like to run any or all.  Preferably at same time if no to involved.

Barry Broskowitz posted:

Bryan,

Can I connect both variable of the Z 4000 to the 2 variable inputs on the TIU?  Use banana plug to jump from TIU variable Chanel 1 input to fixed itput channel 1?

Yes, you can. Just be sure to do two things:

• Jumper both Hot and Common from Variable #1 input to Fixed #1 input.
• Make sure both variable channels are getting power when using Variable #2.

---

This and a whole lot more about DCS is all in MTH’s “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

---

This and a whole lot more about DCS WiFi is all in MTH’s “The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

Why would someone use variable input on the TIU.  What purpose would it serve?

Bryant,

Why would someone use variable input on the TIU.  What purpose would it serve?

OK, now I'm confused by your question. Your original question, which I answered was:

Can I connect both variable of the Z 4000 to the 2 variable inputs on the TIU?

You are the one using variable channels so that you can control conventional engines, correct?

Barry Broskowitz posted:

Bryant,

Why would someone use variable input on the TIU.  What purpose would it serve?

OK, now I'm confused by your question. Your original question, which I answered was:

Can I connect both variable of the Z 4000 to the 2 variable inputs on the TIU?

You are the one using variable channels so that you can control conventional engines, correct?

I am under the assumption that the fixed input is adjusted in the TIU to allow you to vary the voltage with the remote to tracks for conventional.  If true, the variable input would be not necessary.  That’s what has me confused.

No.  Fixed channels on the TIU pass the input through with no changes to the voltage level.  It only adds the DCS signal.  The variable channel takes an input and can control the voltage.

Typically you use one output for one loop.  If your powering two loops from one TIU output, when you change voltage (transformer or in this case VAR channel) both tracks loops will do the same thing.  Same if you blow the whistle, all conventional engines on both loops blow whistles.  G

At this point I have wire both in fixed and out fixed.  Engine can not be found.  If I remove engine from tracks it powers up to idle.  Press shut down, nothing.  Find engine OK.  Power down fine.  Power up fine.  Move forward about 2-4 feet engine powers down.  Engine is lost.  Will not find unless I remove and replace engine.  I think a call to MTH may be in order.

Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:

Barry Broskowitz posted:

Bryant,

Why would someone use variable input on the TIU.  What purpose would it serve?

OK, now I'm confused by your question. Your original question, which I answered was:

Can I connect both variable of the Z 4000 to the 2 variable inputs on the TIU?

You are the one using variable channels so that you can control conventional engines, correct?

I am under the assumption that the fixed input is adjusted in the TIU to allow you to vary the voltage with the remote to tracks for conventional.  If true, the variable input would be not necessary.  That’s what has me confused.

At this point it appears that the engine is dead.  Tried to power up by bypassing DCS.  No response from engine, but voltage present on the track.  While I hunt up a replacement, my question is still out there.  Why would one use variable input when they throw the transformer throttles to approximately 20 volts to run PS3 train's on the layout.  Is it because it is the only output to get up to DCS operating voltage?  I understand the variable outputs are the only way to vary track voltage for conventional.

Powers up when you set it back down.  Maybe the setting it down makes a better contact.  I think it is time to clean the tracks.  In any event the engine in question has been shipped back.  I will look at a feasible replacement.  At the end of the dy, I was not blown away by the SD60.  I had one prior and will want to go to something different.

I still plan to call MTH and ask about what determines one to select which inputs and outputs on the TIU.  From what I gather, if someone wants to run PS3 engines they need to use the variable out from the transformer to get 20 volts.  This gets fed into the fixed or variable input on the TIU.  What determines which input it goes into?  I would be using some conventional, but mostly Legacy and PS3.  I assume output would be variable to run conventional by changing track voltage to regulate speed.  Legacy and DCS don't use track voltage for speed control, so it really doesn't matter what they are connected to?

Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:

Powers up when you set it back down.  Maybe the setting it down makes a better contact.  I think it is time to clean the tracks.  In any event the engine in question has been shipped back.  I will look at a feasible replacement.  At the end of the dy, I was not blown away by the SD60.  I had one prior and will want to go to something different.

 

I still plan to call MTH and ask about what determines one to select which inputs and outputs on the TIU.  From what I gather, if someone wants to run PS3 engines they need to use the variable out from the transformer to get 20 volts.  This gets fed into the fixed or variable input on the TIU.  What determines which input it goes into?  I would be using some conventional, but mostly Legacy and PS3.  I assume output would be variable to run conventional by changing track voltage to regulate speed.  Legacy and DCS don't use track voltage for speed control, so it really doesn't matter what they are connected to?

I know you all know this stuff.  I called MTH support yesterday and got a clear understanding of the power path throughout the TIU.  Once I understood that the path was strictly linear this gave me an idea of how to accomplish what I was doing.  Also, having a dead engine did not help the cause.  Onward and forward.