Frank,
This excerpt from the DCS WiFi Companion, page 85. should provide some insight:
1. External TIU Power
Providing Power to the TIU
Like any other electronic component, the TIU requires a power source. MTH designed the TIU so that it can be powered in two different ways.
One way is to use the track power that is present at the inputs to TIU Fixed Channel #1. This power source is available whenever the O gauge operator is running trains on tracks connected to Fixed Channel #1.
Another way to power the TIU is to use a separate power supply that is plugged into the TIU's Aux. Power port. In this case, the TIU would have power all the time. Any power supply that provides between 12 and 22 volts AC or DC at 1.5 amps or greater, equipped with a compatible barrel plug, may be used.
If the TIU is a Rev. L (or later) that has a USB port, the TIU may alternately be powered via the USB port. However, this should only be done when using the TIU solely to update TIU or DCS Remote software. In order to perform DCS engine sound file transfers, DCS Remote backup or recovery, DCS engine operation, or activation of switch tracks or accessories connected to a TIU's AIUs, power must come from either the Aux. Power port or Fixed Channel #1 Input.
When the TIU is powered through Fixed Channel #1 Input, every time the power to the tracks controlled by Fixed Channel #1 is interrupted for any reason, the TIU turns itself off. However, when the TIU is powered through the Aux. Power port, the TIU remains turned on regardless of the state of power applied to the tracks controlled by Fixed Channel #1.
For more info, pick up a copy of the book.
 | This and a whole lot more about DCS WiFi is all in “The DCS WiFi Companion 1st Edition!"
This book is available as an eBook at MTH's web store! |
