DCS Companion

just got my copy of the companion 3rd edition. what a wealth of information!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! going to use it to guide me in hooking DCS into my legacy system. thanks barry and ogr for providing it

On the contrary, thank you for purchasing the book and also for the kind words. Both are appreciated!  

barry your welcome.

now after devouring it, I have a question about hooking it up to my legacy system. where does the tiu unit get it's power from, when hooked to the legacy base thru the 50-1032 cable as shown on page 126?

I have a question about hooking it up to my legacy system. where does the tiu unit get it's power from, when hooked to the legacy base thru the 50-1032 cable as shown on page 126?

No, the TIU never gets power from the Legacy Base. The TIU gets power for itself from one of two places:

• The Aux. Power port or
• Fixed Channel #1 Input.

If both are connected, the TIU will only seek to get power for itself from the Aux. Power port.

From page 96 of The DCS Companion 3rd  Edition:

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.

This and a whole lot more is all in “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 OGR’s web store!

ahhhhh so. now I understand. so I can draw power direct from my power blocks via a fastrak connection. thanks barry