Help Needed - MTH DCS Install

The Z4000 has enough power to run several engines. Older lighted passenger cars without LEDs, can use more power than the engines. Watch the total amps on each channel of the TIU so not to exceed 10. I would suggest using a #14 stranded wire to get power to the rails.

You can jump the inputs of the TIU to use the same handle on the Z4000 for more than one channel. The handles go up to 22 volts I believe. Do not go higher than 18volts for Lionel equipment!

Put a fuse or circuit breaker before each channel input of the TIU. I use 10-amp auto blade fuses for this. They protect the TIU and are easy to swap out.

You can put a bulb after the TIU (outputs) if the signal needs it. Usually only older TIU models need it. Version "L" should not. The bulbs need to draw a certain amp to have any effect and need to be large enough voltage rating. I use #1873 at the rails or distribution blocks and #1818 at the TIU.

I follow all these recommended practices here:

https://www.rayman4449.com/MTH_DCS_Info-Tips.htm

and Barry's book on DCS

https://ogrforum.com/topic/the...edition-is-available

@Engineer-Joe posted:

The Z4000 has enough power to run several engines. Older lighted passenger cars without LEDs, can use more power than the engines. Watch the total amps on each channel of the TIU so not to exceed 10. I would suggest using a #14 stranded wire to get power to the rails...

To amplify a point in @Engineer-Joe's excellent post, be wary of using any incandescent bulbs powered directly from track current when running DCS (or TMCC).  When bulbs get a constant ~18v, they will get VERY hot.  Even if they don't draw enough amps to overload a circuit, they can get hot enough to melt any plastic that is nearby.  Older plastic passenger cars and switch lanterns are particularly susceptible to this.  Small LED bulbs are available which are direct replacements for incandescent bulbs.

It is my understanding of what I've read and watched, the Z4000 is connected using the FIXED 14 VOLT terminal to the TIU INPUT FIXED VOLTAGE IN1.  The track is then powered from the TIU OUTPUT FIXED VOLTAGE OUT2 to the HUB.

Fixed 14 is used for accessories, not for trains. Use the track1/2 handles for input

@Gerald Jackson posted:

It is my understanding of what I've read and watched, the Z4000 is connected using the FIXED 14 VOLT terminal to the TIU INPUT FIXED VOLTAGE IN1.  The track is then powered from the TIU OUTPUT FIXED VOLTAGE OUT2 to the HUB.

Fixed 14 is used for accessories, not for trains. Use the track1/2 handles for input

Wow, I missed that one!!

I just didn't understand his post

I would not use the 14v accessory output of the Z4000 for power to the TIU - save it for accessory power.

Option 1 - Connect one handle of the Z4000 to Fixed input 1 of the TIU and connect the other handle of the Z4000 to Fixed Input 2 of the TIU. The connect Fixed output 1 of the TIU to the outermost loop. Connect Fixed output 2 to both the smaller outside loop and the inner loop. When operating command on all loops, put each handle at 18v. Note that you must always have the handle connected to Fixed input 1 on at all times, regardless of which loops you are running because that handle is supplying power to the TIU through Fixed input 1.

Option 2 (better) - power the TIU with a small wall wart of sufficient and correct output connected to the TIU aux input and connect everything else as in #1, above. That way the TIU is always separately powered and you can run whatever loop/handle you want. 

This setup assumes that the innermost loop and smaller outside loop are electrically connected and that they are both electrically isolated from the outermost loop. One situation you want to avoid is having the two handles of the Z4000 simultaneously feeding the same trackage.

My $0.02

I greatly appreciate the help.  Your responses have been very informative and saved me from making some big mistakes. 

ADDITIONAL QUESIONS:

What voltage / amperage of external power source should be used to power the TIU using the alternative power input?  (DCS Explorer states 6 amp max. but not voltage).  Should a fuse be installed here also? 

My plan is to control my switches using an AIU.  What it the best way to power the switches - DZ-1000?  10 Volt accessory terminal on Z4000.

Not planning to run any accessories off of the track. My plan has been to use a separate transformer to power accessories - principally lighted buildings,  street lights, and signals.  My plan is to convert as much as possible from incandescent to LED - especially the passenger cars that I'm choosing to run from incandescent to LEDs. 

As far as running 14 gauge wire to the tracks, I'm already wired up with 16 gauge and will see if it works  before ripping everything out and rewiring. 

Again thanks for sharing your wealth of information and experience.