DCS Question

That is a great question and I would like to know the answer too.

I am also wondering if one TIU can be used for more than one track. If not, what about on a long track layout that loops around itself and has a few switches (or, for example, on a double loop -- one inner and one outer loop connected by switches)? Does each loop need its own TIU even though they are connected by switch tracks?

Also, on a single track that has two engines operating on the same track can one DSC remote control operate both trains?

Please forgive my kindergarten-like questions, but DCS is new to me and I am researching what can be done (or not done) with the system.

Thanks,

Terrence

Unless you are using ALL FOUR channels on your "main" layout, you can use a remaining channel to run your other layout.  

Remember, you can set the variable channels to fixed and have four fixed channels available for DCS running. 

Yes, you can address the second TIU as TIU number 2.

Terrance:

A single channel can operate both loops, doesn't matter if the are connected or not. 

A better option would be to isolate the loops and use different channels on each to spread the load on the TIU.  

A remote can operate all the engines(up to 99) loaded into it on the same track. That's the purpose of "command control". 

Remember, the variable channels can be set to fixed, resulting in four fixed channels available for DCS.  One TIU will run a lot of layout, or even multiple layouts. 

I believe the capacity of each TIU channel is 10 amps.  I can run three large MTH diesels, each pulling freight consists, and only draw 3-4 amps off one channel.  So my simple 10x36 layout doesn't even tax a single channel.  I use the other fixed channel to operate a second 4x8 layout off one TIU and one remote. 

Thank you all

Bobbie & Terrence,

   These gentlemen have given you good advise, Mike is absolutely correct one TIU can run a lot of layout, even a lot of 2 different layouts if you have it engineered correctly.

Further you can run many many engines on two different layouts using one TIU.  If you have 3 Z4k's and side receivers you can run a multitude of DCS and Conventional trains, using one TIU.  You gentlemen will understand more about this kind of layout once you read Barry DCS Companion Vol 2, and the OGR Video guide to DCS.     You gentlemen are definitely asking some good questions for new DCS runners. 

PCRR/Dave

Mike Norberg and Pine Creek RR:

THANK YOU SO MUCH for answering my DCS/TIU questions. Once I read "DCS Companion Vol.2" and check out the "OGR Video Guide to DCS" I am sure that I will finally understand the system -- and how to set it up to best suit my layout.

It is extremely helpful to those of us how are relatively new to O Gauge railroading, stepping up beyond entry level "Ready To Run" sets. If it wasn't for RTR sets, I would not have gotten OGR fever.

It was my love of the book and movie "The Polar Express" that led me to eventually purchase Lionel's Polar Express RTR set (followed by Lionel's Hogwarts Express RTR set which, again, I purchased as a natural extension of my enjoyment of the book and film series). But the conventional engines in those sets do not do justice to the OGR hobby. DCS, TMCC and Legacy command control takes it to an entirely new level. 

okay guys let me ask this

The second layout in the window is all conventional using Williams Girls Sets and a 1991 Lionel Girls Set. I will be using Three Loops of  Atlas O Track Running O-27 Curves.  in Various Lengths. Track 1 is 3' Wide By 5" Long. Track 2. 3' Wide By 3 Feet Long and Track 3 is 3 ' Wide By 2 Feet long.

Train One is Williams Steam Freight Set

Train Two is Williams GG-1 Passenger Set with 3 Passenger Cars

Train three is Lionel Steam Freight Set 1991 Issue

I know that the DCS TIU has Two Variable channels and Two fixed is there any way to change one fixed Channel of TIU 2 to Variable so that I have 3 Variable channels or Will the Two Variable Channels be able to handle Three Tracks.

Bobbie:

Your question refers to a "TIU 2".  If you are saying you'll have two TIUs, then you'd have FOUR variable channels available. 

No TIU 1 is under main layout with all four outputs to Fixed

TIU 2 is Auxiallary for the Window Display

OK, that leaves you with the two variable channels of TIU #2 to divide among the 3 planned loops to operate the conventional sets. 

now can the two Variable channels on the TIU run all three train sets

I believe each channel can handle 10 amps, so it should be no sweat.