DCS System/location of TIU

Dan,

As much as possible, try to locate the TIU to the center of the layout. It does not have to be visible. However, I would make it readilly accessible. I did have my TIU located underneath my transformers at one time. It was hard to get at, and at times I wondered if the remote signal was getting to it. I now have it behind a building facade, and am much happier.

As far as the AIU goes, I would place it near the heaviest concentration of accessories and or switches that it will be controlling. You do not have to stick with the short cable MTH provides. Guys on this Forum have runs up to 25ft from the TIU with no ill effects. Be aware that you will likely need to make your own control cable. The trick is to be absolutely positive that you get the connectors in the correct orientation! If memory serves, use flat CAT5 cable. Then both tabs need to be up or down. You don't want one up and one down. Also be sure to plug the cable into the correct port. Failure to do so does cause damage!

Chris

LVHR

Best remote-TIU range is obtained if there is line of sight.  Worst is of there is metal shielding (like wire screen) between them or if there are electrical devices (transformers, laid-down remotes, etc.) too close to the TIU.  I would not put the TIUs under the transformers.

I would place the control panel wherever is most convenient and use heavy enough wire to carry power to the far end.

Interesting topic.  My TIU is currently under and at one end of the layout.  The underside of the layout is unobstructed by anything, including skirting.  Would the communication between the remote and TIU be affected if I added skirting?

Dave

Skirting of fabric or wood will have no effect at all.

As long as you avoid metal, you are fine.

Mounting the TIU above the layout in a building or non metal mountain keep you from having the odd spot where the track is between the Remote and the TIU.

My layout currently has a water heater out in the middle, If I'm on the other side from the TIU it won't work at all. I just hold my arm out to one side to have clear line of sight and it's fine.

When I get to that part of the Revamp on the layout the TIU is going in the mountain  above the water heater. Yes, I'm hiding the heater with a mountain. Yes, I will be able to open the mountain to access the heater. Yes, I just replaced that heater last spring, it started leaking! No, my trains were not on the floor.

Do be sure that it is readily accessible, in case (1) you have to replace a fuse; (2) fix a connection; or (3) plug a computer in to upgrade software, program a loco, or clone a remote, etc.

Thanks for the reply!  I have a line of sight issue as well since the yard and round house are in the middle of my modular layout set up.  But much like RJR, I just have to move the remote up into the air a bit and the signal reaches the TIU.  Good to know skirting shouldn't be an issue.  And yes, I have ready access to the TIU as it is mounted between the two Z4000s that power the layout, on a rolling cabinet/book shelf I made specifically for this purpose.  It is located under one module and can simply roll out into the aisle way.  At one point, I thought of mounting the transformers and TIU above and to the outside of the layout on a shelf, but could not reconcile what to do with all the wires coming out from under the layout to the control set up.

Thanks again!

Dave