DZ-2500 data wire question

I guess the reason I mentioned the ARC was because it is the box already connected to the Command base with a data driver cable that you need to use these boxes. Each TMCC box has a connection for DAT and COM. I'm thinking the DAT connection on the TMCC box, in my case an ASC because it it the last in the sequence and has an open DAT terminal, would serve as my connection to the data wire from the DZ-2500. I already have a data connection at the command base running through my line of TMCC boxes-they call it a DB-9 Connector which is connected to the COMPUTER terminal on the command base, which is where the DZ-2001 would go, and my first TMCC box, in my case an ARC. I'm thinking I already have the data connection that the DZ-2001 functions as. Or not...

I have 12 switches controlled by 3 ASCs with full capabilities, routes etc. I want to add 2 more without using another ASC. I think I already have the data wire connection for the DZ-2500 via the TMCC boxes and DB-9 connector and don't need the DZ-2001 driver    

Lionel got back to me, so I can answer my own question. The DAT port on an ASC (or any Lionel control box) is the source that the data wire of a DZ 2500 connects to to run in TMCC mode. Now I can simply add a switch or two and don't need another ASC. That's Beautiful!  

I would check with Dennis at Z-stuff on this. The data wire driver serves two purposes. It grabs the data from the TMCC serial buss and also isolates the dz-2500s from the rest of the items on the serial buss. The isolator in the DZ-2001 would keep a short from the TMCC side wiring from traveling onto the switch machine wiring or vice versa. I personally would not want to try this. The DZ-2001 is only about 20.00 or so and just plugs into the db9 port and has a pass through on it. You can put as many switches on this buss as the base will handle without the need of any SC-2s or ASCs.

Ron

Ok so the DZ 2001 passes Through the DB-9 port-and it provides extra insurance against shorts from track frying switch motor parts-got it. That's awesome-Thanks a million-now I know both sides of it. And what is better is I simplified my yard plan and am only going to need to use the last 2 open ports on my last ASC. I won't need to delve into a DZ-2500 sij after all-until the next expansion...and I'm still curious...I just know I'm the one guy breathing that can make that Ross doubleslipswitch with the two relays work like a swiss watch... 

Thanks again

That's cool William. I went with the DZ-2500s on my Atlas switches because of the TMCC data buss and the non derailing feature. By the time I bought SC2s or ASCs and the relays needed for non derailing my cost per switch is about the same or a little less. The wiring is a little easier with only one wire from each machine needed to go to the control panel switch and a common 12 vac and common. I have 11 wired so far and I am happy with them.

Ron

Yeah Railfan Ron-That is the way I would go now, but my layout has been wired for a while (8/9 years?)-, before the new fangled DZ-2500 came out. In fact most of my control boxes are original IC Controls units. I used to call Lou direct and harass him when I was hooking up. Great guy.  I jumped on board with these control boxes and like them a lot.

When I saw the new TMCC Lionel switches I told my wife- 'geez, you don't even have to wire these up-  do you know how easy it's going to be to build a layout!'-

Love my Ross switches and track. Keep on polishing those rails