For You DCS Guys

It's not just how big the layout, it's how much power (amps) will be drawn. In other words, how many engines (and lighted cars, etc.) will be running at once.

 Buying a bigger power pack than you need is great. Buy a smaller one, and you'll be sorry. You'll spend your time resetting breakers and be limited to smaller trains.

 Bricks are fine for command. Will you want any conventional running? If you are considering running older PS1 models, the Z4000 makes it easy. 

 I bought one for testing, and will consider selling it. (I have 8 power packs.)

One Z-1000 PowerBrick...done.

Dont even need the transformer.

That is what I use.

Lancer:

Go for the Z4000 and you will never have a regret.  It's well worth the expense.  You can later add Z1000 if needed in the future.  I started just like you.  Two 4x8.  only with, Lionel CW80s.  It caused nothing but problems with MTH engines.  Then it quit working.  I had another one which also quit for some reason.  The 3rd CW80 I used for power to download for DCS from the computer for upgrades and ruined a board on the engine and quit working.  Stick with MTH or Lionel ZW.  I know nothing about the ZW180 bricks.

Get the DCS Bible (DCS O Gauge Companion) by David Broskowitz.  It's a absolute must Period.  Follow the 10 to 12 track rule and the help you get from the Forum.

Missabe

You can have it in hard copy: http://www.amazon.com/The-DCS-...panion/dp/1460921690

Or in electronic form: http://mthtrains.shptron.com/p...k-2nd-edition-e-book

First get the book recommended above, DCS O gauge companion by Barry Broskowitz.

You certainly can power your TIU channels with just a power brick. I am using Lionel PowerHouse 180's for mine. More power than a Z1000 and faster breakers at similar costs. The PH-180's are 10 amps each (Z1000 about 6 amps) and you can have one per TIU channel, adding them as needed as you expand your layout. If your power requirements are not too great you can easily power 2 channels with one PH-180. I did that for quite a while with a two track temporary layout. I am now up to 6' x 16', two track main, 1 track and 1 PH-180 per channel.

One advantage to a Z1000 is you can get it with a Z-controller and have an adjustable output and also a 14 volt output for accessories. A PH-180 is just 18 volts and that's it, no adjustment and none available. You can use them with the variable TIU channels and vary the output that way, those channels will vary any input.

Z4000's are very nice, but if you are command control only I am not sure why you would need one? There are, I think, some advantages with the Z4000 and the Z4000 remote controller. Barry's book will describe that, or maybe he will be along to describe it's operation in a post.

Lancer,

   No matter what power supply you choose always over power your layout for expansion.  Never under power your layouts, save your money and purchase quality

power supplies.  I used the Z4K, ZW's and KW's also for our multi level layout,

Engineered correctly I only needed one TIU with a couple hand held remote controls.

I also recommend both Barry's book and the OGR Video Guide to DCS, Rich does a great job with the video if you are a visual person, it is easy to follow and learn from.

Further I suggest making a copy of Barry's book in ring note book format, to put notes in and keep track side as you build your DCS layout.

Have fun with your DCS.

PCRR/Dave