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4 replies

HELP! MTH TIU Limitations

P perrymedikOGR Forum Member

Hello!

 

I am writing to inquire on the limits of the TIU.  I have read the instruction manual and need further guidance on whether I need to set up an additional TIU or not based on a problem I am experiencing.

 

I currently have 8 MTH Engines and 1 Lionel TMCC (with base commander attached) on my layout.  The 8th MTH Engine I set up on my layout caused another MTH Engine to begin responding simultaneously to the new Engine commands.  I was able to solve the problem be deleting the old engine and adding it back.   However, since then, one Engine (NW #508) will randomly take off.  It seems to do this mostly when I am controlling a separate Engine (NS #1349).

 

Yesterday I added a 9th Engine ( Chessie (#9010) Item No. 20-2496-1) and unless I remove all the other engines from the track, the TIU won't recognize it.  I took all other Engines off, and the new one, then tried to add the others back, but with no success.  I was not even able to get all of my old Engines reprogramed until I removed it.

 

Is this problem being caused by a defect in the Engine, or is it a problem with too much loaded into the TIU?

 

Page 102 of the TIU Operators Manual says "if your layout contains more then 300 feet of track and wiring or more then 5 Engines on the track at one time, MTH recommends using more then one TIU channel to maintain a good DCS Track Signal".

 

I am uncertain if the reference to more then 5 Engines means more then 5 Engines just sitting there, not running, or more then 5 Engines that are operating.

 

Either way, does using more then one TIU channel indicate the need to install a second TIU, or is one TIU capable of sending out multiple channels?

 

Please advise!

 

Thank you in advance for your help!

 

Cory

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Barry BroskowitzBarry BroskowitzOGR Forum Member MEMORIALIZED MEMBER

Cory,

I am uncertain if the reference to more then 5 Engines means more then 5 Engines just sitting there, not running, or more then 5 Engines that are operating.

It means 5 engines drawing power from the same TIU channel, regardless of whether or not they are started up.

Either way, does using more then one TIU channel indicate the need to install a second TIU, or is one TIU capable of sending out multiple channels?

No, there are 4 TIU channels on your TIU and, depending upon the TIU's model (Rev designation) of the TIU and other factors, each TIU channel is capable of handling 250-400 linear feet of track.

 

I strongly suggest that you obtain a copy of The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition. It has just about everything that you need to maximize your DCS experience.

 

The answers to the questions that you asked and a whole lot more is all in MTH’s “The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

Last edited by Barry Broskowitz
RussellRussellOGR Forum Member

And a Third Vote for the book, most important thing to get for DCS other than the system itself.

 

Does sound like you need to hook up fixed 2 to feed some of the sidings at least.

If you only have one Brick for power, jumper power from Fixed 1 in to Fixed 2 in.

Make sure you isolate the sidings from the loop and feed them power direct from the TIU or a Terminal Strip which is fed by one channel from the TIU.

And also you should have a break in the loop center rail on the far side or end from the lockon. This prevents the signal from looping around the track and over running itself. Signals travel at near the speed of light, they WILL overlap each other. Once that happens you are in the electrical equal to the tower Of Babel.

P PJBOGR Forum Member

My experience is that DCS, perhaps because it is a technological marvel, can be finicky and skittish at times. Barry's book helps make the operator aware of issues and offers a good deal of good advice, so definitely worth owning. Having said that, the fact that Barry is an actual "live" resource through this site adds tremendously. 

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