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4 replies

Incorporating DCS on a large layout?

c.samc.samOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

It's been a few years since I've operated my MTH DCS equipment since we didn't have it on our previous club layout.  The new layout is larger (30' x 50' room) and most of the trackwork is finished. Essentially, it has 4 loops with three 3 candidates for DCS operation.

Power is MTH Z4000, Lionel ZWC w/2 180w bricks and a couple of older ZWs for sidings etc.

My T.I.U. is an older unit (pre-Revision L) and I'm not remembering the details about how to incorporate it on a layout this size. We have a buss running for each loop and at present, they are not cut into blocks.  One option would be to just have DCS available for the main outside loop if necessary. Member's equipment is probably 90%+ TMCC/Legacy/Lionchief.

I do want DCS to be operational as we open up the layout to new folks who hopefully will have more MTH equipment. No budget for a new T.I.U. at this point as any 'extra' $$$ is needed for other stuff.

Thanks

Last edited by c.sam
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G GreggOGR Forum Member

Maybe start with one loop. Hook it up and see what happens.  You should be able to get a decent track signal If you take advantage of the TIU's  4 signal generators . It's also much easier if it's a strictly  command  loop. I can't see a problem with your equipment you have. 

PS hook up a block . test the track signal if good add another block...You may not need to use all  tiu channels..

Good luck & have fun.

R RJROGR Forum Member

When I got DCS, I merely inserted the TIU red circuits into the lines from transformer to the various sections of the control pane--in other words moved wires from transformer posts to TIU output posts and ran wires from transformer posts to the TIU red input posts.  I connected the 4 black outputs together and connected them to the layout ground buss.  Connected nothing to black TIU inputs.  Been working essentially like that for past 15+ years

Chris DChris DOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I had that question also with a bigger layout. I have 2 TIU's.  I have 100 watt z1000's.  4.  Ive typically just hooked 1 brick per channel.  But I guess with bigger layouts you need more power.  I have run wires from realtrax lockons. Like 3 lockons on one loop.  Run them to the TIU output.  so power is split up around the layout.  seems to work.     I have not designed my permanent one yet, so not sure what the needs will be. 

Chris

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