Jumping into DCS, need some advice!

If you are going to start with 2 lines and 10 switches, I would NOT (I had omitted this word when posting this) invest yet in a new transformer.  I assume the ZW is the old postwar variety, and that would handle these.  But (1) be sure the internal rollers haven't worn down so that the bracket holding them can cut into the transformer windings and (2) use external circuit breakers or (if constant expense isn't an issue) fuses.

 

If ordering a TIU, you can't assume you'll get the latest; make such an essential part of the order.

If you have Legacy engines  (vs older TMCC engines) you will need to use the Cab-2 to access the upgraded features. So they both will be your primary controlsdepending on what you run. You could just as easily direct wire the Legacy base to the track and not have to go through the TIU and run them as separate systems.

I would invest in a Z4000 transformer.  You won't regret the investment.

If I direct wire legacy to the track, then won't that require me to do double wiring? I thought that if all switches and accessories were wired through dcs that i would just have to connect the legacy base to the tiu? Does the z4000 have built in fuses? Or does it need external protection like a zw? If I grab a z4000 then what would I use the zw for?

You only need to wire the lagacy base to the TIU if you are planning to run TMCC engines using the DCS handheld only.

If you are going to run Legacy and TMCC engines using the Legacy controller, and PS-2 engines using the DCS, then its OK to wire the Legacy base right to the track as stated. Simple connection, and won't affect how you wire up for DCS.

Barry's book will give you all the wiring details needed for DCS. As well check the DCS manual that comes with the set.

Good advicee getting a Z-4000.

You get great power, voltmeters and ammeters, good circuit breakers, and you can pull a full 400 watts of power versus the 170 watts or so you can pull using a ZW.

You won't regret it at all.

You can use you ZW for accessories, lighting, test track, etc.

 

Rod

Awesome thanks... I guess I need to free up another 4 hundo for a z4000 then... And just to be clear don't need to add protection like I would for a zw correct? Thanks for your help all. Placing an order tomorrow.

The Z4000 is a fine transformer, best I've seen.  But with what you describe as your immediate goal it is not necessary.  Other items would have a higher priority in your budget.  The ZW will easily run 4 trains on the two track handles.  Note I have revisedmy original post since an essential word got left out.

 

You ask what you would do with the ZW.  I can tell you what I do.  I use 6 TIU channels, 2 fixed and 4 variable.  The fixed channels I feed from a Z4000 with the Z4000 receiver, which allows the voltage to be varied to permit conventional operation.  The 4 variable channels I feed from two postwar ZWs, with external breakers.  The ZW handles I leave at about 18 volts.  The ZWs also feed all accessories and lighting.  The accessory output of the Z4000 feeds the 70+ track switches.

 

The Z4000 has internal breakers.  The track breakers open at about 10 amps.

The ZW are good old transformers and I love to run my postwar around the tree with it, but I just don't trust them with modern engines any longer. I picked up a Z4000 and don't worry as much when a derailment happens and I am running my new engines

The only additional protection you should consider is a TVS hooked up right across the tranformer outputs. This will clip any transient voltage spikes that may occur.

Rod

Rod,

The only additional protection you should consider is a TVS hooked up right across the tranformer outputs. This will clip any transient voltage spikes that may occur.

TVS protection is already built-into each TIU channel.

 

This and a whole lot more is all in "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!

Instead of the Z-4000, you could consider some number of Z-1000s or Lionel Power Bricks.  You probably should use external breakers or fuses with these as they can put out quite a bit of current before the breaker trips.

 

Mike

Zett,

 

You are on the right track. I had just DCS to start, and then added Legacy as has been described above – one wire to the track. My layout is roughly 33 x 38 feet, and I have not had any Legacy issues.

 

I run the MTH engines, the turnouts, and accessories with DCS; and the Legacy engines, and one TMCC, with the Cab-2 remote.  I have two Tiu’s, five AIU’s, and two Z4K’s for track power and for operating switch-tracks and accessories. I supply the TIU’s with separate power, as well as the turnouts.

 

In addition to what you already have decided to purchase, I strongly recommend OGR’s Video Guide to MTH DCS; Rich does a superb job of explaining the basic details and provides very helpful hints. It is a very-easy-to-watch DVD.  As a matter of fact, I watched this DVD when I started with DCS, and have since watched it one more time in its entirety,  and several more times for specific segments. You will appreciate this.

 

Then, there is Barry’s book, which will answer every question and help you overcome every hurdle you will encounter, and there will be hurdles along the way. In every case, Barry’s book will come to the rescue.

 

Good luck!

 

Alex

You can see my layout under construction here:

https://ogrforum.com/d...ent/2415514336550790

 

Great decision to buy the Z-4000. It is the BEST solution for your needs.

No argument Barry; but I have always felt that for voltage spikes you can never have too much protection. For the 45 cents or so that a TVS costs, my practice is to put one across the outputs of each power source. It may never do anything, but that's OK.

 

Rod

Thanks for the tips everyone... I am going with my original order for today minus the cable to connect Legacy to the TIU, sounds like I wont need it, and will probably look at picking up a Z-4000 next month. 

Zett,

   These men have given you some real good advise, I recommed the purchase of the Z4K as well, and make sure you remember to order the side receiver.  As you continue I would also pick up an additional old ZW for powering all your switches & lighting as you expand your layout.  Remember also to invest in Scott 10 Amp Breakers to safe guard your DCS Channels, as you use your older ZW transformers.  Retro-fitting and expanding a layout with both DCS and TMCC is definitely a big job, test everything as you build.  I would also invest in the OGR Video Guide to DCS to accompany Barrys book.

PCRR/Dave

 

 

Zett, here is the Layout Wiring section under development on my website.  http://www.slsprr.net/features/wiring.htm
It's general information I'm sharing so others can keep their layouts running as reliably as mine.

Susan's Run Room  slsprr.net