Need LCS PDI joiners for new layout. I am new member and new to Lionel LCS components. Have done some research here on the topic of additional power needed for PDI connections longer then 20’. Contacted Lionel customer service about purchasing their “Joiner…….”, with reply out of stock and no known time it will be available. EDIT- SEE DAVES POST BELOW
Photo of Joiner attached per information here on forum.
thanks,
Les
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I have several 20 ft LCS cables installed and have no issues with power. My wifi and serial modules are first right after the power, followed by at least 2 ea 20 ft, a couple or 3 ea 10 ft and a couple or 3 ea 3ft. I have 7 sensors, the seventh is on an IRV2 with just one sensor installed.
No issues. I bought a couple PDI joiners awhile back and will let one go if you find that you need it.
We have them in stock. 691JOINB01 (or B00)
I will let the call center know. Maybe they looked up the wrong P/N.
Chuck,
Thank you for your response, my Legacy LCS design plan is initially similar to yours, “ DB9 base to wifi module, followed by other serial modules right after the WiFi. Am I correct that you have your 6 or 7 sensors in series at the following lengths apart (followed by at least 2 ea 20 ft, a couple or 3 ea 10 ft and a couple or 3 ea 3ft. I have 7 sensors,) . I also connect my sensors in series too.
edited, just read Dave’s post. I will purchase for Lionel, thank you for your offer.
thank you,
Les
Dave,
Thanks for your help, and having them in stock. Just called and placed order, 5 to 7 days to me. Very helpful, pleasant parts order. Fast and easy.
Thanks,
Les
@60-66 posted:Chuck,
Thank you for your response, my Legacy LCS design plan is initially similar to yours, “ DB9 base to wifi module, followed by other serial modules right after the WiFi. Am I correct that you have your 6 or 7 sensors in series at the following lengths apart (followed by at least 2 ea 20 ft, a couple or 3 ea 10 ft and a couple or 3 ea 3ft. I have 7 sensors,) . I also connect my sensors in series too.
edited, just read Dave’s post. I will purchase for Lionel, thank you for your offer.thank you,
Les
Yes that is my setup. So far no power issues, but I wanted to have the joiners to be ready, if.
What's the power spec for the powered joiner? Does it take 12v DC?
ScottV,
Not an expert on these joiners, this my understanding, from reading forum previous posts, they take a separate 12 volt DC power supply similar to a DB9s power supply, that plugs into the joiner. Following is from forum post “
As Tracker John states a regulated 12VDC power supply is required for the joiners to work as an amplifier. That is provided by the barrel jack connector that plugs in at the top.” AmFlyer thank for post below, see more detailed information in post below by AmFlyer.
Les
12VDC. Here is one in use in my LCS, along with a close up of the Joiner.
Tom,
Would like more detail on your above power supply, use for purchasing one.
Will post photo of joiner receiving from Lionel, along with any instructions, including power spec if provided.
thanks,
Les
The power is supplied from a Radioshack 13.8VDC, 3A power supply. Nothing special about that, most any DC supply 12V or greater can be used. Since I have five Joiners in the LCS, 3A is more than adequate. A 12V regulator is used at each Joiner to assure 12V at the input.
this joiner is news to me. I did not know lionel made this piece.
fyi dave, maybe some good lcs compont videos and there applications could be done by you on your demos with dave show. its been years since the youtube videos done by rudy were made.
seems if lionel were to do an indepth video series on the lcs system and how it can be used and integrated into layouts. maybe lionel sales of the lcs system would increase. just saying.
@AmFlyer posted:most any DC supply 12V or greater can be used.
I don't know about the "or greater" comment. I would expect there to be a limit on the voltage you can inject.
John, you are correct. My "or greater" comment was part of the explanation that a 12V regulator be placed between the Joiner and the power supply. If no separate regulator is used then the power source must be a regulated 12VDC power supply.
Yep, I just wouldn't want anyone to miss the second comment and cook their LCS devices. 
I received mine today and the power jack is smaller than the normal barrel most common on 12v DC power supplies. Luckily some of my power supplies came with adapters.
Yes. They are small, three in package.
White ends are for the PDI cables, and black end is for the 12V DC power imput. Looks like no instructions.
Still looking for 12V DC power supply and researching recommended max amperage. If anybody has suggestions on what power supply they are using, information description helpful. Suggestion on wether to go with regulated power supply to 12 volts, or separate power supply and regulator to obtain the needed 12 volt DC.
Les
Received mine today, photos are below.
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