Lionel video on how to hook up DCS signal and best transformers for modern locos

I ran 10 amps through my TIU and them 10 additional ampsj after the TIU( passive mode). I am not sure what my exact reasoning was, I just hooked it up like this as a newbie almost two years ago. I use 2 separate 180 Lionel Powerhouse transformers. 

 

If I am only running a few engines I just power the one through the TIU. I have read quite a bit since then. I am making a change so I can power down some sidings when not in use. I tested DCS signal on my track with the 10 amps running through the TIU. I then tested it with the 10 amps after the TIU, powering the TIU from its own source. I did not loose any DCS signal. The change I am making will also include keeping the Powerhouses permanently hooked up after ther TIU ( passive mode)! And the use of blocks. The kill switch on remote will not work with this set-up. 

It sounds as if the video is showing using the TIU in Passive TIU mode. This is only recommended if you must use more than 10 amps into the rails. There are three reasons why passive mode is less desirable than using the TIU normally:

• The E-Stop button on the remote becomes non-functional
• The variable may only be used in Fixed mode.They cannot adjust the track voltage
• There may be a slight reduction in DCS signal strength.

The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition discusses Passive TIU mode in detail on pages 116-117.

 

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!

Jeff,

I ran 10 amps through my TIU and them 10 additional ampsj after the TIU( passive mode). I am not sure what my exact reasoning was, I just hooked it up like this as a newbie almost two years ago. I use 2 separate 180 Lionel Powerhouse transformers. 

Unless the two transformers are safely combined using a TPC or something similar, powering the same tracks with two different transformers is actually dangerous. I suggest that you discontinue this practice immediately.

Barry, my understanding was you could hook two identical output transformers together in parrellel. Both are identical bricks. I will discontinue use immediately until I get the TPC. I have a bunch of conventional trains that never hit the tracks. Maybe with the TPC I can get to use them. 

 

Barry, what is the danger? Is it to the trains or a fire hazard?  

 

Thanks. 

Guys in the video Mike R  talked about smooth and chopped sine waves. What is better for DCS operation?

Another thread on this subject has be going in the 3-Rail - O27, Hi-Rail and Classic O Gauge forum.

 

https://ogrforum.com/d.../lastReply#lastReply

Jeff,

my understanding was you could hook two identical output transformers together in parrellel. Both are identical bricks

That would be true, however, the two bricks, while being the same as regards unit designation, are not guaranteed to be identical in their output characteristics.

what is the danger? Is it to the trains or a fire hazard?

Both.

in the video Mike R  talked about smooth and chopped sine waves. What is better for DCS operation?

Most times it won't make much of a difference, if any.

 

The bigger issue is when a chopped sine wave is used as an input to a variable channel in variable mode. That results in the sine wave being chopped twice, definitely not a good thing operationally.

 

Regardless, you will never have problems related to use of a smooth wave form voltage.

Interesting video. Mike R states what I always suspected why my Legacy engines never seem to give me t he performance I wanted. I use only one 180 powerhouse on my layout with a 400 TPC. When ever I called Lionel, their tech people tell me I only need one and do not need a TPC, yet mike R says different in the video. I have ordered another 180 powerhouse and cannot wait and see if the performance improves. David

What kind of performance are you looking for.  I can run them off the curves with just a PH-180 using either Legacy or DCS.  That's enough performance for me!

The extra powerhouse will do nothing at all for you unless you are currently exceeding the amperage of a single unit - about 10A at 18v.

 

The video just shows you the use of passive mode for the TIU if you have 20A coming out of your TPC.