Looking for a friendly MTH HO wiring conversation!

First off, I am an O gauge 3 railer and use A/C for power. This might make a difference with a couple of things here.

1. I would consider setting the two variable channels to fixed and using separate outputs for each of your four wiring blocks and split the power on the inputs. However, it seems like DC might not be able to be used on the Variable 1 & 2 ports? I am not really sure on that one? Also, I have never tried splitting the outputs to separate blocks? I am not sure of the proper track isolation (blocks) methods for 2 rail DC either?

2. I use PSX-ACs and have them on the inputs to the TIU. Between the PS and the TIU. I believe some have had problems with the DCS signal when putting the PSX-ACs on the outputs. If PSX-ACs must go on the outputs, a 22uh choke of the proper current rating for your power being used has been known to clear up the DCS signal problems on the 3 rail AC systems.  

3. I use separate power 10 amp supplies on my fixed 1 & 2 channels here with no problems, may people do the same in 3 rail. That should not be a problem as long as your blocks are properly isolated so the two PS outputs are never connected to each other. Proper polarity would be a must as well, I would think. We call that phasing and it's important in AC too.

I like the RRAmpmeters myself, but the ones we need for O gauge are their top of the line and $$$. Maybe someday I will splurge. I don't know much about the auto reverse boards, but DCC specialties has quality stuff, IMO.

That's about all I can think of. Maybe some of the O scale 2 railers will chime in here, I believe some run on DC power. There are also some G scalers here that use DCS with DC power as well.

Steve at Atlas is a good guy, can't go wrong there. He has also helped me out in the past. 

Also there is the HONGZ (HO, N, G, Z) forum here where the HO folks reside and then there is the 2 rail scale forum where some may also be using DC power for their layouts. Not sure I would post there about HO, but there might be some previous threads with good info over there?

Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments.  Let me digest for a day and come back with my revisions!  Thank You.  Doug

rtr12 posted:

First off, I am an O gauge 3 railer and use A/C for power. This might make a difference with a couple of things here.

1. I would consider setting the two variable channels to fixed and using separate outputs for each of your four wiring blocks and split the power on the inputs. However, it seems like DC might not be able to be used on the Variable 1 & 2 ports? I am not really sure on that one? 

The variable channels won't work with DC I am told. So I never tried them.

Thanks E-Joe, I had also heard that before, I think. I have never tried any DC on my layout, other than for some LED lights.

Douglas, glad I could sort of help, but you really need to hear from some of the DC DCS and 2 rail DCS folks too. They have actual hands on experience with this stuff! And many are very knowledgeable too!