MTH DCS QUESTION

Yes you can operate many trains as the power will handle, but ten amps per TIU channel.

 Your bricks will match up well with each TIU channel (one per channel). You can also jump the tiu inputs using the same brick to power a second TIU channel. Keep in mind if you do that, not to load more stuff on the track than that brick will handle. If you do, the internal breaker will just trip.

 For safety, I still put an 10 amp inline fuse on each TIU channels input.

When you run in DCS mode, the engines should come up dark and silent when you turn on power to the TIU. You can have more than one engine on the track. Only the one's you select and start up will come to life.

 It is recommended that you power the TIU with an external power source so that if channel one loses power, the TIU will still be powered for the other channels.

 All this and much more useful info is in Barry's book. I really would get a copy if I were you.

do you have the older ZW Lionel transformer?I would recommend the DCS companion document that Barry wrote. you can purchase the book from amazon.com for $26.00 plus shipping. it ex planes all about using DCS and how to wire your layouts the correctly way for DCS.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb...ywords=dcs+companion

The link is just above my name Alan

Iin previous post. 'In order for this to be true, will I have to connect more than one transformer to the same loop of track?'

Never do this. 

MR. Union Pacific Asked...

I have purchased a MTH DCS system and I am going to install it on my existing layout.  It is my understanding that I will be about to operate two trains on the same loop or lash up two or more MTH locmotives on the same track.  In order for this to be true, will I have to connect more than one transformer to the same loop of track?

Not necessarily.  Depending on the transformer, one may be sufficient.

 
 Actually, I will be connecting the outside loop to the inside loop with a crossover.  Can I power the entire layout with two Lionel 180 powerhouse bricks?

In this instance it would be necessary to insulate the track at the crossovers so that power does not pass between the two loops.  Use two channels of the TIU running each with one brick.  The bricks should be similar in output, voltage, etc., to prevent problems when crossing from loop to the other.

 It seems to me that I would have to have more than one transformer wired in through the TIU to power more than one locomotive...right?

In the DCS environment, 18 volts +/- are on the track at all times.  Depending on the number of locomotives (or motors in them) it may be possible to run everything with just one transformer.  Adding lighted cars and accessories can compound this, however, and you may need additional power then.


 My ZW transformer can operate 4 separate trains at one time by wiring each post to separate loops in order to power an entire layout can I run all four control outlets from the ZW through the TIU?

You are controlling the trains not the power, so this type of operation is no longer applicable.  AS was stated earlier, you can power one TIU channel with each of the ZW handles and thus have a bigger environment.  But, you do not need a handle for each engine.

Also, as pointed out you may want to invest in the DCS Companion by Barry Broskowitz, it is very complete in all information regarding DCS.

Mr. UP.  Your ancient ZW is well-suited for use with DCS---in fact, itr is perfect.  Due to the poor quality of the internal breaker, you should use external breakers or fuses (fuses cost more in the long run) in each feed from the ZW to the TIU input.  I have 2 ZWs and a Z4000. The ZW can handle several locos at once---say 4.  Aggregate draw from the ZW should not be allowed to exceed 10 amps.

the nicer thing about having a z4000 mth transformer is the instantaneous reading of what the current draw is at all times, and with dcs electronics,a large arcing from a derail can blow the electronic boards, and that can be expensive not to mention the down time while your getting them repaired plus the cost.It's always best to  use quick acting circuit breakers just like what are in the mth z4000 transformers and you can purchase them from mth electronics in Maryland , that way you can safely use your old ZW's and not have to worry about burning up electronic 's  and just enjoy your trains!

Best of luck with your DCS endeavor

Alan

you can purchase them from mth electronics in Maryland

Breakers can be bought from boating supply houses for a lot less than MTH parts dept will charge for the breakers used internally in the Z4000, if they're even available. 

You can buy the same breakers from large electronics supply houses like Mouser or Digikey as well, very good prices.

Cheryl, go to www.defender.com, search circuit breakers, and look for the Blue Sea push button breakers.  They have several amperages, and your choice of screw or push on terminals.

I've recently purchased a DCS system. Is there any special wiring I need to accomplish to have 3 different modes of operation?

1- Conventional

2- D.C.S

3- TMCC

Do I need to wire each independently from one another?

I remember reading a post awhile back that someone had a wiring schematic for their Christmas layout that switched between the three systems I mentioned.

You can actually wire them up once and run all three without changing anything.

The DCS and TMCC/Legacy play well on the same tracks at the same time.  If you use the variable output channels of the TIU to power the tracks, you have conventional operation from your remote, and you don't have to change any wiring.

GG1 2340 – If you are supplying power with a ZW or similar, you can run conventional using the handles on the transformer.  Just use a fixed channel (not fixed 1 if you are using that to power the TIU) or a variable channel set to 22 volts and use the transformer handle to run the conventional engine.

GG1, I'm not familiar with TMCC, but I can assure you no switching at all is required to run conventional or DCS, even at the same time.  Ignore those who say otherwise.  If you use the variable channels, you can control conventional from the remote, giving you walkaround control.  If you want to run a DCS loco, simply crank the track voltage to 18.  

If you set the variable channels in fixed mode, you can run all the command stuff from power on, DCS or TMCC/Legacy.  Then, if you want to run conventional, just dial up the track in question on the DCS remote and hit the TZV key and plop the conventional locomotive on the track.  Crank the thumbwheel and away you go in conventional moade.  That's the way I run it.

Thanks all for the info.

I have not hooked anything up yet.

Can I run PS1 MTH locos with DCS?

Ive been reading Barrys Book, seems complicated.

Buzz

PS1 Locos will only work hooked up to a variable channel in conventional mode.

Can I run PS1 MTH locos with DCS?

Yes, you most certainly may do so.

Ive been reading Barrys Book, seems complicated.

There is a "best" way to read the book, and it is stated on page 4 in "Foreword - How To Use This Book". I've included below that section of text:

Each section of the book builds on previous sections so that when a new topic is introduced the foundation on which it stands has already been built. This allows the book to be used as a learning tool that guides the new DCS operator through all of the aspects of DCS, starting with the most basic and easiest to grasp topics, all the way through the use of DCS' most complex and sophisticated subjects.

At the same time, this book can be utilized by the more experienced DCS operator as a reference text that increases the operator's knowledge and understanding of DCS, as well as a troubleshooting tool should problems arise.

It's also important to note that, because The DCS O Gauge Companion is a PDF eBook, it is a fully searchable document. Any word or phrase may be quickly located in the document by using the search feature of Adobe's Acrobat Reader. Acrobat Reader is included with many PC's and is also a free download from Adobe's web site.

It would be best if all readers read the entire book at least once to gain an understanding of what's covered. Then, depending upon the individual reader, various sections of the book should be read again, perhaps more slowly, to apply the information herein according to the reader's current needs.

New or prospective DCS operators should focus on Part I - Introduction to DCS, Part II - DCS Is An Operating System for Your Trains! and Part III - DCS Implementation. This will impart a solid understanding of what DCS is, as well as how it should best be implemented on a new or existing layout.

Experienced DCS operators who desire to add control of accessories or switch tracks to their DCS operation should review Part IV - Accessory and Switch Track Control.

Very experienced DCS operators who desire to expand their DCS control using advanced features or functions of DCS beyond the basics should review Part V - Advanced Features and Functions for information regarding specific aspects of DCS.

TMCC or Legacy operators who plan to add DCS to an existing layout on which they operate either of Lionel's command control systems should pay special attention to Part VI - TMCC and Legacy.

Conventional engine operators who plan to operate both conventional engines and command control engines on the same layout should read Part VII - Operating Conventional Engines.

When it's time to upgrade DCS software all the necessary information is covered in Part VIII - Software Upgrading and Remote Backup/Restore.

If it's necessary to resolve problems with DCS or PS2 engines, the answers may be found in Part IX - Troubleshooting Problems, or in the Appendices.

HO operators should read in detail Part X - HO Addendum, for a discussion of DCS operation using MTH’s DCS Commander, as well as the differences between MTH O gauge PS2 engines and the company’s HO PS3 engines.

Owners of MTH's latest Ready-To-Run (RTR) sets and those who have purchased a new DCS Remote Commander, or who are contemplating purchasing either of these, should read in detail Part XI - DCS Remote Commander Addendum, for a discussion of using the DCS Remote Commander either by itself or in conjunction with a DCS TIU and DCS Remote.

This and a whole lot more is all in MTH’s “The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

Thank you Barry. I'll keep reading

I live in Florida, the lighting capital of the world.

I also live in Florida.

I suggest that you do what I have done. Purchase a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), preferably one manufactured by APC (American Power Conversion). Get one that has a rating sufficient to handle everything on the layout and plug everything into it, and it into the wall.

I've had the layout, as well as the computers and peripherals, connected to UPS's for the past 12 years. Although the house was hit by lightning that took out several window and door alarm sensors, and we lost a tree near the house due to another lightning strike, I've never lost anything that was connected to a UPS.

Gentlemen,

   You members living in both Florida and Louisiana take Barry's advice on the APC to heart, and on top of that when I lived in Slidell, La, we had a 10K generator for emergency power, course it ran my Garage layout also.  Living in those state with out an APC is asking to fry your home electronics, especially your Trains.  Like Barry we had numerous lightening strikes near our Slidell home, with the APC we never had a problem.

A seriously good investment, to my way of thinking, a mandatory piece of equipment in any state that has big time thunder showers, most every day between 12:00 and 2:00 PM.

PCRR/Dave