MTH Operating Track Section with DCS

Yes those instructions are horrendous to read and not much help for connecting the AIU.  Instead, use the instructions for the AIU.  It shows how to connect the accessory track, accessories and switches.  You can use both the controllers and the AIU to control things by connecting both to the switch or accessory.

Go luck.

Dan,

Thanks for the tip. I did read the AIU instructions and see there is a diagram for wiring the Operating Track Sections to the AIU and it looks like two ACC units have to be used (for example AAC5 & ACC6)  for each Operating Track Section and a jumper goes from ACC5 IN to ACC6 IN. I assume that is to operated the two separate actions, uncoupling and car activation. In parentheses it states "Wired for track power". In other words the main Z-4000 has to provide power to the track. Do you know of any published diagram available that shows how to wire the Operating Track Sections to the AIU using auxiliary power ( in my case my Z-1000)? I am trying to power all my Operating Track Sections and Switches using my Z-1000 and powering the track with my Z-4000.

Removing the so-called 3rd harness wire allows you to power the Operating Track Section from another source (instead of Track Voltage) such as your Z-1000.  The wire goes to the "HOT" screw-terminal on the Z-1000 14VAC output.  The "COM" screw terminal goes to the track outer rail common - which can be any Black banana terminal on the Z-4000 or on a Realtrax lock-on.

Then, once you get that running, to additionally control the Operating Track using DCS via the AIU add the following connections (assuming you're using ACC5 and ACC6 per example in AIU manual)

And when using an AIU ACC(essory) port to control the uncoupler electromagnet, be sure to use the "ACT" button on the DCS remote.  This applies power to the electromagnet only as long as you hold down the ACT button.  If you use the "ON" button, power will be applied to the electromagnet until you press the "OFF" button.  If power is continuously applied to the electromagnet for extended intervals, it will overheat, melt, etc.   If you don't "trust" yourself to only use ACT, there have been OGR threads on how to install a ~25 cent resettable thermal fuse to cut power after, say, 10 seconds if inadvertently pressing ON and forgetting to quickly press OFF.

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Addendum.  The following diagram is Too-Much-Information for the matter at hand, but I made it for a previous OGR thread so may be helpful if someone stumbles across this thread searching for under-the-hood details on the 40-1008 Operating Track.

Eric, glad to have helped by getting Stan involved.

Stan, thanks for supplying those clear instructions.

Thanks STAN2004,

This is exactly what I was looking for and sets my mind at ease. Now I know this is possible and has been done before. Great to have these OGR Forums and experienced people to guide us newbies in the right direction. Otherwise I surly would have hooked something up wrong and possibly fried some circuits.

I also spoke with Tony and Mike at Roundhouse South and they verified this is the correct procedure. One addition from Mike who is an MTH authorized repair technician. He said to be sure that both the Z-1000  and the Z-4000 are "in phase". I believe that means the two different transformers have a common ground on the 14V black terminals. I believe the instructions from STAN2004 to run the COM wire from the Z-1000 to  the outside rail Common which could be any black banana terminal on the Z-4000 or the black terminal of the track lock on, would insure the two transformers were "in phase". 

The extra pictures that explain how the DCS Remote controls the Operating Track Section were also greatly appreciated!

Thanks also to DANR for inviting

STAN2004 to respond. Both very helpful!!