MULTIPLE BLOCK SECTIONS

How long is the run?  If it's long enough to need multiple power bricks, I'd guess you may have to have multiple channels of the TIU to get proper amplitude DCS signals to all parts of the track.

There are typically only 2 DCS concerns regarding how many blocks and how much power:

• In my experience, the number of blocks that a single TIU channel can support is 12-14 for a pre-Rev. L TIU and 18-24 for a Rev. L TIU. If you have no more than the number of blocks stated above, a single TIU channel, plus a terminal block to split the channel's output, should suffice.
• The power, in amps, supplied to a TIU channel must be enough to support the power requirements of the engines and other electricity-consuming items (passenger cars, lighted cabooses, etc.) that will be drawing power from the TIU channel.

Based on the above two "rules", one of the following TIU channel/power configurations will be required:

• A single TIU channel and a single track power source may suffice if a single train is operating upon a minimal number of blocks .
• If there are too many blocks but power requirements are minimal, such as 30 blocks upon which only a single train will operate, multiple TIU channels fed by a single transformer may suffice.
• If there are too many blocks and power requirements are large, such as 30 blocks upon which multiple trains will operate, multiple TIU channels fed by multiple transformers may be required.

Regardless, if you use multiple transformers, be sure to properly phase them together.

This and a whole lot more about DCS is all in MTH’s “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

This and a whole lot more about DCS WiFi is all in MTH’s “The DCS WiFi Companion 1st Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store! Get the free TMCC & Legacy Addendum here!