Multiple TIU's ?

Don,

What power sources are connected to each TIU channel input?

Using the ZW-L controller with 4 bricks.

Don, I don't know for sure, but since your trying to run conventional on a Fix, you are lowering the input voltage.  Since the Fixed is a straight through set up that means the lower voltage may be hurting the signal generation on that channel.  Hence missing watch dog.  I am only guessing here.  No empirical data.

The VAR channels have full voltage into them so the watch dog signal is probably stronger and track control voltage is handled down stream of the input.

If you set up a VAR channel as Fixed, and lower the input, do you loose the watchdog signal too?  G

George, That makes perfect sense.  I was doing this on my layout as a test to make sure I could make it work correctly.  If I go back and change the programming of the ZW back to "Track #0" I get the watchdog signal back when I power up.  Therefore, I believe that a second TIU would give the desired affect.

The ZW-L doesn't use bricks, are you speaking of the ZW-C?

Guns,

   As usual you are right on the money, no bricks with the ZW-L and it is suppose to have it's own conventional slow speed control. IMO the real reason for actually purchasing the ZW-L.   He must be set up incorrectly.

PCRR/Dave

Guns,

   As usual you are right on the money, no bricks with the ZW-L and it is suppose to have it's own conventional slow speed control. IMO the real reason for actually purchasing the ZW-L.   He must be set up incorrectly.

PCRR/Dave

Yes, Yes, Yes,  you guys are right.  Its tough getting old.  I was trying to test the scenario out using my ZW- C (with the two bricks).  He DOES really have the ZW-L, at HIS location, and a ZW-C also.  Forgot that the ZW-L didn't use bricks.  

The intent is two use BOTH transformers on his layout.  He has 3 separate lines, (tracks). As of yesterday he informed me he wants DCS integrated!  So there are so many posibilities...

1.  Use the ZW-L, A handles/outputs for track one, (TIU Variable 1). D handle for track two, (TIU Variable 2).  Then the A handle from the ZW-C for the third line.  (That is where I think, may need a second TIU for a (Variable Track).  Resulting in ability to operate conventional via DCS, Legacy, or Transformer handles.

Then use the remaining legs of the ZW-L (B&C), and ZW-C (B,C,D) for switches, lights, accessories.  That would leave the Fixed 1&2 portions of the TIU's unused.  (Not sure that is right.)

If I left any doubt before about my sanity, I'm sure this post will remove any doubt.  (At least I may lighten up your day.)

Common John and Dave, the Brick no brick is a red herring to this.  The issue is what level of voltage is sent into the TIU fixed channel.  Whether the transformer has external bricks, or internal bricks is a little inconsequential.  What is coming out of the ZW-"X" into the TIU is what matters.

I suspect, trying to run conventional and DCS on the Same Fixed channel may be an issue, especially if the input to a fixed channel is down low, especially with a chopped output from a ZW-X.

I may try this on the next engine repair with the bench Z and TIU. G