First Time Using TIU- DCS TIU Test Track Finally Set Up

I have a ph180 going into the variable 1 input (using tmcc tpc cable set) and have jumpers from variable input 1 to fixed input 1 to power the TIU, as per the operators manual (Page 99 in the dcs manual). I'm pretty sure you need the remote to communicate with the TIU, do you have the DCS remote?.

Just connect the Z-500 to the TIU fixed 1 input and the fixed 1 output to the track. If you want variable, jumper the Z-500's fixed input 1 connections to variable 1 input and connect variable 1 output to the track. Fixed 1 has to be powered as it also powers the TIU. That is if the TIU is not separately powered, which it can be. When you get your PH-180 adapters you can use those for track power through any of the fixed or variable channels and then separately power the TIU with the Z-500.

Yeah I have the full system.  So, would I be able to just hook up the Z-500 to the Fixed Input and run the Fixed Output to the track?  For some reason, I thought the TIU needed powered separately. 

Edit: I was in the middle of posting when rtr12 did.  I have my wiring diagram for the full layout already (thanks to a forum member), I just didn't know if one of the inputs could power the TIU.  Again, i know this is probably covered in Barry's Book, I just figured it was faster to do it this way (on the forum).  

So... I can run the Z-500 into the Fixed (because thats what the PS2 engine will run from, correct?) and not have to worry about the variable, right?

Mike,

    Just go and get the Raido Shack Power Supply, you will want it later on any way.

Enercell switchable 18/24 Vac 1 Amp, Power adaptor #273-344, enercell Adapter Plug M.

IMO its the best way to power your TIU.  They are inexpensive and last for ever.

PCRR/Dave

rtr12,

I edited my one post (right after yours) to respond to you.

Dave,

I have three different power sources.  I'm ready for my full layout, I just want to be able to test and reset locos that I buy.

Mike

Fixed 1 also can power the TIU, but if the breaker trips, you lose TIU control.

Make sure you don't put the Z500 control box in the circuit. Brick only!

Fred

Mike,

   No problem I was just trying to help out buy giving you the exact ID info for purchase if you needed it.

PCRR/Dave

Yes, Z-500 to fixed in 1 and fixed out 1 to track. Red to red and black to black. That's it, you are ready to go. Turn it on, put the train on the track and start pushing buttons and moving the thumbwheel!

And as fpatton said, Z-500 brick only! He's also right about the TIU loss on breaker trip, but in this case it won't matter since it's the only channel in use. Everything will go off anyway.

Completely understood.  Just the brick with the red (+) and black (-) to the TIU and same from TIU out to track.  I'm assuming by control box, you mean the full system that comes with the RTR sets?

No worries at all Dave!  I was just saying I think I have plenty of power right now! (also a KW)

Right - by the controller I mean the silver box with the knob that would go between the brick and the track if you were running conventional engines.

The setup I use for my Carpet Central is basically this as well, except a Z-750 brick and I scavenged a laptop power supply I had lying around for TIU aux power. When I want to run conventional, I just switch the track feeder from Fixed 1 to Variable 1, and put the brick on Vary 1 as well. (I don't have a need to power both Fixed and Variable simultaneously, so I don't bother with the jumper.)

Fred

Turn the thumbwheel "slowly"!   There is also an emergency stop on the remote just in case you get carried away. Learn it's location on the remote before you get going. If you do have to use this, you have to power everything off and re-start it.

Mike,

Again, i know this is probably covered in Barry's Book

Of course it is, on page 92:

Like any other electronic component, the TIU requires a power source. MTH designed the TIU so that it can be powered in two different ways.

One way is to use the track power that is present at the inputs to TIU Fixed Channel #1. This power source is available whenever the O gauge operator is running trains on tracks connected to Fixed Channel #1. The other way to power the TIU is to use a separate power supply that is plugged into the TIU's Aux. Power port. In this case, the TIU would have power all the time. Any power supply that provides between 12 and 22 volts AC at 1.5 amps or greater, equipped with a compatible barrel plug, may be used.

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!

Turn the thumbwheel "slowly"!   There is also an emergency stop on the remote just in case you get carried away. Learn it's location on the remote before you get going. If you do have to use this, you have to power everything off and re-start it.

Slowly...check - got it.  Thanks rtr!

Another question (sorry for the thread bump).  What is the adapter cable part number to go form a Lionel PH 180 to the DCS TIU?  I'm hoping I can find either that or the MTH 50-1017 tomorrow or Saturday so I can try out my locomotive. 

Thanks,

Mike

Sent you a reply earlier, but unfortunately it's awaiting approval. Not sure what was in it that was flagged? It has the Lionel and other info in it, if it makes it through. If not, I'll try to repost tomorrow.

You may have an easier time finding the MTH 50-1017 at your LHS than the Lionel cable set.

I just sent one as well, awaiting approval..

Hi Mike, you've got a few choices to connect the 180 to the TIU,

A.) you can get Lionel #6-14194 tmcc tpc cable set

B.) you can get a TPC/ TIU adapter cable

or C.) snip the molex connector off the end and strip the wire to connect to the TIU. (Saw a video on this being done, personally, I don't recommend this one)

Lionel offers the 6-14194 TMCC/TPC Cable Set But I tried to order one a couple years ago and never got it. I think this will do what you want also, but I have never seen one. Since you are back East, your LHS (or others) may have them? We are a little behind here in the Midwest at times.

CT McCormick has these PH-TIU You may have to scroll down a bit, but it's under Transformers & Remote Controls (TMCC). I ended up getting these when I couldn't get the Lionel ones. Looks like they have gone up in price a bit since then also. 

Others here have made their own, gunrunnerjohn posted a source and part numbers a while back. I have them here somewhere, if you want to make your own I'll try to dig up the source & part numbers.

guess our posts were approved, rtr12. Anywho, Mike, here's a thread on wiring PH180's to TIU's. 

Some more ideas there....

I replied, but also have to wait for approval????

Penn-Pacific,

Yes, we finally made it. And thanks for posting that thread, it's one where I had posted the part numbers I saved to make your own cables. Now I don't have to try and find them again. Other good ideas there as well.

mjrodg3n88,

The mccormick ones might cost a bit more, but might be the easiest for you as they already have banana plugs and the red and black are wired correctly for the PH's. If you do want to make some, I think I have the red/black wire info for the PH connector around here somewhere also. I save a lot of info I read here in the forums, trick is to find it again once it's been saved.  

Edit: this post went right through, I must be back to living a good clean life again today

rtr,

This is crazy, my post still has not been approved.  What the heck is going on?  If its not up after lunch, I'll just type it all again.  Oh well.

I will probably make them for when I hook up the PH180s, so any info will help.

I also save a lot of info I read here.  Actually I started creating a word file that has an index and links to helpful threads here.  This is to save me the trouble of searching for everything again.

Mike

I have had a few posts go in for approval. I think all the ones I have posted about the wiring connections for the PH's have been that way. No idea why they are flagged? 

Anyway, here's another thread about the PH wiring giving polarity. Looks like it's also the one I got the connector part numbers from as they are in there too.

Lionel 180w Powerhouse transformer Hot/Neutral

I made a Filemaker database for keeping forum info, which I use. Problem is the titles I file stuff under. Makes sense when I file it, but not always when I go back and try to find it. Need to add some keywords or something I guess. Brain repeatability becomes a problem with increasing age  

Item B that Penn-Pacific posted is the one from mccormick. They are very nice and work well. I think mine were like $9.95 or $10.95 a couple years ago though, I think they have gone up a bit.

The MTH adapter will get you going and might be needed for something down the road too. Can't have too many cables sometimes. Always good to have extras.

There were also parts from trainrails in that previous post, I had forgotten about those. Don't want to miss credit where it is due.

I don't think your questions have anything to do with a post being sent for approval. I think there are some key words or phrases or something the get them looked at. I'm sure it is not on a by poster or by question or number of questions basis.  And I wouldn't worry about asking more questions, that's one of the reasons the forums are here.

I have had a few posts go in for approval. I think all the ones I have posted about the wiring connections for the PH's have been that way. No idea why they are flagged?

Yeah, that was weird.  As you can see below though, mine was approved last night??

Anyway, here's another thread about the PH wiring giving polarity. Looks like it's also the one I got the connector part numbers from as they are in there too.

Lionel 180w Powerhouse transformer Hot/Neutral

Thanks, I looked over that thread, makes sense to me

I made a Filemaker database for keeping forum info, which I use. Problem is the titles I file stuff under. Makes sense when I file it, but not always when I go back and try to find it. Need to add some keywords or something I guess. Brain repeatability becomes a problem with increasing age

Kind of funny .  I've never heard of Filemaker.. what is it?

Edit: I thought I read somewhere in this thread you asking if I had Barry's Book... I can't find it, but the answer is yes.  I have the electronic version, but only have made it through the first 30 some pages so far

Don't know what is in this thread, but something is. My last post went in for approval also. Looks like you got through today.

Wow, you guys back East are so lucky with all those train stores so close by. I have one (actually two). The first one I go to gives me a small discount, the 2nd charges above list on many items, and doesn't have very much to choose from.  I could spend my entire week just visiting train stores if I lived back there! Probably end up in the poor house or debtors prison in the process though.

The PH adapters are not really that bad I guess, considering you don't have to make them and they just plug right in. Getting one now and one later wouldn't hurt quite as bad.

Filemaker is a relational database that's a bit expensive for home use, but easy to use. Don't have to know much to create a fairly nice database custom made to your liking. Comes with a lot of ready made databases that you can just start using (or easily modify to suit) right away. It is capable of doing much more sophisticated stuff, but that takes some study of all the features and how to use them, much bigger learning curve, like for the pros. I just use the easy stuff.

Wasn't me asking about Barry's book, I saw you already had it in beginning of the post. That is a very good book, lots of helpful info in there.

Good luck with the train running.

Mike,

   Check your e-mail

PCRR/Dave

Finally got my (temporary) test track set up.  This was my first time using the full DCS system.  Wow... I know people have said "once you start using command..." but to be honest, I didn't believe the hype.  I figured, it can't be anything more than using the DCS Remote Commander from the RTR sets, man was I wrong.  Even with only 70 inches of track set up, I couldn't believe the options.  Now I'm really looking forward to setting up a layout.  

Thanks for all that helped me get this figured out!

rtr,

.... I was wrong about Barry's book... somebody had asked me in an email and since you have been helping me so much in this thread I guess I just assumed it was you.

McCormicks is about an hour from me now, but only about a half hour from my parents house.  I haven't been there in years.  My LHS is less than 5 minutes away, maybe 2 or 3.  Then there is Brady's that may be about 40 from me.  I guess maybe I (we) are a little lucky.

Thanks for the info on Filemaker!

Dave,

Got your email, thank you, will respond shortly!

Glad you got it going, now just have some fun with it. This does provide motivation for one to get going on the old layout. Which reminds me, I need to get going on mine...

Mike:
While the data density in Barry's book make it a slow read, Since you have the electronic version there is a way to get the info you need.

Use the Search function in Acrobat reader to find info.

Put in the key work on the subject you want and start hitting next. You may get a lot of hits in the front of the book but the meat comes later with the in depth detail sections.

I have had the original one for years and the 2nd Version since it came out, I still haven't read the entire thing, but I can find what I need this way.

Mike,

I picked up a DCS 50-1001 yesterday.  The price wasn't as good as yours, but better than I had seen anywhere else.  I have my Z500 and 3 PS3 engines.  Now I just need to find the time to get it going like you done.    Oh yes, I have my Barry's book and all the suggestions these good folks have given you.

That I am doing (having some fun with it).  I threw a SD70 on the track the other night, I'm thoroughly enjoying figuring this DCS thing out.  I really like how you can shut all the lights off and keep the number boards on.  By the way, maybe if you weren't being so helpful to the fellow forum members, you could be working on yours! (Thanks for all of it by the way)

I know you can do the search/find feature, but never even gave that a thought, thanks!  I'll respond to your recent email in the AM.

Mike,

I picked up a DCS 50-1001 yesterday.  The price wasn't as good as yours, but better than I had seen anywhere else.  I have my Z500 and 3 PS3 engines.  Now I just need to find the time to get it going like you done.    Oh yes, I have my Barry's book and all the suggestions these good folks have given you.

Congratulations, Mark.  This thing is fun for sure, don't waste any time!  Last time I saw you, I had just received my seconds PS2 engine, but now with the acquisition of my Allegheny 2-6-6-6, I'm up to three and looking forward to getting a layout going.  Watch the DVD (I watched all three aspects of it) that the DCS system comes with.

Thanks, Mike.

I will make sure I watch the DVD before getting started.

Mark,

   If you are going to use a video for DCS education, purchase the OGR Video Guide to DCS, Rich does a great job, infact as they said about Elliot Ness, the best in the business.  I highly recommend both Barry's book and the OGR Video Guide to DCS.

My fair sized layout ran perfectly for over 10 years because I used both of these as my educational formats.

PCRR/Dave

You can't get a better recommendation than that.  I will most certainly buy the OGR Video Guide.  I certainly get a lot out of a good manual, but I find seeing it on video really helps me get the concept.  Over the years my work has moved away from drawings and onto searchable databases.  I liked the old drawing with a pencil and T square better, and seeing it on a video is even better.

Thank you, Dave!

Mark,

    My large layout was in both the game room & my office, on an L shaped platform with the TV at the end of the big game room, so I had the OGR Video guide on the

screen as I built, so Rich could answer my questions as I worked and had Barry's book made into a 3 ring type note book, in which I made notes for my individual layout.  My layouts are always constructed like a childs wonderland, no matter their size.  Following the instructions on both formats made my layouts run with all 10's, all the time.  I wish I had a home where I could make my train layout permanant like Brian's

(Passenger Train Runner) his layout is really something, he really has his train hobby room constructed incredibly well.

PCRR/Dave

Dave,

I just placed an order for the DCS Video.  I am looking forward to running trains with DCS!

Thank you.

When I started thinking up a layout idea, I had planned on running both my postwar and command at the same time.  I only had one command engine at the time, but since I have 3 now and a fourth on hold, the postwar will probably just become shelf queens and only get run occasionally.  

This test track is fun even though its only 40" long!