I run conventionally. I have a first generation DCS handheld and TIU. Can I use it to control my trains conventionally? Any special wiring required? My transformers are MTH Z4000's. Thanks for any helpful advice.
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You Betch! You might should ask how exactly over on the DCS Forum. It's been so long ago, my memory is failing............Sorry!
"Pappy"
turbgine,
Absolutely you can run conventional using your DCS hand held remote control thru the TIU TR mode on your hand held remote control. I do suggest you get a copy of Barry's DCS O Gauge Companion book and follow his well written directions for setting it up. Also I would suggest you purchase the side receiver for your Z4K it opens up another Conventional running opportunity via the TR Z4K mode. Also follow Barry's
wiring recommendations for DCS. You should also pick up a copy of the OGR Video Guide to DCS, Rich does a great job on the visual instructions of all this from the very beginning also, a better visual education on DCS you will never see.
PCRR/Dave
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^^what Pine Creek Railroad said ^^
just make sure you have the power to your layout running through the variable channels of your TIU.
I actually enjoy using the DCS handheld for conventional. I don't have to be at the transformer to run the trains.
How many conventional trains can be run through a TIU with a Z4000?
Originally Posted by Matthew B.:
How many conventional trains can be run through a TIU with a Z4000?
You can control the speed of two tracks. Each TIU has two Variable Voltage outputs. Technically you can put two or more conventional engines on the same track. The "trick" is the difference in speed. On Saturday we were running two engines on Track 1 in conventional and a third in DCS mode. The two conventional engines were a "Thomas" and a RMT "Beep". Their speed is very close and it wasn't too hard to keep them separated on the layout.
I'll echo the recommendation to get Barry's book. It's worth it.
Gilly
