Page 65 TIU Placement O Gauge companion

On page 65 you write that the TIU should be "placed such that the layout isn't between the TIU and the DCS during operations".  In the next paragraph you indicate that you place them under your layout.

There's nothing contradictory in the two statements. Let's first look at all the guidelines for TIU placement from pages 64-65 of The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition:

Regardless of which method of assigning TIU channels is selected, there are a few simple rules for how to place

TIUs physically:

• TIUs should never be stacked directly on top of one another, or on top of or beneath AIUs. Doing so can cause TIUs to be unable to vent heat properly. Additionally, stacking DCS components can cause interference when TIUs attempt to communicate with DCS Remotes
• If it is necessary to stack TIUs then there should be adequate clearance between devices (approx. 2" or more) to allow heat dissipation and limit interference;
• Whenever possible, place TIUs vertically rather than horizontally. This provides better reception for the TIU's antenna
• Whenever possible, place TIUs such that the layout isn't between the TIU and the DCS Remotes during operating sessions. If engines, rolling stock, tracks, structures, and benchwork are in the path of communications between the TIU and DCS Remotes, there can be interference issues.

My TIU's, due to space constraints, are placed under the inside edges of my around-the-walls, U-shaped layout. For the most part, they have clear line of sight into the train room.

The bottom line is to do the best that you can to follow the above guidelines while also recognizing that no layout is completely perfect in its design for DCS. Fortunately, DCS is much more forgiving when deviating from its "best practices" design guidelines than you may assume.

This and a whole lot more is all in "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!