passive mode and number of wires

Should not be, I run that way, two wires from transformer to output side of TIU, two wires from TIU to track. To change to non passive just move wires from transformer to input side of TIU. Same number of wires either way.

Just keep the nuts tight in the TIU, problem solved.

Definitely not doubling the wire to the track you can add in the DCS signal at any point but it’s recommended to use a 22uh choke to clean up the incoming power before the signal is added.

I made a PCB for my clubs new layout to accomplish this

Thanks for the responses.  Very much encouraged by them.  Darrell mentioned a strategy in his response that I had never thought of - running the power wires to the outside post of the TIU.

In my mind I always pictured it as the power wires going directly to the track.  So in my mind that doubles the number of wires needed.  But thanks to Darrell I am now going to do that - power wires to outgoing posts on the TIU.  I never ran in passive mode before so this will be an interesting Christmas layout year.

I've used DCS for, gosh I don't know, a VERY long time and haven't had any issues.  Wrong, one of the internal fuses on the TIU blew one time but that was the only issue that I've ever had.

Better safe than sorry though so I'm going to give it a shot.

A always, Thanks - walt

It's hard to get to my TIU right now, but here is a picture of my setup.

Thanks Darrell!!!  I appreciate you finding the time to show that to me.

as always, thanks - walt

             Walt,  Remember that you will lose the E-STOP when using passive mode. If that is a problem, do the following:

I just take off the nut, lock washer and wire off each post.

Then first place the nut on and tighten.

Then the wire followed by the washer and a M4-70 nut and tighten.

This way you have the wire terminal between metal nuts and less chance of the plastic giving way.

I don't know why this wasn't done this way originally on the TIU and Z4000. 

If you really want to insure this never happens, do it like the Rev. G TIU models did, solder the connection to the binding post.

Another thought popped into my mind: I THINK I know the answer but would rather ask my question and be sure of an answer.

I have always hooked up my TIU the conventional way: wires from the trannie go to the input ports on the TIU.  I have always installed a 10 amp fast-blow fuse between the trannie and the TIU post on the positive path.

In passive mode, should I still use the 10 amp fuse between the trannie hots and the TIU output hots?

Like I said, I would rather be sure than guess.

as always, thanks - walt

yes

thanks again Darrell.  will do so