Possible transition to DCS

1) with DCS, will one of the Z 1000 bricks become redundant.  Understand the Z controllers are not part of the DCS equation.

You should use 1 brick for each loop for best results.

2) to operate in DCS mode, would one brick be connected to the TIU fixed input (need proper cable) with the corresponding fixed output going to the track.

 

3) to run conventional, would I need to connect another brick to the variable channel of the TIU or would the brick in #2 above also run conventional with conventional mode controlled by a programed remote.   

Connect 1 brick to Fixed #1 IN and the other to Variable #1 In. Connect the output of each channel to one loop. Isolate the center rails between loops.

4) can existing common block wiring  be used or must all block wiring (red & black) return to a terminal strip. 

5) Z 1000 brick has 6 amps available.  Is that sufficient for DCS when the max draw is stated to be in area of 10 amps. 

8 amps is sufficient to run one, maybe two consists, depending on amp draw of the engines and lighted cars.

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!

Thank you Barry.  Everything seems doable and your book is on my list of purchases if I move forward and I think I will.

However, one or two additional questions - the DCS manual suggests switches be powered independently rather than from track power.  Is that really necessary or can I still use track power to operate the FT switches.  

All existing blocks are center rail gapped at both ends so isolating the loops is not a problem. 

With the use of 1 brick/oval, will there be an issue with the engine smoothly transitioning from one oval to another or will it just be seeking the digital signal sent by the handheld without regard to the source of the voltage i.e. either the brick connected to the fixed input or the brick connected to the variable input. 

I guess I am uncertain if a PS2/3 loco is programmed to recognize power from just one brick or the 2 bricks, one fed to the variable and the other to the fixed input.

Thanks.

Ireland,

   I will let Barry answer most of your additional questions he is the master at DCS, however I will advise you about your switches.  In most cases it is best to power them independently, the one exception is Lionel FasTrack Command Control Switches, because they are engineered to operate on such low voltage, I use track power on my multi level layouts built in blocks, using the 12 track join discipline, and all my switches are controlled by the Legacy Cab2, in this manner everything operates perfectly.  You can run as many as 99 wireless switches in this manner.  

DCS is great stuff the addition of Legacy makes it even better.

PCRR/Dave

the DCS manual suggests switches be powered independently rather than from track power.  Is that really necessary or can I still use track power to operate the FT switches.  

You should, if at all possible, use a separate power supply for anything that has a magnet coil or a motor. This includes witch tracks. If to, the switch track can often degrade the DCS signal.

Further, you should phase all transformers used on the layout and then connect one of each transformer's Common terminals together. Failing to do this, will typically disable aa switch track's automatic non-derailing mechanism. {Phasing of transformers is explained, in detail, in The DCS O Gauge Companion.

With the use of 1 brick/oval, will there be an issue with the engine smoothly transitioning from one oval to another or will it just be seeking the digital signal sent by the handheld without regard to the source of the voltage i.e. either the brick connected to the fixed input or the brick connected to the variable input. 

No, there will not be any issues. Transition from one loop/power supply to the other will be seamless.

I guess I am uncertain if a PS2/3 loco is programmed to recognize power from just one brick or the 2 bricks, one fed to the variable and the other to the fixed input.

As far as a PS2 or PS3 engine is concerned, power is power regardless of its source.

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!

Thank you Barry and Dave.