I understand that fixed input 1 powers the TIU. Right now my MRC 270 is attached to that post. Can I move the MRC power connected to fixed 1 to variable 1 and power fixed 1 with my MTH z-750? I'd like to set it up this way so as soon as I turn on the main power it is automatically powered up.
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Sure you can.
Power to fixed 1 or or power to the aux power jack turns on the tiu.
Vinny26,
The best say to power the TIU is with a power supply thru the Aux port, I like the RS 18/24 power supply, however there are many different power supplies available that will do the job correctly. Using the fixed 1 looses that Channel to operate your layout with, and does not give you proper emergency shut down thru out your layout. Using the Aux port opens up better running options for your layout.
PCRR/Dave
I tried hooking up my z1000 with the MTH 1037 wire. Nothing but problems. Could not access my engines, check track messages. It put everything back the way it was and hooked up the z1000 to the variable one input. Seems to be working now. I really regret buying this DCS system. Nothing but headaches for me.
Vinny26,
I have owned DCS sense it was released, DCS as a system is an education in itself, you must educate your self on the proper use and build methods of a DCS layout to have a perfect running layout. It is not plug and play similar to Legacy. I suggest you purchase both Barry's DCS O Gauge Companion book and the OGR Video guide to DCS.
The education you need to fully understand how to implement DCS is there for you to learn. Rich Melvin the Boss here on OGR, does a great visual instruction job in the DCS Video guide, showing exactly how to set up and run a DCS layout. He starts from the very beginning and goes step by step with his DCS education, you can re-watch the video as many times as you need, I still do this even after building many many DCS layouts, and of course Barry's DCS book is the Instruction Bible for building DCS layouts.
It is not the DCS engineering, it does work fantastically, it's learning how to use it, especially for a beginner, it can frustrate some new DCS owners, that fail to educate themselves on the system before trying to use it. DCS is a discipline in engineering, that you must learn, to be able to use it.
PCRR/Dave
Attachments
Dave, thanks for your advice. I'm getting more comfortable with the the system. I still feel that it is not very user friendly. If you have to buy other books in order to use this system there is something wrong.
What wires and how did you wire it? A picture or sketch would help.
(Isn't the 1037 actually a track activation device?)
For the most part it is pretty simple, Barry's book is a great reference to have on hand.
Vinny, I've had DCS since the week it was first released, and love it. When you get to know it, it's quite user-friendly. Problem is that it does so much compared to conventional, that there has to be a lot of controls. Remember your first computer?
Vinny, I've had DCS since the week it was first released, and love it. When you get to know it, it's quite user-friendly. Problem is that it does so much compared to conventional, that there has to be a lot of controls. Remember your first computer?
I love it as well but don't forget we've been on this forum for a long time keeping up with the latest. I imagine it can be difficult for a new person trying to figure out dcs. I can't imagine having dcs without this forum and the help available on it. I think I would have packed it in long ago.
RJR,
Great analysis, although the DCS is not plug and play and you must learn to use it properly, after the learning curve the DCS does a lot more, than any plug and play operation ever could. The DCS not only does everything your conventional does via remote control, it does 10 time more, so you must learn how to use the system correctly, and this sometimes has plug and play type people frustrated. The DCS engineering is a somewhat complex operation and the system must be learned to operate it fully.
PCRR/Dave
You're correct, Gregg.
You also, Dave. I can remember the frustration associated wih them newfangled mechanical e-units.