You think that after more years than I can remember using the fourm I would know where to post my problems.Now that I'm here I need to know can I connect a 150w mth transformer direct to my auxiliary port on my TIU. I am running (going too) 6 trains all on separate fastrack. I'm going to use separate mth 150w transformers for my turnouts and buildings. I do need help (still 89years old and playing with trains). SONNY
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I believe that is over kill and might overload that circuit. You are only powering the TIU internal electronics. I use a small power supply from Radio Shack. It is an enercell 18/24 VAC 1 amp device. With your 150 W transformer you could be supplying more than the 1 amp necessary to power the TIU. You can of course us it for either of the 4 TIU inputs. If you always have power to TIU 1 fixed and use that cicuit, you do not need any power to the aux power port of the TIU.
I believe that is over kill and might overload that circuit.
That's not how it works. No harm will befall the TIU.
As long as the power supply connected to the TIU's Aux. Power port has at least 1.5 amps in the proper output voltage range, AC or DC, it will do the job. The fact that it has more than 1.5 amps available is irrelevant.
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!
Searched older post. The Radio Shack product is Enercell Switchable 18/24VAC 1 AMP Power Adapter #273-331 with #273-344 Enercell Adaptaplug M. This AC transformer should be used in the 18 Volt position. Adaptaplug M is a seperate piece that best fits the TIU Aux power plug-in.
I took a TIU to a Radio Shack store and physically match the adapt-a-plug M to the TIU Aux power port. The Adapt-a-plug (M) part plugs into the universal plug on the low voltage cord provided as part of the 18/24 volt wall wart power supply. There is polarity to be noted, take care when installing the Adapt-a-plug (M). We have been running the Fort Pitt High Rail TIU with it for some time with good results. Pictures from the Radio Shack website.
Adapt-a-plug M
The advantage to using this power supply is when Fix Input #1 is not powered the other (3) track power sources of the TIU are not effected. Before we switched to the aux power supply, if Fix Input #1 was down/off, the entire TIU was not functioning.
sonny;
Feel free to use the 150W transformer to power the Aux input on the TIU but you can probably get more out of it elsewhere.
The TIU only needs about 27 watts so 150 is definite overkill, not that it will hurt it, you are just not betting all the power you can from your system.
In any case, PLEASE put a fuse in the + line. Older transformers are slow to pop a breaker and equipment can be frying in the delay.
I had some MTH Z500 and Z750 bricks that came with RTR sets; I run the layout off Z4000's, so these were extra, and I use them to power the aux inputs of the TIU's. They plug right in. Work fine.