Powering two TIU's running two AIU's

Scrapiron ScherOGR Forum Member

More questions that, I am embarrassed to say, I cannot find a definitive answer to. I am making a determined effort to power and wire all of my DCS components properly since I screwed up royally last time. Once again, as in the past, I am indebted to all of you for guiding the blind. I read Barry's book and although it is wonderful, I still need a bit of hand holding . . . . . . confused

I would like to use AUX power for my two MTH TIU's (I plan to have six distinct electrical districts) and the TIU's will be connected to two AIU's.

1) Will an MTH Z500 be sufficient to power both TIU's? 2) Does the Z500 come with an adapter cable that plugs into the MTH Aux power port? 3) If I am able to power the TIU with one Z500, how would I cable it to both TIU's? Would I be better off buying two Z500's? 4) I have a Z4000 that will not be used for track power. Can that power the TIU's or is it too powerful? (Please remember I am wiring challenged. If modifications are needed to use the Z4000, I would prefer a dedicated power supply for the TIU). 5) Am I asking the right questions?

11/23/1610:09 AM

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BobbyDOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

The Z500 would be way more than enough as all you are powering is the internal circuits, no loads. You should be able to purchase a barrel adapter "Y" cable, they are used with many low voltage lighting systems, to power both TIU's from the one source. Even if it is a 12V wall wart.

11/23/1610:13 AM

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mopac01OGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I'm going to get a MTH 50-240 - Z-DC24 24-Watt Power Supply to independently power my TIU. It's mentioned in Barry's book, although it's not yet shipped. However, it is supposed to ship in December. For the "electrically challenged" I think a dedicated wall wart with the correct barrel plug already incorporated would be the easiest way to go and take up less space to boot. Not sure if there would be enough power on a single 50-240 to use a barrel adapter "Y" cable to power both TIUs and both AIUs. I'd probably play it safe and just get two 50-240s. That way each TIU/AIU combo would have it's own power supply.

11/23/1610:22 AM

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David MinarikOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Elliot,

The Z500 already has a barrel jack on it that will plug directly into the TIU AUX power port. I would pick up another one for the second TIU. They are fairly inexpensive. Using a Z4000 just to power a TIU is a bit overkill. Give me a ring if you have any questions.

Dave

11/23/1610:58 AM

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mopac01OGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

David Minarik posted:
Elliot,
The Z500 already has a barrel jack on it that will plug directly into the TIU AUX power port. I would pick up another one for the second TIU. They are fairly inexpensive. Using a Z4000 just to power a TIU is a bit overkill. Give me a ring if you have any questions.

Dave

But wouldn't the MTH 50-240 wall wart (assuming OP can wait a month for it to become available) be far less expensive than the Z500 if OP doesn't already have a Z500?

11/23/1611:03 AM

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stan2004OGR Forum Member

Note that every time you turn on an Accessory relay within an AIU, it requires an incremental 1/2 Watt even if nothing is hooked up externally to the AIU. So, albeit unlikely, if you turned on all 20 Accessory relays in your 2 AIUs that would require an additional 10 Watts. There have been previous discussions on the baseline power requirements for the TIUs in Watts but I don't recall the exact numbers. In any event, Z-500 or 50 Watts would definitely have more than enough power for 2 TIUs plus 2 AIUs.

If you do eBay the "Y" or splitter cables mentioned above can be had for $1 shipped. They come in different lengths so depending on how you situate your TIUs you may want an extension cable - also available in different lengths.