Rev L TIU is terrific

hi I just got a rev L TIU.  im new to all this.  I have 3 z1000 bricks.  How do I connect up the TIU for power?  I am not sure with the variable and fixed inputs and what is the difference in operation?  I see you can power the TIU with a Z powerpack.  can I just hook my z1000 brick into that and just run the outputs to the track? I have 3 tracks that I want to use with the system.  but I did not know about the inputs.  I see people make jumpers from one input to another?  just not sure about all this.  thanks

Chris

Chris;

Welcome to DCS first of all.

You should start your own topic rather than piggyback on another; you will get more and better responses.

I assume you have a complete DCS system including the TIU and the handheld?

Not to offend you, but first give the manual a good read or two, as it will tell you how most things work and how to hook the TIU up.

In general, for smaller and intermediate sized layouts, you will only need one or two TIU channels.

The fixed channels are for DCS command use.

The variable channels are intended for conventional use, where the voltage to the track is varied using the handheld.

For larger layouts using several hundred feet of track, you can use all 4 channels for DCS. You can change the variable channels to fixed, so they all operate the same way.

You can power each channel separately with bricks or small transformers.

If you have a large transformer such as a Z-4000, you should be able to power all 4 TIU channels by jumpering TIU inputs. This depends on the number of trains you intend to run.

The Z-4000 has two throttle outputs capable of 10 amps each. You can run quite a few trains on that.

A Z-1000 brick can handle about 5 amps, so it is really only good for one TIU channel input, IMO.

If you still have specific questions, get back to us.

Hope that helps,

Rod

ok, I read the manual, but I know there are tips that you guys know about. Ill post up another post on the subject of beginners DCS.  thanks for the response.

Chris

Hi Chris,

Here are some thoughts to get you started:

1. Strongly consider buying Barry's book. It's inexpensive and a very useful learning tool and reference.

2. Power the TIU with auxillary power input. You can buy  a power supply that puts out 12-20 volts at Radio Shack ( # 273-1690) for short money and plug it in using an "M" adapter plug ( #273-1716).

3. I use the 2 variable channels for my two main lines where I might want to run post war locos in conventional mode when not running Protosound 2 or 3 in DCS mode. I run the "red line" off variable 1(powered by a Z4000 right side handle) and the "white line"off variable 2( powered by the Z4000 left side handle). Each loop is isolated from the other with a center rail fiber pin where they join at a switch. If your setup is similar, you could power each variable channel with it's own Z1000 brick. Use the MTH TIU/Barrel Jack adapter cable(# 50-1017) to connect the Z1000 brick barrel jack to the input side of the TIU channel you want to use. Connect that channels output jacks positive and negative to the track and run a train.

A couple of caveats because I don't know what your set up is like:

1. If the track connected to one channel powered by a brick is connected to another track powered by a different brick, then the ground of each channel I think needs to be connected to each other otherwis a short would occur when travelling from one loop to another. The same would apply to a third channel if supplied by a different brick.

2. Depending on the size and complxity of your layout, you might need to create track blocks to obtain the best signal strength. The Rev L on my layout made everything so easy that one lock-on in a good size yard gave me great signal stregnth everywhere in the yard.

I'm no expert, but I've spent a lot of time struggling for the best signal stregnth possible. Barry's book explains this " and a whole lot more" much better than I can and it would behoove you to get it. Also, don't be afraid to post questions on the Forum about any concerns you have. I found the people here to be very knowledgable and helpful about all kinds of DCS questions. If you type into the search box something you want to know about, most likely you'll find that someone has already struggled with the problem and better still, someone on the Forum has come to his rescue.

Good luck and enjoy!

Ed