Sensor Track, Relays and the TIU

Dick,

A wiring diagram would be most helpful. There must be something else that you're doing that's causing your problem.

Frankly, I don't understand how simply inserting a TIU between the track and a transformer can cause what you're describing. There's nothing magic about what a TIU does with electricity - it just passes it straight through.

Dick,

   This small transformer, I am guessing, is it by any chance a CW-80, if so replace it with at least a Z-1000 and you should eliminate your problem.  The CW-80 is not a recommended transformer for running DCS operations.

PCRR/Dave

I think I asked too many questions at one time. Has anyone used an isolated ground and a relay with DCS?

Barry - I am not good at diagrams. I will try to put something together. Is there any thing in particular I should focus on?

PCRR/Dave -- I am running the DCS with a Z-1000. The smaller transformer was used only to test the relay operation. It was not hooked up to the track or DCS.

Dick,

  Then Barry is absolutely correct, the TIU is just a pass thru for power you have something else going on, that you have not mentioned that is causing your problem.

However check and make sure your DCS TIU is operating properly and that you have fully charged batteries in your hand held remote control.

PCRR/Dave

I clearly have to do more trouble shooting. Dale -- I am using your diagram. I am using a Radio Shack 5v relay, with a regulating circuit stepping the AC 18v down to DC 5v. Since both you and Barry and Dave all tell me that the TIU should not be causing the problem, I will do more isolating and see what I can come up with.

If I put a resistance meter across the A & U terminals of a transformer, should the meter read Open, or should is show some resistance?

Found the problem -- the ground on a Fastrack Remote switch had come loose and was touching the metal on the bottom of the switch. When I properly connected that ground wire, everything worked properly.

Barry -- with all respect, the TIU and AC electric in general is magic to me. Lacking the technical expertise of the experts on this board, to me it works because it works. Kind of like an airplane. How the heck does is stay up. But it does, and I fly with only a little trepidation.

Thanks for helping me get my focus off the TIU. Once I quit barking up the wrong tree I was able to solve the problem -- and learn a couple of things in the process.