seperation of Fixed and Variable By Toggle

Conventional control or DCS control 

My wiring scheme allows me to select either my DCS or the Z-4000 manual control with a simple toggle switch. The toggle switch selects a high current "relay" that actually switches power. With the toggle set to "ON" power goes to the track directly from one of my Z-4000 transformers. When using the conventional control Z-4000 the power to the TIU input side is disconnected. However I use a brick for powering the TIU  AUX input so the TIU is active at all times.

With the toggle set to "OFF" power goes from a second Z-4000 directly to the input side of my DCS TIU.

I purchased two MTH Z-4000 transformers on Ebay for way under retail. What I like are the built in meters (volts and amps) and dual control handles.  I use one to power the 2 fixed channels on my TIU DCS system and the second Z-4000 to power conventional engines.  

I have a separate "control console" with a Z-4000 and turnout and block control switch panels.  This separate control system is available for visitors to allow them to operate my conventional engines (including PS-1 versions). The DCS system is also available at any time for controlling turnouts and blocks using the AIU.

An emergency shutdown system is available for both conventional control or DCS control.  It uses 4 different  E-Stop pushbuttons as well as a wireless shutdown system.

The transformer outputs and the track are protected by individual circuit breakers.

I also have a Dispatcher Panel that shows the status of all turnouts and blocks using color coded LEDs.

Bobbie.  Just run each loop on a V ARIABLE.  When running command, set the voltage to a level adequate to power the locos.  That's all that needs to be done to run either command or conventional.  This was subject was just beaten to death in another thread.

This is what I do on my layout, which has 6 "loops" and can run either type of loco anywhere anytime.

As RJR stated, plus you have the ability to toggle DCS on and off on the channels.  If you have a Z-4000 with the receiver attached you can also throttle up and down fixed 1 voltage.   G

You should be able to switch the (2) Variable channels on the TIU to fixed using the remote.

System/DCS setup/TIU1/Variable1(or2)/(soft key (S5))FIX   and back again.

GGG:  Not necessary to set them to fixed.  Just roll the thumbwheel up to 15 or more volts and run the DCS locos.

Thanks for the input

RJR,

You mention 6 loops. Do you have a second TIU?  thanks for your help.

Yes I do.  I use the 2 VARIABLES from the second, and all 4 circuits from the first.

is it possible to wire multiple tracks to one channel? thanks again for your help

What's your power supply? I know it's possible to use the var channels in var mode and scroll up the voltage and select the eng for command. However    I like Susan's Idea of using toggles to select each loop in either mode.( DPDT center off) One channel for fixed and one var channel, The tiu would need an aux power supply.

I guess you have to decide which is going to be the easiest. I think the toggles but then you're restricted to a control pannel.

Yes it is, subject to the limits of your power supply and the 10-amp max for a TIU channel.  I once had a wiring issue under my layout, and temporarily moved the hot wire from one TIU output to another, with no noticeable issues.

Power supply would be a pair of MTH Z-1000 Bricks with a Z-750 to power the Tiu

I never said fixed, that may have been Mike.  I was saying having control of the transformer feed in a Fixed channel allows you to vary the input voltage.  Like ZW-C or Power Masters do.  G

You're right on who said it, GGG.  Sorry 'bout that.