Should I power my TIU from the Aux Port?

There are a lot of posts and threads about that on here. After my reading and research, I decided to do it. I've got a Z500 running it. 

I honestly couldn't tell you why, it's been that long since I looked into it. But, since I did it, I assume that it was a pretty logical decision? 

You can do it any time, but I would highly recommend using the AUX port if you are using anything besides FXD 1 channel or using multiple channels. Say you are using FXD1 & FXD2, each with separate power supplies, and you blow the breaker on FDX1, FXD2 will continue to be powered and you will have no control over anything running on that channel until you restore power to the TIU. You definitely want to use AUX power in this case or anything similar. I like to use the AUX port anyway, regardless of channels used. Just a personal thing, but I consider it good practice.  Also, you have to power either the TIU AUX port or FXD 1 or your TIU will have no power and won't work.

As RTR12 stated. Same thing happened to me. Run a way train.

The right answer is yes.  If it's only powered from FIXED #1, all the channels die when FIXED #1 dies.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

The right answer is yes.  If it's only powered from FIXED #1, all the channels die when FIXED #1 dies.

On a Z-4000 if the transformer has a short does Aux 1 shut down also? That would be bad because if power is cut in this manner all the trains on a different power source would keep going obeying the last command.

Ok, here is a good question, what is a good AUX power sorce for a TIU?

mike g. posted:

Ok, here is a good question, what is a good AUX power sorce for a TIU?

I don't think it needs to be powerful.  I'm using an old MTH z-500 (54watts) for it and it works beautifully.

And it plugs right into the AUX port? If so I am going to have to find one! LOL

You can also power it with DC, and you can get suitable power bricks for peanuts!  No reason to spend tons of money.

19V 3.42A Laptop Power Supply AC Adapter Charger Cord for Acer Toshiba Gateway

eBay: 121387965243, $6.99 shipped free, US seller.

I'm currently using a Z500 also. A while back GRJ pointed out a similar DC power supply as above and I am going to switch to that soon. Already have it. I have some engines to update and that works better with DC. I plan to leave the DC power supply powering the TIU from then on as I have another use for the Z500.

Thanks John, That's what I need! Something that will save me money!

Just ordered! Thanks again John!

Saving money is always nice.

Yeah my z500 was just from a RTR set that I bought which got me into this. So just had it put away. 

gftiv posted:

As RTR12 stated. Same thing happened to me. Run a way train.

Thats why I have a strategically place "stomp" switch that kills all layout power transformers.  Used it just once when for some reason that handheld DCS red emergency stop button, didn't!

I use the 14 vac aux output from one Z4k to power the tiu, so it still gets power even when the track outputs have dropped to zero due to ashort or whatever. This prevents runaways. It is also convenient in that as soon as the z4k is switched on the tiu is powered up.

Rod