TIU Aux. Power Source ??

That would be a DC power supply. From the web page for the device (http://www.mthtrains.com/content/50-240):

The ZDC24 is a small wall outlet DC power supply designed to plug into the M.T.H. DCS Remote Commander for users looking to utilize the DCS Remote Commander on HO DC model railroads or into the M.T.H. TIU auxiliary power port for those looking to power up the TIU electronics.

The CSA-approved power supply plugs into any standard AC wall outlet. The barrel jack connector snuggly plugs into the DCS Remote Commander receiver and outputs 16 constant voltage DC volts to the track.

Radio Shack Enercell Part # 273-331 with adapt-a-plug (M) Part # 273-344,  switchable 18 volt or 24 volt 1 amp AC power supply, set to 18 volts,  works as a TIU Aux power supply.  

Any power supply that provides between 12 and 22 volts
AC at 1.5 amps or greater, equipped with a compatible barrel plug, may be used.

John,

Apparently, that would be a no, 1.5 amps is what is specified.

Um, uh, well, not exactly.

An earlier version of the Radio Shack device, while admittedly is only 1 amp, in practice does a fine job of powering a TIU. I've been using one, off and on, for several years without any issues and actually do recommend it in both editions of The DCS O Gauge Companion:

Another source of power for the TIU's Aux. Power port is the Radio Shack #273-1690 18/24 VAC 1000 mA Power Adapter with #273-1716 Adaptaplug M. It should be used on the 18 volt setting.

It just works for me and for many others as a good source of power for the TIU. Possibly, the TIU's power requirement is a wee bit overstated and the Radio Shack device's output is a little understated, and that allows things to work out OK.

Gosh Barry, I was just going by what you said.

I was a bit surprised it took 1.5 amps, that's quite a bit of power at 18 volts.

Thanks for all the replies

I've had the Radio Shack set up for some time, works great.

The second part of the first (blue) paragraph in Barry's first answer gave me the answer to my question.  Yes.

Thanks,

Dad-O

It seems to me that the DZ24 at 24 watts is a little small to run any thing besides small engines, trolleys, etc.

Powering the TIU from the aux port doesn't send any power to the track, it just powers the internal electronics.  You still have to connect input power to one or more input connections to provide track power.

The barrel jack connector snuggly plugs into the DCS Remote Commander receiver and outputs 16 constant voltage DC volts to the track.

Just going by what was stated above. Not the TIU.

OK, I thought we were talking about the TIU.  Yep, 24 watts is a little light for a large consist.

I wonder if it would even run an engine with a smoke unit at a fast speed?

I doubt it would run an engine with a smoke unit at any speed.   OTOH, you're not limited to that anemic transformer for the DCS Remote Commander, so it's a somewhat academic point.

John,

The only reason I brought up running the Z-DC24 transformer for track power, was DAD-0's interest in using it for track power through the DCS remote commander receiver in his last post.

Dad-O

The second part of the first (blue) paragraph in Barry's first answer gave me the answer to my question.  Yes.

I figured that Joe, we got two topics intertwined here, gets complicated to know what you're talking about.

Just logged on for today.

My original question was , is it meant to be a TIU aux. power supply?

The second part of first paragraph I was refering to was,"or into the MTH TIU auxiliary power port for those looking to power up the TIU electronics".

I've never run HO, Would 24watts be enough?  What watts do starter sets come with?

Thanks

Dad-O

HO guys run on that kind of power, of course it's DC.  I've seen 1A powerpacks, AAMOF I think I have one or two in a box around here.  They little tiny things.

I think I'll buy a HO train set and try to run it with my D cell flash light.

Seriously though, this 24watt power supply at 16volts should be about 1.5amps, shouldn't it.  Also, I seem to recall other members have said they use DC to power their TIUs.

I don't see DC into the aux supply port mentioned anywhere in the DCS manual or Barry's book.  You can run DC through the fixed power ports and run the trains on DC power.  DC will not work for the variable ports, you can't vary the DC voltage using the TIU. 

Interesting question, I don't know if the TIU would accept DC on the aux port.  I'm not willing to try it on mine, maybe you can test it.

John,

I don't see DC into the aux supply port mentioned anywhere in the DCS manual or Barry's book

You're correct in that it's not mentioned in either document, however, the Aux. Power port can nonetheless accept DC in the same voltage range and capacity as AC voltage.

Thanks Barry, I was hoping you might respond.   I was reluctant to plug in DC without knowing that it would work.