I know and completely understand that it is ideal, wise and advisable to use only one transformer per channel (output) of the TIU. (Currently, we use ONLY one Z4000 transformer for track power ONLY.) Both of the track outputs from the Z4000 are attached to separate channels on the TIU. It works fine.)
Recent things I have read indicate that each channel/output of a TIU is completely independent from the three others. I'm operating under the assumption that is true. Therefore each channel has its own separate independent, for a lack of better term or correct technical term, signal sender.
Has anyone, does anyone, connect a track output from either side of a Z4000 to more than one channel of a TIU?
The reason I'm asking this question is that I'm trying to determine if it would be advantageous for us to do that.
Specifically, a conversation on this Forum relating to the maximum number of engines at start up that a TIU can handle, and there were a varying number of opinions as to that number. We have 15 MTH DCS engines on the layout. At start up, each is in a separate block of track. The number of engines receiving signals from either of the two TIU channels is about evenly split.
Occasionally, not always, two to three engines start up all by themselves when the layout is initially turned on.
I have also observed that the number of engines on any one TIU channel ABSOLUTELY DOES AFFECT the track signal strength reading on the remotes.
I'm debating in my mind and gathering information as to using my two unused TIU channels thereby potentially decreasing the number of engines on either of my two TIU channels currently in use
