TIU location

       
       


My layout is 40x16 and you can walk in the center.  I tried to keep my control area close to center as possible,  that way when you run your wire it's more equal.

Don't bury them, especially behind metal, which will impede remote-TIU communications.  Don't stack them vertically close together.  Place them where they are accessible, since from time to time you may be hooking a computer to them for upgrading software.

Remote  range  & tiu  is  probably  one of the  main factors,,,, How can you test without a layout?   Hit the read  you should get a message TIU found .

 

Communications seem best if the tiu is on or  above the layout on large layouts.

Gregg,

Hit the read  you should get a message TIU found .

There's a better way that doesn't send all unpowered engines into the Inactive Engine List:

Menu/System/TIU Setup/TIU Version, select a TIU and press the thumbwheel.

 

This and a whole lot more is all in MTH’s “The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

This is not mis-treatment of the TIU or the DCS O Gauge Companion. This was taken while I was still wiring and setting up in the back of the transformer cart. Since this picture, the TIU has been placed in it's rightful spot on the top of the cart next to the Legacy system and the DCS O Gauge Companion now occupies the top bin of the letter trays with un-obstructed access and nothing on top of it.

 

newbe,

    On my bigger DCS layouts I always made sure the TIU was jut a little higher than my 1st track level, on my smaller Christmas multi level layouts, I put it on the roll out power station under the platform.  The size of my layouts determines where I locate my TIU.

PCRR/Dave

 

I found that, for the club layout, locating the TIU on a shelf a few feet higher than the layout we got the best remote<->TIU communication.  When it was at track level, we were having issues in some corners.

Guns,

   I totally agree, once you have a layout that is bigger than 3 4x8 sheets of plywood

I would definitely raise the TIU placement at least to 2-3' over the 1st track level, the reason I had no problem with my L shaped multi level layout was that the TIU was placed at the join of the L 12" above the 1st level.  In reality I could have raised the TIU level and eliminated a few of the magic lights.  I did not realize this when I built the larger layout however.

PCRR/Dave 

Actually, the magic lights have nothing to do with the TIU height, they're strictly on the other end of the horse.  The TIU placement is striving to improve the 900mhz communication between the TIU and remote. 

 

Another consideration of TIU placement would be a central location to minimize the length of wire runs to the distribution points, we learned that lesson as well.  I had 30 feet of wire from the TIU outputs to the actual distribution point, moving the TIU next to the connection helped the track signals.

 

I agree with you, GRJ, but I'd also note for the benefit of newbe that a run such as 30' should be 14-gauge stranded wire.  In fact, I use it for all runs.  Lowes has it in various colors.

NS 1719; nice looking layout & wiring.

I should have added to my above post that I think the recommended location for your TIU is above the layout and somewhere near the middle where the remote has the best access to it. As others have pointed out here. I have only a 6'x16' layout right now and most of the operating is done from the side where the transformer cart is located. It works very well now as is, but when I expand I am aware that it may have to be relocated.  

 

Also a question for gunrunnerjohn, actually two questions:

 

Was your 30 feet to the distribution point problem with a Rev L TIU or an earlier one?

 

If not, do you think the Rev L would help with that problem?

It was the Rev. L TIU that had the issue.

 

rtr12, I have over 30 feet from  my TIU location near one end, to the farthest blocks of my 39'x15' layout.  Worked fine with Rev G.

The 30 feet was just to the connection point of the track.

Thanks, interesting, I was thinking it would have been an older one? So much for that idea... My expansion won't be anywhere near 39'x15' or a club size layout (more like a 6'x16' x 6'x22' L shape), but good to know in case I win the lottery and am able to expand the expansion.  

Thanks all.  My layout is 36' by 16' and I have a very large grain elevator in the middle so I will have to move my TIU to clear it.  The elevator is approx. 5' long and approx. 18" tall.

If you are new to DCS, with a layout that large I would definitely get Barry's book, the DCS O gauge Companion (referenced above with a link in his post) and try to follow his wiring advice in any way you possibly can. There is a lot of other good information in the book as well. Good luck with your system.

I have Barry's book and it has been very helpful.  I had previously asked him about his TIU location as I was confused in his book but he cleared it up with me.  I was interested in seeing some pictures as to where folks located theirs.  Thanks again all.

Guns,

   Both ends of the spectrum matter, the signal to the HHRC & the returning signal to the TIU complete the circle of operation.  Either one can make running problems.

However I do understand what you are saying. 

PCRR/Dave