tiu question on large layout?

ORoger,

Under optimum circumstances a single Rev. L TIU channel can support up to 800 linear feet of track, or up to 3,200 feet for all 4 channels.

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thanks barry.

Truthfully, I'd recommend you plan for a lot less than 800 feet on one channel.   I'd do my planning for 200-300 feet max on a single channel.  Also, you have to consider the 10A limitation for each channel if you're running in active mode with the brick supplying the power.  It's pretty likely you'll have more than one train on an 800 foot run of track.

thanks John. given the 10amp limitation per channel. about how many new can motored engines can one 10amp tiu channel handel? you bring up a good point about more than one engine in each block. 3 to 4 multiple engines each per consists would likely be the norm running in any given power district at a time. that's what I have in mind anyway. at least for now.

John,

The 800 feet/channel is based on the following, using a Rev. L TIU:

• 24 blocks/channel
• 11 track sections per block, where each section is 3' long

That would be 24 X 11 X 3 = 792 feet (rounded up to 800). Granted, that doesn't allow for shorter blocks or shorter than 3' track sections, however, I did state that it was an "optimal" measure.  

If not using a Rev. L TIU I'd cut that number to about 2/3 or 528.

There are lots of things that can affect the total number of feet per TIU channel. However, if I was building a new layout using a Rev. L TIU,  I'd apply best DCS wiring practices and be comfortable figuring about 500 feet of track per channel.

Roger,

you bring up a good point about more than one engine in each block. 3 to 4 multiple engines each per consists would likely be the norm running in any given power district at a time

That's where "geographic alignment", rather than "loop assignment", of TIUs is a good strategy, as long as conventional operation isn't a factor.

It's not only engines, it's also lighted passenger cars unless you're gone to LED lighting.  One sample is my Vision Line Big Boy takes over 4 amps when running with a fairly light load and all the smoke units turned on (but only main stack active).  Another point is running double or triple headed consists.  Multiple engines, even if not working at maximum load, will consume more power.

Barry,

I have to agree with John on the 200-300' of track and wire per channel.  I would also stick to only running 10-15 blocks per channel.

These are realistic limits.   

Dave

Dave,

I have to agree with John on the 200-300' of track and wire per channel.  I would also stick to only running 10-15 blocks per channel.

You're entitled to your opinion, of course, However, I have between 20 and 24 blocks per channel on each of my TIU channels. All "10"'s.

Further, while my layout isn't overly large, I believe that you'd agree that Marty F's layout is fair-sized. His entire layout runs on one TIU. Again, all "10"s.

Granted, it takes everything done right. That's why I called out "best practices" and "optimum" wiring.  I even wrote a pic of books explaining just how to do it!

Everything that you need to know about DCS is all in MTH’s “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

Everything that you need to know about DCS WiFi is all in MTH’s “The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

Good for you!   My post was not meant as an attack. 

During my last conversation with Jason, he stated that 'we do not really know what the limitations are for DCS.  Once something is written down, people tend to take it as gospel.'   

I have found that your upper limits would be taxing the extremes for DCS.  I could be wrong but I do not believe that you or Marty run operation sessions with multiple teams all working on the same layout.  This definitely has a draining effect.

I would also invite you to stop by if you ever happen to be in the neighborhood. 

Respectfully,

Dave,

No offense taken at all. I simply stated my opinion based on my actual experiences.

but I do not believe that you or Marty run operation sessions with multiple teams all working on the same layout.  This definitely has a draining effect.

I have always viewed large DCS layouts as being composed of multiple, smaller DCS layouts, as long as they're properly wired. Since data packets travel at virtually the speed of light, multiple people entering commands on multiple DCS control devices at the same time typically aren't actually even close to doing so .Therefore,  I really don't see "multiple teams all working on the same layout" being an issue.

However, as is said, "your mileage may vary".