So, the MTH DCS manual suggests not using transformers where the actual transformer is separate from the controller. I have a Lionel 6-32930 ZW transformer with four 180w bricks that I was considering using on my layout with DCS, until I read that this type of transformer is not recommended.
Has anyone tried one of these transformers with DCS? If so, any signal issues?
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Do you run everything in command mode or do you also run some trains conventionally?
That's the issue. I also run conventionally from time to time, so I need the transformer controller. Otherwise I would nust hook the bricks directly to the TIU.
Okay, You shouldn't have any problems running your TIU with that ZW. I would however power the TIU through the AUX Power input port, this way the TIU won't turn off when you shutdown power to the FIXED 1 Input.
@NJCJOE posted:That's the issue. I also run conventionally from time to time, so I need the transformer controller. Otherwise I would nust hook the bricks directly to the TIU.
You don't necessarily need the transformer controller Joe. You can still run your bricks to the variable channels on the TIU and run conventional that way.
I like to run conventionally from time to time so I wired my 1033 to the terminal strip just after my TIU. I don't use the TIU or my two bricks at all for conventional running as I would rather save the circuitry as long as I can.
When running in command mode I only use the two fixed channels and they each have a jumper-ed terminal strip at the output. To wire in the 1033 required running a hot wire to each strip, the commons are already tied together. This ties all of the output hots together at the 1033. WARNING: never run the TIU with two channel outputs tied together. When I run command with this setup I disconnect the two hot wires from the 1033 and break the link between the TIU outputs. Sounds like a good job for a switch. 
@Chris Lonero posted:You don't necessarily need the transformer controller Joe. You can still run your bricks to the variable channels on the TIU and run conventional that way.
Using a variable channel controlled by the thumbwheel on the remote, correct?
Mike
Yeah, I know I can still run conventionally using the remote, which is what I may do. I was thinking if kids were ever over I would have the option to use the transformer as well.
If you don’t plan to use the TIU to control the track voltage you could also run the TIU in passive mode this would put the DCS signal on the track but not actually run the current through the TIU. It’s not widely used because you tend to loose some signal amplitude. It was then found by members of this forum a 22uh choke will solve that issue and get the DCS signal back up where it belongs. We did this at our club and has worked great still 9’s and 10’s for the DCS signal.
I made a PCB to cleanly hold the choke and a TVS diode, still have a few of these if interested my email is in my profile
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