Variable vs Fixed channels

Zett,

If variable channels can run both, then why even have fixed channels?

It's just easier to operate command engines with fixed voltage. You don't ned to fiddle with the TR screen or bounce back and forth between it and the ENG screen to control command engines.

 

However, the variable channels are there so that, if you want to do so, you can operate conventional engines.

 

Further, DCS has a built-in capability to set variable channels to operate as if they were fixed channels, and if you use a Z4000 with a Z4000 Remote Commander receiver, fixed channels can be managed as if they were variable channels, as well.

 

 

This and a whole lot more is all in "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!

 

 

P.S., regarding...

Barry if you happen to be in the Chicagoland area in the near future, my wife will make you dinner if you wire my layout!

... my wife says that, if I stay home, she will cook dinner and I won't have to work for it. Now, that's a much better deal!

 

The fixed with a z-4000 and a mth# 40-4002 remote piece can run fixed as var channels the difference is that the var gives you control to run conv engines although the fixed let's you do that but you run like a conv engine w/o dcs just turn the power on and run it

I suspect that since it has added components, variable channels cost more to manufacture than fixed channels and are more susceptible to failure.

 

The fixed setup Tomas describes actually runs conventional better than does a variable, since it does not alter the AC wave form as does a variable,

First look at the average home layout; two main running ovals of track, one small oval or yard, and one bumper trolley. Now look at the MTH product line; a small brick prowered controller that comes with the set or a Z-4000 that has two variable outputs, a 14 volt fixed output, and a 10 volt fixed output. Add to this that at the time they also had a receiver that you could plug into the Z-4000 that would give you remote control of the variable outputs. Now you want to design a system that would fit this product line. Let's see, you have two variable sources with remote capability and two fixed sources. A remote control system with two fixed channels to be powered by the two variable sources and two variable channels to be powered by the two fixed sources would fit the Z-4000 perfectly. If you made the remote control capable of operating the Z-4000 remote receiver so much the better. Enter the DCS TIU! Now it is true that the 14 volt source is a bit low but you are only a small oval and there is that brick from the starter set. The 10 volt source is too low to run a train but it will run that bumper trolley and there is always the possibility of another brick.

 

Sounds like a good fit by MTH to me.

 

Al

HOSO:  The DCS remote control does operate the Z4000 receiver directly--there is no need to buy the special remote.

Exactly!

 

Al

Hey Zett,

 

If you need some help with wiring your layout, shoot me an email.  My company Dream Layouts is in the Chicagoland area and I specialize in helping with command control layouts.  I live in Naperville, but travel all over northern Illinois.  I am working on setting up a command control clinic for the TCA Midwest Division for sometime next year.  If you are a TCA member, this would be a free clinic for anyone who attends.

 

Jim