What power supply for TIU?

Gromet,

Just wondering instead of using my transformer power to fixed 1 to power my TIU I want to get a direct power plug. What is everyone using for this?

Also what advantage does direct power over transformer power give you? Is one preferred over the other?

The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition, pages 92-93, has an entire section on external power for the TIU, along with sources of that power.

The following is from the tail end of that discussion:

TIU Aux. Power Sources

There are several sources of power that may be used to power the TIU through the Aux. Power port. In general, any AC or DC power supply that provides 1.5 amp of power at a voltage between 12 and 22 volts and has a suitable connector that fits the Aux. Power port will work.

One source of power for the TIU's Aux. Power port is any one of the smaller MTH transformers, such as the Z500, Z750 or Z1000. Their barrel plugs exactly fit the TIU's Aux. Power port. If using one of these transformers, it is important not to use the Z-Controller that may be included with the transformer.

Another source of power for the TIU's Aux. Power port is the Radio Shack "#273-331 "Enercell™ Switchable 18/24VAC 1 AMP Power Adapter with #273-344 Enercell™ Adaptaplug™ M. It should be used on the 18 volt setting.

A third source of power for the TIU's Aux. Power port is the 14 volt output of an MTH Z4000 transformer using an appropriate barrel connector. It should be noted that if the Z4000's 14 volt output is used, it should be used solely for this purpose and not used to power any other device.

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!

A third source of power for the TIU's Aux. Power port is the 14 volt output of an MTH Z4000 transformer using an appropriate barrel connector. It should be noted that if the Z4000's 14 volt output is used, it should be used solely for this purpose and not used to power any other device.

Barry

If I want to use the Z4000, I should attach a barrel connector from the red and black of the accessory port and splice both to the appropriate female connector? The female connector I have which fits the TIU has 2 wires coming off it.

thanks for your help.

If you use the Z4000 14v approach the black wire must go to the center of the barrel connector.

Gerry,

The female connector I have which fits the TIU has 2 wires coming off it.

You must use a male barrel jack connector that fits the TIU's Aux. Power port, and observe polarity as Gary indicated.

Click on the underline numbers to link to the Radio Shack parts.
273-331 from the Radio Shack website. 18/24 volt 1 amp power supply. Has to be used in the 18 volt position. 
273-344 Adaptor plug M  The large (+) on the part indicates it is polarized.

Plug-in Wallwart style transformer, power supply. There is a large assortment of Adaptor plugs available.  The one listed above is the best fit for the MTH TIU.

I would have used the RS supply, but it is a bit overpriced. I use a wallwart that was made for powering home security systems. Output is 16VAC @ 1.5 amps- just perfect for the TIU. Got it from an Ebay seller for half of what RS wants. Radio shack sells the M size(2.5mm x 5.5mm) power plug, so all you need is a suitable length of wire, and you are up & running.

Can you use the 14v output of the Z4000 to power 2 separate TIU's? or do you have to run a separate power supply for each TIU? 

Can you use the 14v output of the Z4000 to power 2 separate TIU's? or do you have to run a separate power supply for each TIU? 

Yes, you can, howsoever, 2 would be the limit.

I use a Z750 brick for my aux power port on the TIU.

OK 2 is the limit, thanks Barry, that's all we need is the 2 TIU's.

Now as far as the RS adapter plug M, the black wire of the Z4000 goes to the center of the barrel plug..... which one of those pin goes to the center of the barrel?

I found some great plugs at Amazon.  I hope this link works.  They also have cheap banana connectors.  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002QWNZHU/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I found some great plugs at Amazon.

Do you know for certain that these plugs fit the TIU's Aux. power port?

Thanks!

Gentlemen,

   I power the TIU with the Radio shack power pack, have never had one problem

with it, why tie up part of the Z4K and the TIU, it really makes no sense to me.

PCRR/Dave

Barry, I know they fit the power port on the smaller controller that comes with the RTR kits.  I have it hooked up and running.  I thought I had read here that MTH uses the same connectors on both, as my z100 brick could  be used to power a TIU when I get one.  

I thought I had read here that MTH uses the same connectors on both, as my z100 brick could  be used to power a TIU when I get one.  

If they fit that port then they'll fit the TIU.

Thanks!

Note that there is a large assortment of barrel plug adaptors.  I took my TIU to Radio Shack and matched the best fit.  You also need to note that it is a polarized plug and should be properly installed on the cord end of the small transformer. + to + Note on the adaptor pictured should match to the + on the walwart cord.  Ultimate check is: Does the red power light come on and stay on?? 

The reason for this additional power supply, IMO, you can cycle down power to Fixed In #1 and not loose DCS signal to the other TIU outputs.