Which Transformer/Power source?

Welcome to the forum, Michael!

First question:  What transformer are you currently using?

Second question/comment:  I assume you have the full MTH DCS system available.  That system consists of the TIU and the handheld remote.  If you have the full system, how is it currently connected to the track and your transformer.

Finally...I am going to move your post to the DCS forum.  There are many proficient users of the system there and I'm confident they will be able to offer assistance.

Well the MTH DCS system is not a "power source", it's a control system. You can use just about anything as a power source to power up your DCS system. The MTH z4000, the Lionel ZW, bricks from Lionel or MTH. Your power supply must be connected to the Fixed In, Cahnnel 1 of the TIU if you're not using an auxillary power supply for the TIU.

The DCS system is the only way to get ALL of the features of your P3 locomotives to function. Only the basic features will work in conventional mode. 

Thank you Allan...I have an MTH Z1000 (with Brick). I connected the controller wires to the Fixed Input and then two wires from the Fixed Output to the 3rd/outside rail. The locomotive moved but that's all! The Remote searched for the Locomotive but could not find it?

Michael,

Welcome to the forum!

The locomotive moved but that's all! The Remote searched for the Locomotive but could not find it?

Please tell us the following about your DCS:

• Where did you get your DCS and was it new or used?
• What is model is the TIU? There should be a sticker or heat stamp on the bottom with a "REV" identification, such as "H", "H2", "I", "I3", "I3a", or "L"
• What is the version of your DCS? When you turn on the remote, it's screen will briefly display the software release information, e.g. "DCS 4.20"

Next, please describe exactly what you did to try to operate your PS3 engines:

• Be specific and don't leave anything out
• Start with electrical connections, including which TIU terminals connect to the transformer and the track
• Describe what you did with the DCS Remote and what happened, including exactly what messages appeared on the remote's screen.

Barry, isn't the brick controller not to be used with the TIU?

Thank you Barry....I don't have the DCS System handy (I am at work) however, I purchased the MTH System new from a Hooby Shop in Maryland.

In terms of connections: Iconnected the red wire (with croc clips) from the MTH Z1000 controller to the TIU fixed  Input 1 and the black wire to the Fixed Input 2. Then repeating the process from Fixed Output 1 to the 3rd rail and the Black wire from Fixed Output 2 to an outside rail. The track is a straight section of several feet.

On the first attempt I noted the red power light on the TIU came on. Before I could do anything else the Cargo locomotive started to move slowly down the track (I was a little distance away from the controller) I had to stop the locomotive with my hand as it was at the end of the track. 

I tried reading the manual re wiring etc but there is little to be found there. I tried again, locomotive in neutral ...the locomotive started up (but no power light came on the TIU).  I got hold of the remote and eventually worked out how to turn it on and pressed the grey menu button which gave me the options and I believe I selected system and then the option TO ADD LOCOMOTIVE.  I selected MTH Locomotive and the message showed it was looking for Locomotive.  For several minutes nothing changed on the remote then a message came up Locomotive not found.

I can provide answers re version etc when I get home.

Thank you Barry

Michael

Michael,

In terms of connections: Iconnected the red wire (with croc clips) from the MTH Z1000 controller to the TIU fixed  Input 1 and the black wire to the Fixed Input 2. Then repeating the process from Fixed Output 1 to the 3rd rail and the Black wire from Fixed Output 2 to an outside rail. The track is a straight section of several feet.

That would be entirely wrong.

The Hot transformer wire should connect to Fixed Channel Input #1, red terminal and the Common transformer wire to Fixed Channel Input #1, black terminal.

Then, the Fixed Channel Output #1, red terminal should connect to the track's canter rail and the Fixed Channel Output #1, black terminal should connect to either one of the track's outside rails.

Do it this way and try again.

Thank you Barry....I really screwed up! Is there a problem using the Z1000 controller with Brick as far as the DCS is concerned?

I will try again this evening and let you know the results.

Michael

Michael,

Is there a problem using the Z1000 controller with Brick as far as the DCS is concerned?

Yes and no.

First of all, you shouldn't need to use it at all with the variable channels. The variable channels already have a built-in mechanism to vary their power output (hence the name "variable channels"). Regardless, using it with the variable channels will cause problems because the variable channels and the Z-Controller both chop the sine wave to adjust voltage, and PS2/PS3 engines don't like having their voltage chopped twice.

You can use it with a fixed channel, assuming that you need to vary a fixed channels output rather than use a variable channel.

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!

Thank you Barry.  Though not sure I understand completely ( I am rather elderly but I do like to try and keep up with model rail roading enhancements).

Michael

Michael,

 I am rather elderly

You've got plenty of company in that regard on the OGR forums!  

If you want more understanding of DCS in a relatively easy to follow format, you might consider purchasing a copy of my book.

Thank you Barry, I feel comforted!!

The information you asked for is:

 Model:  REV.L

 Version: 4.20

I managed to get DCS working...thank you....at least to the point that I am now on a Learning Curve.

I am having difficulty in finding "the Key" to raise and lower the Pantographs of my 3.0 Cargo Locomotive.....can you please point me in the right direction?

Thank you.

Michael

Michael,

I am having difficulty in finding "the Key" to raise and lower the Pantographs of my 3.0 Cargo Locomotive.....can you please point me in the right direction?

Start with soft key MOP.

Thank you Barry.......cannot fid soft key.....how do I locate MOP?

Michael 

Michael:

Just ging to toss out something that may help near and long term.  Barry wrote a book about the DCS system.  I think you ae using DCS, right?  I HIGHLY recommend buying the book through MTH's web site.  I bought it and I do not even have DCS - but it is a really good resource.  I bought it so I can understand what people are talking about when they post things.

Anyhow, the book should help you understand what you have.  The book comes in a soft copy version or you can get a hard copy.  It is available through MTH web site and I even think it is on Amazon.

I am not trying to discourage any questions that you may have, but as a person who is kind of in the same boat you are, I just wanted to share something for your consideration - i.e. getting Barry's book.

Good luck!  Enjoy your trains.

Michael, I am in agreement on buying Barry's book. I have been running DCS for almost 2 years and still reference the book. You have the basic set up going which is great. The book is easier to understand when you have a bit of DCS tracktime behind you. It can save you time and money as you move forward with DCS by re- reading the book a few times. Every time I re-read it I find a few new tid bits of information I somehow missed. Last night I had a TIU problem. I went back and read that section in Barry's book and figured out problem. 

Michael:

Menu key S5 until it says MORE on a key. Press More, this drops you into the extra keys that are not shown.

Scroll down to MOP. Press S2 (Move)

Scroll up to somewhere in the top 15, these are the ones you can access directly.

Press the Scroll button to drop MOP in the location desired.

You can re-arrange the menus to get your favorite keys on the startup screen this way, I do. (Top 4 items only, next 4 go on page 2, ect)

Russell,

Michael started another thread and we got his problem solved over there.