Wiring to AIU

Since you already purchased my book (Thank you!), closely read the section regarding connecting switch tracks to the AIU and wire as described for your particular switches. Then, set the switch's jumpers for external power, using a power source other than what's used for track power. If it's a completely different transformer, be sure it's in-phase with the track power transformer.

What type of transformer are you using?   You can wire the AIU to the auxiliary outputs depending on the transformer.

 

My e-mail is in my profile---e-mail me and I'll be happy to send you a diagram for wiring Atlas switches directly to the AIU.

 

--Greg

Hi Barry and Greg,

 

I am not using a transformer, it is a MTH 1000 Brick that I am using to power my TIU.

So I guess I cannot connect the Switch tracks directly to the AIU as Rich describes

in the DVD? I had just assumed the power for the SW's and accessory's were picked up via the power connection from my TIU to the AIU.

So if this not the case, can I use a an MTH connector block for the connections and power it via a brick and then connect whatever wires are needed from the switch tracks and accessory's? Please let me know if I am not making myself clear.

If I am correct Barry per your book, the direct connections will work however; the DCS signal at times may have an issue and this is why power recommendation was noted?

 

Thanks

What brand of switch track are you using? If MTH RealTrax, the switch tracks ALWAYS connect directly to the AIU, regardless if where the switch gets its own power. Read the instructions that came with the switch. RealTrax switches have aseparate terminal for external power. Just remove the jumper between terminals 4 and 5, and connect external power instead.

Hi Barry,

 

I am using Atlas. Also, can you please just clarify as to what I previously wrote. I am going through a learning process here and what to get my facts straight.

 

Thx

Unfortunately, I'm not very familiar with Atlas switch tracks. However, The DCS O Gauge Companion discusses several different connection methods to connect a  switch track to the AIU depending, upon the way in which the switch motor connects to its controller and to power.

 

Determine which connection method most closely matches the way the Atlas motors normally connect and then substitute the AIU terminals for the Atlas controller. Next, wire the switch motor to use external power as described in the switch track's manual.

 

I can't describe it any better than I do in the book.

The AIU does not supply any power to switches.  It only controls power, switching among outputs to control switch motors.

 

I use DZ & NJInternational switch motors, plus a couple of ancient 022's.  I feed ground from the transformer directly to the center terminals of the AIU switch relays, and then run a pair of wires from the other two terminals to the outside terminals of the switch motors.  If I want non-derailing action, I run a wire from an insulated section of outside rail ALSO to a switch motor outside terminal.  For the DZ motors, I connect the center terminal of the switch motors to a hot feed that runs about the layout.  For the 022's, I leave the center terminal of the switch motor empty, & feed hot through the fixed voltage plug.

 

Ok thanks Barry.  One other question, as I mentioned above, if I use the power

direction, can I use the MTH wire terminal block and connect the terminals to my open fixed, ports on the TIU or use a 500 brick connected to the terminal block?

No, use a separate terminal block that is not connected to a TIU channel. Otherwise, the DCS signal will go through the switch motor, which can degrade the DCS signal.

I understand thanks Barry.

 

Trackahead

Barry,

 

i am ok, followed suggestion about a separate terminal block. Wired the ATlas track with power Etc and the DCS worked great. Well seems I have some work ahead of me, i have about 15 switch track's to wire up. May I ask you since you have a few AIU'S, were do you have yours mounted? That under the platform wiring is a killer as a few hours however; I guess there is no way around that. Right now both my TIU and AIU are on a cart that  I had built.

Thx

My AIUs (all 10) are under the edge of the train tables on shelves, which allows connections to be made from the outside of the layout while still not using precious (to me) layout real estate.

I will add since you mention the Z-1000 brick, it brick has a 14VAC accessory output.

I run my switches on that 14VAC & They work fine but they are not Atlas switches.