Z Stuff Data Line Driver (DZ-2001) vs LCS SER2

Dave,

While more than this, look at the SER2 as a signal booster for TMCC devices.  If all you have is the turntable that requires TMCC control, you may get by without the SER2.  Just connect the DZ-2001 directly to the Legacy base.  If you plan to control several TMCC devices (TPC, ASC, etc.) plus the turntable, then you will need the SER2.  The issue is, the best I can explain it, is the Legacy base does not provide enough power (far less than the TMCC base) to power a lot of older TMCC devices.  So you need the SER2.

The DZ-2001 Data Line Driver is basically a pass through for the TMCC/Legacy signal, with a connection to pull off the signal for the DZ-2500 switches.  This signal is on the white wire out of the DZ-2001.  It looks like Millhouse is using this same signal to control their turntable.

Below is a simplified setup showing the SER2 and DZ-2001.  The setup is more complex than needed because I wants lots of power, but it shows how the SER2 is connected.

The DZ-2001 provides an optically isolated data line. This is necessary if the receiving equipment uses layout common (outside rail) as a ground reference.

Serial communication requires a common ground between the transmitter and receiver. The Legacy base (and SER2) use earth ground as a ground reference for serial communication. If you were to tie earth ground to layout common to provide a common ground for serial communication, you would short out the TMCC signal.

The DZ2001 plugs into the SER2 in order to interface with the LCS system. You need both devices.