Update...DCS Remote Commander Question

Charles,

installed the PSX-1AC

First thing to do is to remove the PSX-1AC.

OMG! I removed the PSX-1AC and now everything works as it did before. Why? The instructions that came with the PSX reads compatible with AC, TMCC and DCS.

What is  a PSX-1AC ? What does it do?

Charlesp34,

    Listen to Barry he knows DCS inside & out, what you must understand is that the Remote Commander is not the full DCS package, it will not work with the Remote Commander from what I understand, and although Ross says the PSX-1AC is compatible with the full DCS unit, I have not witnessed it's operation myself.

PCRR/Dave 

Do the instructions say to hook it up:

a) power source -> Remote Commander -> PSX -> track

b) power source -> PSX -> Remote Commander -> track

c) power source -> PSX -> track -> Remote Commander (in so-called passive mode)

or if they don't specify, how did you hook it up?

c) power source -> PSX -> track -> Remote Commander (in so-called passive mode)

PSX instructions do not mention how to connect DCS Remote Commander.

Here...http://www.dccspecialties.com/...s/pdf/man_psx-ac.pdf

Anybody have an idea on how I can use the PSX with my DCS Remote Commander?

Based on previous discussions on the topic of using the PSX with a DCS system it seems that any connection method that has a PSX connected directly to the track (such as your described passive mode setup) will not work.

In this discussion on the use of a PSX in a DCS passive mode setup...

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...ired-in-passive-mode

...John suggested that 22uH chokes wired between the PSX and the track might prevent the PSX from killing the DCS signal, but I don't think this has been tested yet.

I'm willing to try out John's idea but I'm not sure how to wire the "choke". I did send John an email requesting guidance.

The choke is wired in series with one of the connections between the PSX and the track. The current carrying rating of the choke you purchase will need to be rated to exceed the "tripping" amperage you have set on your PSX.

Try option b).  No choke required.

If you're using a Remote Commander (as opposed to a TIU) you probably aren't running 10 Amps or more on your track as was being done in the other thread.

With the DCS Remote Commander, I'd just put the 22uh choke between the PSX and the actual track connection.  Then connect the DCS-RC outputs directly to the track with nothing on the inputs and run it in passive mode.  You only need one choke.

The choke has no polarity, it just goes in-line with the center track feed.

Here's a 22uh choke rated at 10A, should do the trick.

Bourns, Inc. 2205-V-RC

Did you or could you try option b) ? 

It would contribute to the collective knowledge of the OGR forum to know if it works.

John,

Thank you for your follow up. I will let you know if it works or not.

Stan,

DCS Remote Commander is connected in passive mode on my layout. 

Guns,

   Good engineering job sir, I am waiting to see the results he actually gets!  Got to tell you this however, I am never going to run my DCS in passive mode!

PCRRDave

Well, if you put the PSX before the TIU, you could put the choke there and accomplish the same thing in active mode.

Why not?? I power over 700' of track outdoors that way!

CRH,

   If the layout is constructed properly you do not need welding power to operate O Gauge DCS trains. 

Guns,

   Thanks for the education did not know you could put the PSX and the choke before the TIU and make it work properly, I will pass this info along, have you ever seen this actually work Guns?  Or is this paper work engineering?

PCRR/Dave

John,

Will this type of choke work? Click on link.

http://www.radioshack.com/prod...3222#showFullReviews

Nope, that's a totally different item, used to suppress EMI from your device down the power line.

I wonder what the impact on operation of the PSX is after removing that cap?  After all, one presumes they put it there for a reason...

John,

Tonys Trains wrote "...it should enable the PSX to function on straight AC."

I did receive today the "choke" and will report on my results. 

   If the layout is constructed properly you do not need welding power to operate O Gauge DCS trains. 

That doesn't answer why you state "I am never going to run my DCS in passive mode!"

Just push it off onto layout design?? Really ??!! Try telling that to Tommy Z. who runs passenger trains that use more power than what 12 amps can provide. 

John,

The "choke" solved my problem.

Thank you,

Charles

I figured it should, glad it was a simple fix.

CRH,

   Tom would not need to run with that power either, if he had different transformers supplying power to individual blocks, the passenger cars would then draw power from different places as they passed thru the different blocks, its still layout design work.

I can understand your need for more power, done properly however it does not need to be welding type power. However I do understand with your outside garden type layout you don't want a lot of wiring all over the place either.

PCRR/Dave

From Tony's Trains..."First make sure the PSX has the C1 chip component removed. It is located at about 7:00 from the U8 circle in the upper right corner. This is probably interfering with the DCS signal."

Once removed, everything operating as it should. Tony's Trains removed the chip and tested the PSX before returning the product free of charge.