Questions 1 & 2 are covered above.
Q3; Conventional operation with DCS;
Each TIU has 4 channels:
2 Fixed Channels require the transformer powering of the channel be used to control the voltage, they are normally only used for Command control with 18VAC flowing.
2 Variable channels will adjust the voltage to the track allowing conventional operation or work the same as the 2 Fixed channels (you can switch back and forth with the remote).
Conventional mode works well with lots of engines, BUT some engines exhibit fast takeoffs using DCS track control. THE TIU starts track voltage at 5VAC and notches up from there.
Engines that run well on less than 5VAC may start off too fast (esp if they have little or no load).
This can be reduced by Inputting less than 18VAC to the Variable channels.
This will allow ANY engine to run decently in Conventional operation.
Alternately a set of Parallel opposed Diodes installed in the engine can drop volts to the motor without affecting other parts of the engine.
This is great for older engines that run fast with dim lights & poor smoke.
