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Reply to "Question: How to change Variable to Fixed Channels and use two Power Supplies"

As you study passive mode, you'll see the main reason guys do this is to support higher currents that you can't run thru (from Input jacks to Output jacks) the TIU channel.  It occurred to me that one application where guys need higher currents is in large-scale which is primarily a DC environment.  This may be weak reasoning but does give some hope that passive mode DC on a variable channel is OK.  Otherwise, DC operators are essentially paying double for a TIU since they would only be getting 2 DCS channels instead of 4.  Perhaps one of the large-scale operators might see this thread and comment.

Separately, I notice you're using a PSX breaker.  I thought one claim to fame of this device is it's ability to handle the complex AC power waveform encountered in DCC.  Do you really need this capability if using DC?  Also, if you end up using passive mode, see various threads (search OGR for threads with terms "PSX" "choke" "passive mode") about inserting a 22 uH high-current inductor/choke between the PSX and the track.  Apparently the PSX when connected directly to the track can materially affect the DCS signal from a TIU output.  The choke demotes this effect.  You do not need this choke if the PSX is placed on a TIU Fixed channel since the choke is effectively built-in to the TIU.

Also, it looks like you are planning to use meters that are capable of reading true-RMS on DCC signals.  This is fine but somewhat overkill if you have pure DC.  There are many many Volt and Amp meters that work on plain DC for a fraction of the cost of a true-RMS meter.

 

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