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Hello all, I currently have an MTH DCS layout powered by a Z4000, through both handles. On the left, I have a main table with three main loops of track along with some sidings. On the right, I have two simple loops around the ceiling of the room. On the main layout, I have a Lionel Legacy Polar Express with 8 lighted passenger cars, an MTH Premier GP38 with non-powered unit, and a new addition, two MTH Premier Dash-8 engines. Everything has been fine until I got those Dash-8 engines. When all three lines are running at once, the transformer hold for about a minute, and then overloads. In order to fix this, can I just add say another Z1000 brick onto the current TIU input/output? Or do I have to create a new block on the layout and run it out of one of the other TIU outputs?

Any help is sincerely appreciated.

Thanks, PhoebeSnow
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Sounds like you are overloading the Z-4000. Either get another transformer and split the load(use anothe TIU output) or run less powered engines and lighted passenger cars.

 

I am not 100% sure but you might be able to run four outputs off the TIU base with four different inputs for power, plus power the TIU base with a Z-750 brick.

 

Lee Fritz

Thanks for all the help, I was considering the LED idea as I had done that to some MTH passengers cars and they tuned out great... So just to clarify, instead of pulling up the track to install insulated rail joiners, I can't just add a second transformer (Z1K) to the same TIU input? Will that overload/cause problems? Is there any way to rewire without pulling up the track?

 

Thanks so much for your help.

Kevin

Last edited by PhoebeSnow
Originally Posted by PhoebeSnow:

Thanks for all the help, I was considering the LED idea as I had done that to some MTH passengers cars and they tuned out great... So just to clarify, instead of pulling up the track to install insulated rail joiners, I can't just add a second transformer (Z1K) to the same TIU input? Will that overload/cause problems? Is there any way to rewire without pulling up the track?

 

Thanks so much for your help.

Kevin

Kevin,

You might be putting too much power through the TIU and cause it over heat by adding in the Z-1000 as a second transformer on the same input. 

Go with lower watt lights or less powered units on the train.

 

I have not heard of anybody putting adding more power to a Z-4000 as it puts out a very large of amps. You might be able to put two Z-1000's together but not a Z-4000 and a Z-1000, as you may overload the Z-1000 and have it burn out on you as it won't happen right away but might take 2 to 6 months to happen.

 

Lee Fritz

Last edited by phillyreading

Kevin, if you're running all DCS fixed voltage tracks, it's a easy to divide your track into 3 or 4 TIU outputs with 3 or 4 input sources.  You do not have to remove any track.  What track are you using?

 

If your track has conducting pins between center rails, cut the pins with Dremel cutoff wheel and insert a little hot glue at the base of the tie to keep tracks isolated. Other tracks can also be isolated from above.  You may have to be a little more creative.

 

To add more wiring taps to the new division, solder from above.

 

sold9

For track with plastic roadbed, this page may be helpful.

Set Kids Up for Success

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  • sold9

Kevin,

   If you set your layout up in blocks and stick to the 12 track discipline you can run as many trains as you desire.  I use 2 Z4K transformer on multi levels.  It's not just the power but how many different track pieces you have that degrades the DCS signal.  Power is only part of the reason you use the block technology to set up DCS layouts.  The use of LED lighting in your trains, and thru out your layout, with low voltage switches also helps.  Having enough power is only part of your layout technology requirement.

PCRR/Dave 

 

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