DCS TIU and Z-1000 Brick powering accessories

You have me confused by having TIU in your title.  You wouldn't use a TIU to activate crossing gates, you'd use an AIU or an isolated track section if using the train to activate them.    Regardless, you can wire your transformer to a TIU or AIU and then the MTH DCS terminal block before wiring downstream (track or accessories).

Just google "MTH DCS Wiring Diagram" and you'll find just about every scenario.

-Greg

Greg, thank you for your response. The diagrams are very helpful.  Sorry about the confusion. Can you recommend  separate transformers that I might use to power this accessory? I want to power it separately so that track voltage variations don’t interfere with its sensitive operations.

You can use any transformer - how many accessories will you be using?

Personally, I use Lionel 135 watt bricks on each of my 3 lines and another just to power accessories.  It's more than enough power and because they have since been replaced by the 180 watt brick you can find them for $35-$50 on ebay or at shows.   I use them with a modern ZW controller.

-Greg

I use a Z1000 14v fixed output as the power source for my O42 switches (11 of them - not track power) and all my accessories -- wired through terminal blocks to individual control buttons mounted on the fascia board -- for convenience for kids visiting my layout.

I prefer the traditional (not digital) method of controlling switches and accessories, but I realize there are hobbyists who enjoy triggering switches and action accessories with Lionel's TMCC system or MTH's DCS. Each to his/her own.

Mike Mottler    LCCA 12394

I too use an MTH Z1000 to power all accessories by running wires to a terminal block from the transformer's 14 volt posts. Then this terminal block feeds other terminal blocks that run switches, lights, etc. 14 volts seems to be the right amount for all the accessories I have. just be careful of LED lights. They will need resistors to cut the voltage to 3-5 volts. I use other Z1000 transformers to provide track power to my loops so track power is totally separate from accessory power.

The recommended voltage for the DZ-1010 signal crossing gates is 12-14 acv; so running them at 18 volts is excessive and not recommended, either directly from a transformer or from a track set at 18 volts.

As others have stated, I have the fixed 14acv output from my transformer connected to an MTH terminal block and then the DZ-1010 connected to one of the terminal block outputs - works great.

I also have other accessories connected to and running off the same terminal block. As long as the total amp draw of all the accessories connected to the terminal block do not exceed the maximum amp limit of the fixed transformer output (I believe 3 amps on my transformer), you can connect as many other accessories as you want to the terminal block that use 14 acv.

First and foremost…thank you all for your replies and education to the hobby.  

I have MTH Z-1000 and a MTH Z-750 bricks.  My initial layout is 5x10 and controlled by DCS.  I will use the Z-1000 to power the track (fixed output) and the fixed 14v wired to a MTH terminal block to power the DZ-1010 crossing gates and a MTH train station 30-90094 with dual illuminated platforms.  

Should I also send 2 additional wired leads from the terminal block to increase connectivity through the layout? Overkill?

I will use the Z-750 to power the TIU.

Lastly, In addition to a few MTH PS3 diesels, I have the Lionel Superchief starter set 6-84719 (Bluetooth Remote specific), and wanted to know if I could run this on the same track (DCS Command/Powered) of course using the bluetooth remote?  I’m asking because I believe one is AC and the other DC.  In the past I ran this using the 72 watt wall wart on a separate track.

I am not trying to run this at the same time with other engines/consists present.  Richie C’s final comments about amperage are noted.  Reminds me of one of my favorite movie’s ‘Apollo 13’. “To get home we’ve got to stay within 12 amps.”

Whether you need additional connections depends on if you are wiring separate track blocks. Generally I divide the track loops into blocks of 8-10 pieces of track. These are electrically isolated areas which makes it easier to find problems when they arise. Then I wire track power to each block from the terminal block trying to keep the wire lengths as close to the same to each block. This aids the DCS signal.

@FiremasterOne posted:

Lastly, In addition to a few MTH PS3 diesels, I have the Lionel Superchief starter set 6-84719 (Bluetooth Remote specific), and wanted to know if I could run this on the same track (DCS Command/Powered) of course using the bluetooth remote?  I’m asking because I believe one is AC and the other DC.  In the past I ran this using the 72 watt wall wart on a separate track.

You can run the PS/3 locomoitve on the track with the 72 watt wall wart, but you can't run it with the LC Remote.  You can run it with the DCS Remote Commander, the DCS Explorer, the DCS Commander (not to be confused with the Remote Commander, or the full DCS system with the TIU & remote.  If you had a variable power supply, you could also run it in conventional mode.