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I am not 100% sure it is in the right area, seems to make the most sense to put it here

I have done a search and looked at the diagram the Atlas includes in the Boxes for the Non-Derail Boards, before I install them on my layout I want to make sure of things. If I understand correctly I need power for the Circuit Boards, as well as the switch power. I am wondering if I could pull off the accessory power to power the boards or does it need the transformers to be in Phase. Also if I am using the Auxiliary connection to set turnout direction for signals, and having insulated rails activate my signals. Does it need to have the same common as track power. Also if they do need to be in Phase, any recommendation for Phasing two MTH Transformers. The ones that have the barrel plug to Banana Plug Adapter, I understand you atttach a jumper wire between the two commons. Just wondering if there is a way to do that with two MTH Z1000

Last edited by tcochran
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Should be the same for all transformers for phasing. The banana jacks should unscrew somewhat so you can get a wire connected to the outputs. There is probably even a hole in the threaded part to stick a wire through. Or am I missing something here?

If it is just the barrel jacks they make these adapters so you can connect wires to the barrel jacks. This is only 1 pair of male/female pair so you might want to get a few more if needed? I find them handy to have around just in case you need one. These are 2.1mm x 5.5mm and they also come in 2.5mm x 5.5mm. I am not sure which size the MTH bricks require. There are lost of different vendors for these so look around a bit if you want, if you even need these that is?

Some of the banana plugs have jacks to connect additional banana plugs to them. It looks like yours could have that capability, but I can't tell exactly from the picture. I was thinking more of the TIU outputs which unscrew to reveal a hole for a wire or allow space for a wire or lug/fork to be connected. But the ones you have should also work, if they have the ability to accept other connections. 

Here's the ones on the TIU:

Here's some 'stackable' banana plugs:

 

I looked at my banana plugs on my layout, Yes they do have an opening for more banana plugs but there is no metal in them, the only metal is attached to the wires that go into the TIU, so that I don't think will work. The way I have it set up is I have a MTH Z-1000 going to the TIU in Fixed input 1, then Fixed Output to a 24-Port Terminal Block/SPST switch, so I can turn of all track power that way. I am using the 14 V output to power a passenger station and Lighted Vending Machine. Then I am using another MTH Z-1000 going to another Terminal Block for the atlas switches, those being wired into two AIU. I am using the 14 V output from that Transformer to another Terminal Block to control my Cell Phone Tower, Wind Turbine, and Engine Shed(though that is tied into another terminal block, coming of the one that has the Cell Phone Tower and Wind Turbine on it), All those Accessories have a SPST Switch to turn on and off those Accessories. Given that information would I need to Both of my transformers in Phase, and if I should, could I tie a common wire between the terminal blocks to have them be in phase. I was reading about how to test if they are in phase, that itself won't be easy to do given they Terminal Blocks are easily five plus feet apart.

I would say yes that you should have all of your transformers in phase. Tying the commons together is also a good idea, IMO. My layout has the all the commons tied together and all the transformers are in phase. I have two Lionel PH-180s and one MTH Z-1000 and the 14vac acc terms are also being used on the Z-1000. 

There is a video on phasing on Eric's Trains youtube channel. As I recall he may have used a simpler method to check phasing. It has been a long time since I have seen that one though.  

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