Outstanding Nick!! You did a fantastic job on this!! I hope it works out really well for you going forward using the TIU in “Passive Mode” along with your TMCC, and Conventional control. I’m glad you did this. Tom
Wow, Nick. I always assumed you would have wired your layout like this originally. It's the most likely progression from a common bus wired conventional layout when incorporating any type of wireless control systems. I didn't realize that you never run your conventional engines. I run conventionally, and I have a complete separate bus wiring from each transformer variable supply and a single common ground running down the center of my layout from one end to the other. I have all my transformers phased together with the common grounds of each transformer daisy chained together using a single common ground between each variable supply. This saves wire and makes for convenient and bulletproof wiring of anything above the layout during construction and for any additional powered accessories afterward. Everything above the layout requiring power can easily be connected anywhere with short 2' wire taps. I have track feeders every 6' tapped to the main bus wiring below. I have 7 transformer feeders and one common ground running the entire length of my layout. I have 5 bus wires for variable voltag track loops, 1 bus for constant voltage to my track turnouts (switches), and 1 variable voltage bus wire for lighted structures and accessories. My 3 lower track loops are interconnected with turnouts, but each loop is an isolated block, and I can run all engines between block sections using different transformer supplies. I have Lionel postwar 60 htz ZW, KW, 1033, and 2 newer electronic chopped Sign wave CW-80'S with corrected polarity all phased together and have never had a problem with power issues. I know, right? I thought there could be a problem knowing how sensitive a CW-80 is. I used the polarity of the CW-80'S to establish the phasing for matching, and as it turned out, all my "U" terminals commons matched up while phasing them together. The only issue I had was with the 1033 when I used the accessories tap along with the variable tap. It wasn't a problem until I connected to the accessorie tap and required a reverse connection to phase this transformer with the others. A real head scratcher. The CW-80'S to use with the correct polarity all have the letter "G" preceding the catalog number on the bottom of the transformer directly across from Made In China. If it doesn't have the letter G, the polarity isn't correct. To ensure a uniform, even voltage supply across the rails, avoiding voltage drop, the tap from the transformers should be tapped to the main bus wiring at the mid point or center of the main bus span. This ensures the voltage remains the same in each direction from the supply. I have an average size layout and used 16 gauge primary wire for the main bus and 18 gauge taps for my track feeders. Both of these wire sizes work with the small blue wire taps (suitcases). I tested each section of track I tapped into the main bus below with feeders individually before assembling the track together using a railsounds car to make sure I had a good connection prior to assembling the rest of the track. I mentioned this to your buddy Dave because he has wiring woes, but apparently, he's still stumped according to his last video.
Good tutorial. I am running conventional with two z4000 Transformers right now. But eventually, when the new command systems finally come out. I’m going to need to hook them up. I can use this video as a reference. Thank you.Ken
Maybe one day when I'm retired, I'll get to wire my layout like this. Thanks for the tutorial vid, definitely bookmarking this. 💯
What a great video Nick! This will definitely help next month.
Thanks so much! Glad I could help 😊
Outstanding Nick!! You did a fantastic job on this!! I hope it works out really well for you going forward using the TIU in “Passive Mode” along with your TMCC, and Conventional control. I’m glad you did this. Tom
Awesome. This video has given some things to think about as I try to get everything working on my layout.
Thanks for watching! Definitely have to try this. Everything works so much easier
Wow, Nick. I always assumed you would have wired your layout like this originally. It's the most likely progression from a common bus wired conventional layout when incorporating any type of wireless control systems. I didn't realize that you never run your conventional engines. I run conventionally, and I have a complete separate bus wiring from each transformer variable supply and a single common ground running down the center of my layout from one end to the other. I have all my transformers phased together with the common grounds of each transformer daisy chained together using a single common ground between each variable supply. This saves wire and makes for convenient and bulletproof wiring of anything above the layout during construction and for any additional powered accessories afterward. Everything above the layout requiring power can easily be connected anywhere with short 2' wire taps. I have track feeders every 6' tapped to the main bus wiring below. I have 7 transformer feeders and one common ground running the entire length of my layout. I have 5 bus wires for variable voltag track loops, 1 bus for constant voltage to my track turnouts (switches), and 1 variable voltage bus wire for lighted structures and accessories. My 3 lower track loops are interconnected with turnouts, but each loop is an isolated block, and I can run all engines between block sections using different transformer supplies. I have Lionel postwar 60 htz ZW, KW, 1033, and 2 newer electronic chopped Sign wave CW-80'S with corrected polarity all phased together and have never had a problem with power issues. I know, right? I thought there could be a problem knowing how sensitive a CW-80 is. I used the polarity of the CW-80'S to establish the phasing for matching, and as it turned out, all my "U" terminals commons matched up while phasing them together. The only issue I had was with the 1033 when I used the accessories tap along with the variable tap. It wasn't a problem until I connected to the accessorie tap and required a reverse connection to phase this transformer with the others. A real head scratcher. The CW-80'S to use with the correct polarity all have the letter "G" preceding the catalog number on the bottom of the transformer directly across from Made In China. If it doesn't have the letter G, the polarity isn't correct. To ensure a uniform, even voltage supply across the rails, avoiding voltage drop, the tap from the transformers should be tapped to the main bus wiring at the mid point or center of the main bus span. This ensures the voltage remains the same in each direction from the supply. I have an average size layout and used 16 gauge primary wire for the main bus and 18 gauge taps for my track feeders. Both of these wire sizes work with the small blue wire taps (suitcases). I tested each section of track I tapped into the main bus below with feeders individually before assembling the track together using a railsounds car to make sure I had a good connection prior to assembling the rest of the track. I mentioned this to your buddy Dave because he has wiring woes, but apparently, he's still stumped according to his last video.
This has to be the first time in a while seeing you make a video during the Day Nick
Just Subscribed, Troy from Iron Horse Trains told me to take a look. Good stuff 👍
Thanks so much for stopping by. Love their shop and they always have something new. Welcome to the channel 🚂💨
Very nice man! I can’t wait for part 2 of this wiring here!
Good tutorial. I am running conventional with two z4000 Transformers right now. But eventually, when the new command systems finally come out. I’m going to need to hook them up. I can use this video as a reference. Thank you.Ken
Great video Nick as always!
Thanks so much! 🚂💨
My head hurts lol TY
No, Monday run day
What is the z 1000 brick doing
I'm confused completely
The Z1000 is powering the TIU in the Aux port so that it can produce DCS signal to the track