AIU Wiring

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I am setting up an MTH DCS layout and have numerous Gargraves uncoupling tracks. Does anyone know the correct way to wire them via AIU?

2

Go to this link and post your questions on DCS. Some real experts there [probably some here but seems you did not get any replies]. http://ogaugerr.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x?a=frm&s=63160042&f=93360682

3

rdeiss,

Some people have been connecting the uncoupling sections to the part of the AIU which is normally used for switches. The reasoning for this is that it is impossible to leave the uncoupling magnet energized and therefore to fry it. One could also use one AIU port to control two magnetic uncouplers-straight for one, curved for the other.

4

Thanks RAK for coming over and explaining. Good job.

5

I wired a Lionel uncoupling track up to an AIU accessory port on my 2003 Christmas layout. The reason that I did it that way vs using a switch port was because of timing. If you’re using the track to do something with a stationary car then the switch port is the safest bet. In my case I was more interested in using it as an uncoupling track.

I would turn it ‘ON’ a hair before the coupler arrived and turn it OFF after the uncouple. I have read where some people hook up a light to the track so that when you activate the track the light comes on. It would serve as notice that you might have forgot to turn it off.

I guess if you played enough and got the timing down the safest way would be the switch port.

I may play again this year and see if I can get my timing down. Last year I was lucky I suppose that I never forgot to turn it off. When other people ran the trains I cautioned them and they all just stayed away from it.

  • walt
6

Thanks Chief, I just wish it had been my idea. It came from the “Brain Trust” on the OGR DCS Forum.

Walt,

Good to see you posting. I hope you have been well.

7

Have been doing good. Not traveling right now. Airplane air is not good. Wi***he trains were more dependable and had better routes, I’d travel by them. I’m sure that, in February through May when the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s start their shows, the marine charger folks will be asking me to travel again. God bless.

8

RAK:

I’ve not had much to contribute lately. I’m fine, but thanks for asking.

BTW: Just because my name happens to be Walter Edwin … just like another Walt that posts here and on OGR, I’m not him! [:)]

But I will be starting my layout in 3 weeks so prepare yourself! [:D]

  • Walt (as in Walter Edwin RAPP!!!)
9

Walt,

I assumed that you were the Walt Rapp whose posts about his Christmas layout with DCS I used to read on the OGR Forum.

Is that correct?

10

RAK: yeppers!

I can’t wait to get started on this year’s layout (new design every year) and to wire it up! I spent many nights sketching out exactly how I want to wire it to best meet the current philosophies to maximize DCS performance. If I have problems this year I’m really gonig to be disappointed.

  • Walt