I power my layout with an MTH Z4000 transformer and DCS. Is there an easy way to also run conventional engines on the layout? I have some older MTH engines that are favorites of mine and my grandson, but no longer run them. I looked through the DCS manual, but didn’t understand what it said.
Thanks for any help.
Method 1
Assuming that you are only using your fixed ports for running DCS.
Basically you will can run the trains through the variable channel(s) on the tiu. Run one handle to each variable channel.
However the TIU will not be powered if you connect power to only the variable channels. You can do one of two things to solve this issue.
Run jumper wires from TIU variable input side to TIU fixed #1 on the input side.
Power the TIU separately
If this is something you want to do on regular basis then I would jump the variable channels on input side from the fixed input . On out put side have a switch that allows you to turn on either the fixed (running command) or variable (running conventional).
Method 2
You can also run conventional directly from fixed without change if you power up TIU separately from track power. Use throttle on z4000 just like old times rather then remote.
Not sure of actual wiring to the track, but what about the earlier version of the MTH handheld unit. Granted they are few and far between now but with the receiver, plugs into back of Z-4000, that came with them you can use the newer DCS handheld unit to communicate with the older receiver. This gives you conventional control with a walkabout convenience. It doesn’t require that your DCS be in operation when running conventional.
We use this and the Lionel TPC’s for conventional ops on the club layout.