DCS with Aristo Power

Garden Railroading
1

Hi guys,

I was wondering if I could use Aristo’s Ultima power pack (10 AMPS) with the MTH DCS system.

Thanks,

Colin

2

I recently read on another forum (my largescale) that there are some
control problems with “switching” power supplies. I too am a dcs fan,
its a great system. Although pricey, it appears that the bridgewerks
unit has the least amount of issues with control systems in general.
There is a compatibility chart on mth’s website under
ps2.(www.protosound2.com/protosound2/proto2-home.htm. I am in the
process of building a railway and would really like to use the dcs
system with my arisocraft and USA engines as well, though I haven’t
figurred out where to buy ps2 loco kits, or if they will install
without hiring someone from NASA to install them…Tom B

3

I also run “DCS”, 3, 4 engines at a time (like to “double head”). Started with the Aristo “Ultima”, worked fine. I now have over 500 feet of track and switched to the Aristo “Elite” power supply to feed my MTH "Track Interface Unit " (TIU). Works better, less voltage drop, only one volt at the far end. Rail Jaw rail joiners and only one feed point to the track makes it an ideal power system.

4

Thanks for the replies,

When I use my Ultima, can I turn the knob all the way up on the controller or can it be a direct connection to the TIU?

5

Ultima doesn’t have a knob. It just puts out power to operate your throttles, like DCC.

6

In “G” with a Track Powered Digital system you need to put 18 to 22 volts on the track. Full voltage all the time. The control PC Board in the locomotive will control the amount of power that is applied to the motor. To run a locomotive with lights and sound, min. of 3 amp power, in common use buy a Power Supply with 10 to 15 Amp output. If more than 10 Amps, place a 6, 8, or 10 Amp fuse between the Power Supply and the TIU (red lead). Because most “G” trains are designed to run on DC only, EXCEPT MTH which can run on ether DC or AC, it is well to use a DC Power Supply.

If you have a lot of lighted cars or buildings powered by Track Power, it is well to hold the track voltage near to 18 volts to preserve the bulbs.

7

So, since it is 10 amps, I don’t need to put a fuse in between. Tom, I got the controller, so that is what I meant when I said the knob.

Thanks a lot,

Colin

8

Ah. Hook your DCS to the power supply instead of the controler[;)]

9

tjbaze,

You can get DCS upgrade kits direct from MTH or from many of their dealers. Several dealers do installations, including Eastside Trains in Kirkland, WA. Eastside’s chief tech, Bob Guildig, is exceptionally skilled with DCS conversions. Unfortunately, most G-gauge locomotives are very difficult or impossible to convert becuase they don’t have flywheels on the motors.

10

I have converted 3 Aristo-Craft locomotives to DCS. (two RS-3 and one SD-45)

If you have an electrical background it goes easy. If you have not done re-wiring, it may be a LONG job. The flywheel for the RS-3 is easy, on the SD-45 I removed one of the four motors.