Hello-

I have searched the term and found a few posts that refer to DCS working when this light is used. I have not activated my DCS yet, and am still gathering data. OGR sells a lamp that they say can be installed on the control panel and some of the posts talk about putting it at the end of the power lead from the TIU.

So, I am confused as to the function of the lamp and the location. Does the LOCKON provide the same function since it is at the end of the power lead from the TIU or is the lamp something in addition to the light of the LOCKON and if so, where would the lamp be located?

thanks!

The new guy.

The lockon does somewhat provide the same thing as the 18 volt lamp located on the TIU ouptut at the recomended location of where the output goes into a terminal block. It is said the lamp attenuates the DCS signal and makes it cleaner, maybe Barry will post in and explain it better, I just know I use it at each terminal block and have 10's all over my layout.

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The lockon does somewhat provide the same thing as the 18 volt lamp located on the TIU ouptut at the recomended location of where the output goes into a terminal block. It is said the lamp attenuates the DCS signal and makes it cleaner, maybe Barry will post in and explain it better, I just know I use it at each terminal block and have 10's all over my layout.

Paul's right on, We call it a magic lamp because it does wonders for helping out the dcs signal. Personally I don't think anyone knows why it works and which bulbs are better than others.I'm sure the guys at OGR put a lot of thought into the bulb they selected, Is it better? ???? But it certainly looks neater than the ones I have hanging down from the terminal blocks. I'm going to order a few and try them out..

I got the bulb sockets and buolbs from Scotts Odds and Ends so they are mounted under the layout. I use the red bulbs and it lights up the area under the layout in a nice red glow at night.

Thank all of you for this information. So, lets see if I have it. In my case, there is a 2' power cable from the z4000 to a terminal strip and then 2 20' runs out to the track. When I activate the DCS, 2' cable from the z4000 to the TIU, then put a new cable from the TIU to the terminal strip and a light there?

By the way, where are the instructions so that I can post a pic or 2 so you can see what I have going on?

thanks again!

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So, lets see if I have it. In my case, there is a 2' power cable from the z4000 to a terminal strip and then 2 20' runs out to the track. When I activate the DCS, 2' cable from the z4000 to the TIU, then put a new cable from the TIU to the terminal strip and a light there?

By the way, where are the instructions so that I can post a pic or 2 so you can see what I have going on?

Lets try hooking up DCS using 1 channel- fixed 1.
Ok you have a Z-4000 , From the Z-4000 to the input of TIU fixed 1.

From Tiu fixed 1 output to the terminal strip. This is were the light bulb gets hooked up , right to the terminal strip.

From the terminal strip to the track. Sorry I don't have a pic.

Yes and put the light right where the wire attaches to the terminal strip not on a set of the terminals past where they drops go out to the track.

I had been putting mine at the output channels of the TIU, is this inferior to putting them on the terminal strip where the power comes in from the TIU? Also we are using 18V lamps with bayonet sockets we pulled from lighted passenger cars, because the lighted passenger cars cause problems with the auto start / stop tracks on our conventional / automated Track #1. Tracks 2-3-4 are DCS + TMCC. Are these an acceptable bulb. They are from Lionel lighted passenger cars. Thanks in advance for any replies. Dave NSHR

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Originally posted by VaGolfer1950:
Yes and put the light right where the wire attaches to the terminal strip not on a set of the terminals past where they drops go out to the track.

Not to nitpick but electrically is there any difference between putting them right were the wires come in or putting them on the very next set of terminals? Thanks again, Dave

I can't tell you if the bulbs you are using are correct or not, I use the bulbs and sockets I got from Scott's Odd's and End's which are the screw in type. I don't think that it matters but just don't know to tell you the truth so hopefully Barry or Dave will chime in here. As to where you put them on the terminal strip everything I read from Barry, MTH and others was to locate it right where the TIU feed goes into the terminal strip.

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locate it right where the TIU feed goes into the terminal strip.

That would be best.

Gentleman!

Thank all of you for the information! I will be trying this out as soon as the OGR lights show up!

Please direct me to the instructions for posting pictures!

Thanks again!

-bob