This might sound like a silly question but I am brand new to this stuff. I have the Lionel command base and just purchased the DCS system. I have the lionel 180W brick. I also have what I believe to be a KW 190 transformer that is in great condition. What I am trying to figure out is how to wire all this to the MTH TIU? I have three loops on my layout and want two of them to be able to run DCS/TMCC and conventional and one loop just conventional.

I am assuming I have to cut the end off of the 180 brick to go into the TIU? Then is there an advantage to using the direct lock on from Lionel of which I have one.

Thanks for any input.

quote:

What I am trying to figure out is how to wire all this to the MTH TIU?

Harley,
I have the same set up. Another forumite suggested I cut the wire coming off of the brick that has the 3 terminal molex plug and it worked fine. I cut it about half way than ran from the brick to fixed in on TIU to fixed out to the direct lock(you plug in the cut side of the 3 terminal molex plug here)and then to track.
I was apprehensive about cutting the cord on my new Lionel brick, but it works great. You may want the advice from another here as there may be a way to avoid making that cut.

Thanks for the input.

Next question. If I use the older transformer, one of the other threads talked about getting a quick fuse from radio shack. Will the direct lock on act as that fuse?

Answer to question is no.

KW works fine as a power source. I suggest you put the fuse, or a breaker, close to the KW, not out in the layout. Put a fuse in each line coming from the KW. You are seeking to protect the KW, the layout, and the house from fire due to overload and overheating the transformer. The old Lionel breakers weren't particularly good when new, and are worse as they age.

I suggest 10-amp fuse or breaker max. I also suggest breakers, as they are cheaper in the long run; you don't want to replace a fuse at every derailment.

Thanks again. I was reading the dcs manual and they give a radio shack part number. Hope I don't spend as much at radio shack as I do at the train store. LOL