DCS Remote Problem

Step 1 is an easier test.  Connect the remote to the TIU wikth a telephone handset cord, and see if it works.  If it does, it's probably the antenna connection issue.  It's easier to use the cord than open the remote, or to put it back together.

Ok, when using a phone cord, the remote found the TIU again and worked fine with trains.  Our other remote would not work as long as the broken remote was connected to the TIU with the phone cord.  I disconnected the broken remote from the TIU and tried to send a start-up command wirelessly.  We got an out of RF range message.  A few seconds later the train responded to the command sent by the broken remote.  We then sent a shut-down command to the same train with the broken remote and it shut down immediately, but no more wireless commands worked When sent from the broken remote.

So, it seems to me the broken remote is working, but it is not functioning wirelessly.  I'd be happy to leave the broken remote hooked up with a phone cord, but then our other remote will not communicate with the TIU.  What should I try next?

Since the TIU works wirelessly with one remote and wired with the other, the wired fremote is the problem.

The odds are good that the only problem is that the defective remote's transceiver board has lifted out of its socket.

The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition, page 156 has a discussion regarding how to open the remote and reseat the transceiver board.

This and a whole lot more is all in MTH’s “The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

Well, I ventured inside the remote and found the the transceiver.  It didn't seem very loose at all, but it was just enough to create a problem.  After three attempts to get the remote back together just right, everything seems to be working normally again.

Thanks for the advice.

Only 3 attempts?  You're already an expert.  Hard as it is to get the remote apart, getting the parts all stuffed in is even worse.