Never bothered to post until now so....
I'm currently using my I3 TIU as my Rev L is back at MTH with issues. Over the years, the Fixed 2 and Variable 2 have died...no power, nothing coming out when power is put in. Outside of blown fuses, which I have not opened up to check, is there anything else that may have caused this along the way? Currently using Fixed 1 and Variable 1 (fixed).
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Unless you changed something, I would just open it and look at the fuses. It only takes a minute. While inside make sure the posts are tight.
For the future, put inline fuses before the TIU. You won't need to open it up again.
The variable channels have some components that can fail, but the fixed channels just have the fuse and the relay. Not much to go wrong there unless you had excessive current that toasted a trace on the board.
Thanks guys. I'll crack it open tomorrow (or another day) and see if the fuses are blown. I don't think excessive voltage would be the issue as I haven't blown any engine boards. Glad I asked as I wasn't sure if there may be other components in there that can fail, etc.
The Rev L's seem to be having a lot of issues with the variable channels..... From what I have heard.
I've been using the two variable channels on mine in fixed mode for all my testing. When I have a conventional item to test, I don't have to change anything. So far, the TIU has not croaked, time will tell...
SJC, the top suspect is the fuse, even with an external circuit breaker, it's possible to take those out. Go for the easy stuff first.
I never used the variables on my Rev L as I only have 2 tracks. Things started with the double whistle soft key (posted about it), then the horns started getting stuck (posted about it) when the track signal was 10s, then control problems and finally it eventually either would work great or not work at all. Dropped in the Rev I and all was well except the occasional double soft key (can live with it) and occasional PS2 stuck whistle (irritating with 10s all the way around but no control issues)
I'll try to crack open the Rev I tomorrow and look at the fuses. Good to know that there aren't other components outside of the fuse (and board) that can go bad.
There are other components, The variable has FET that control the voltage out and they can go bad. There are also TVS diodes that can short. Plus a few chips that control the signals. So your Var 2 can be more than just a fuse or bad trace. G
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