Doing more with less, sadly.

I can't imagine how a PS/2 upgrade could affect the TIU.

 

Before you panic, I suggest opening up the TIU and checking all the internal connections.  A number of posts here have suggested things can come loose and cause one or more outputs to lose the DCS signal.  When you have the failure on fixed 1, do you still get voltage out of the fixed 1 output?

Too late, I'm in meltdown panic mode. Yes I have voltage on F1 Out.

 

I wired up Fixed Out 2 to my larger loop tonight. I ran my Premier Berk. It had not been run on DCS before. I started to play with horn volume. The horn stayed on and I had to E stop it, to get the unit to stop. Reset. No DCS Engines. I reset TIU, and controller. No Engines found. I tried a short piece of track. No Engine found. I set varied out 2 to fixed... I can Add engines. I go back to fixed out 2. no dice. Yes I had added the upgraded GP 9 to the roster before fixed out 2 failed, but it ran fine. It seems that the first time 2 engines are active in the roster, the channel fails... I'm going to open the TIU now, but I think I'm going to bed, because I'm having trouble staying rational

Fixed 2 has voltage but can't read an engine. Fixed 1 has voltage, but can't read an engine. I haven't messed with variable 1. I changed variable 2 to fixed. On a small loop, added 2 locos independently. I powered down when switching locos. When I powered down and added 2 engines to the track. I couldn't find any engines. Miraculously I was able to reset and get varied 2 back and add 1 engine. Checked fixed 1 and 2 after the zillionth reset. Still no DCS Engines. I'm not going any further.

 

ALL I WANTED FOR CHRISTMAS WAS TO RUN MY DCS UNIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I followed the instructions. I read some of Barry's companion. I am not a complete moron.

 

Marty,

 

Connect the TIU's Remote Input port to the remote with a 4-conductor telephone handset cord. See if things improve.

Still reads No Engine to add with handset cord.

Marty,

Still reads No Engine to add with handset cord.

Did you try all 4 channels?

Take a look on the bottom of the tiu to get the version or model number. Sounds like you may have an I3a... I went through 3 bad ones  but  replaced by MTH  (yes before the silver dot days)and now have lost one channel on the forth with the silver dot.... .

 

 

All - its a rev L. As of last night the variable 2 worked. The fixed didn't. In my panic. There are 2 topics going on this. The other "have you seen a loco bdamage a tiu" has details. I am at work posting from blackberry. I will answer all questions tonight. Youi guys are great, taking the time here.

I'm going to post this on both topics. Sorry to be a hog, but different people are helping in both, so I appreciate that. Here was tonight's troubleshooting.

1) All power off

2) New batteries in Remote.

3) Tether and reset remote

4) Z1000 power to aux input on TIU. Factory Reset TIU

5)Variable 1 out to lockon w/20 inches Realtrax. MTH wires. RK Rudolph 2-8-0 on track

6) Z1000 to Variable 1 input. Variable 1 on. Variable 1 fxd.

7) Add Engine. Engine Found. Headlight and sound control tested OK.

8) Move wiring to V out 2. V2 ON/FXD. Able to start up engine and control light and sound

9) Tried moving to  Fixed 1 and 2. "Engine  not on track" returned when attempting start up. The lockon lights and a quick power cycle sent the train off the tracks, so there is power.

10) Reset TIU and Remote.

11) Add Engine on fixed channels"no engine to add"

 

Remember, each of the fixed outputs ran for hours with 1 engine. I added 2, the 2-8-0, a berk and the Ps2 upgraded GP9. The failure didn't occur until 2 trains were on the track. Before I take out a 3rd Channel, I thought I'm hoping someone has a thought. My thought is send the TIU back to MTH and the GP9 out for a thorough checkup, but don't want to pay for blowing up someone elses TIU. It's a premier unit and I don't want to replace it. I wonder if a 2nd upgrade kit is in order... I'm stuck on the GP9, just because it is something I touched, but can't see ow it could fry a channel.

 

Also, it is REV L and a remote w 4.2

Fixed 1 and 2 still don't work, But I had success using Variable out 1(set to fixed) to power 3 engines on 2 loops for about a half hour. Variable 2 is powering a variable loop, so hopefully,I'm good through Christmas! Unless someone has any other suggestions for Fixed Outputs 1 and 2.

 

Thanks!