Double DCS trouble

GGG can fix them. There is only one LED for the whole TIU. Don't know what you are describing with the sides? Channel 2 can still work if channel 1 is out. Unless you're describing the lights on the track lock-ons?

Sounds like an issue with DCS signal on Fixed !.  It is repairable.  My e-mail in profile and I will be at York.  G

George will you be there Thursday? Is so where? I'd like to meet you and say hello. George D.

On re-evaluation of the problem one fixed side of the unit works and the other fixed side does not send the watchdog signal through. The red Led does not light when the power is applied to the defective side. This is basically the case on both units. I have found the some times on the side that works, but the "engine not on track" or "check track" message appears if you delete the engine and then re-add it the engine will be "found" and preform properly.

I will send and e-mail to GGG and maybe he can help me get this straight! 

The red light lights when you have powered the TIU, that would be either through the AUX power or Fixed #1 channels.  If you simply apply power to any of the other channels, the TIU will NOT wake up and you will see no lights or action.

Well, thanks John, that explains a lot. I guess I've got more testing to do.

Whoa. Maybe you should read the manual first on how to connect this system.

http://mthtrains.com/sites/def...ction/20as14017i.pdf

Beyond and including that, Barry's book on DCS would help you greatly.

http://mthtrains.com/store/7073

GHD posted:

George will you be there Thursday? Is so where? I'd like to meet you and say hello. George D.

Yes, At the DCS meeting and hanging around the halls.  G

MIKATT1 posted:

Well, thanks John, that explains a lot. I guess I've got more testing to do.

As stated, there is only one LED that lights up and will flash to indicate what TIU number is, than stay lit.   So as long as the LED is lit the TIU has power.  Make sure DCS is on via the remote for all channels and than test, but as John and others have said, the TIU must be powered by either Fixed 1 all the time, or AUX power all the time.  Powering just Fixed 2 or VAR 1 or 2 does not power the TIU.  G

Thanks to George and John It think I got it going. I have Barry's book, however it doesn't say if I can  use something like a 12 volt dc wall wort as an auxiliary power supply (to power the TIU).

If you have a AC or DC supply with an amp and a half (or more) capacity between the voltages of 12 to 20 volts, it should work fine to power the AUX power port of the TIU.  Then you will always have the TIU active and not have to worry about applying power to Fixed #1 to wake it up.

Dave,

I have Barry's book, however it doesn't say if I can  use something like a 12 volt dc wall wort as an auxiliary power supply (to power the TIU).

On the contrary, the book describes, in detail, power supplies for the TIU. From page 96:

TIU Aux. Power Sources 

There are several sources of power that may be used to power the TIU through the Aux. Power port.In general, any AC or DC power supply that provides 1.5 amp of power at a voltage between 12 and 22 volts and has a suitable connector that fits the Aux. Power port will work. 

One source of power for the TIU's Aux. Power port is any one of the smaller MTH transformers, such as the Z500, Z750 or Z1000, or the MTH #50-240 Z-DC24 power supply. Their barrel plugs exactly fit the TIU's Aux. Power port. If using one of these power supplies, it is important not to use the Z-Controller that may be included with them. 

Another source of power for the TIU's Aux. Power port is the Radio Shack #273-331 Enercell™ Switchable 18/24 VAC 1 AMP Power Adapter with #273-344 Enercell™ Adaptaplug™ M. It should be used on the 18 volt setting. However, since this power supply is rated for only 1.0 amp, it should be used only to power a TIU to which AIUs are not connected. 

A third source of power for the TIU's Aux. Power port is the 14 volt output of an MTH Z4000 transformer using an appropriate barrel connector. It should be noted that if the Z4000's 14 volt output is used, it should be used solely for this purpose and not used to power any other device.

This and a whole lot more is all in “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at OGR’s web store!

Barry, I have your 2nd edition and it's not on page96. That's the only fault I have with your book, it doesn't have an index in the back. Although, I have found your book has bailed me out more than once!

Dave,

I have your 2nd edition and it's not on page 96

You're correct! In the 2nd edition its's on page 93:  

TIU Aux. Power Sources

There are several sources of power that may be used to power the TIU through the Aux. Power port. In general, any AC or DC power supply that provides 1.5 amp of power at a voltage between 12 and 22 volts and has a suitable connector that fits the Aux. Power port will work.

That's the only fault I have with your book, it doesn't have an index in the back.

Great, because we fixed that in the 3rd edition, which has a multi-level Index!  

Yep, that was a major improvement, does make it easier to find specific information.

If there's no index in the first 2 editions, what have I been using to find stuff?

I must have memorized the whole thing!!!  ??????????

Barry Broskowitz posted:

Dave,

I have your 2nd edition and it's not on page 96

You're correct! In the 2nd edition its's on page 93:  

TIU Aux. Power Sources

There are several sources of power that may be used to power the TIU through the Aux. Power port. In general, any AC or DC power supply that provides 1.5 amp of power at a voltage between 12 and 22 volts and has a suitable connector that fits the Aux. Power port will work.

That's the only fault I have with your book, it doesn't have an index in the back.

Great, because we fixed that in the 3rd edition, which has a multi-level Index!  

Hey Barry;

I have the 2nd Edition as well (it's just plain awesome); and looks like I'll need to invest in the 3rd Edition. Any other major changes besides the welcome addition of Index in the 3rd Edition that will put me over the edge and buy it?

Junior,

Any other major changes besides the welcome addition of Index in the 3rd Edition that will put me over the edge and buy it?

Look here.