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Hi all,

Issue:

  • Route feature does not work to throw single or multiple switches through the app or the remote
  • Accessory "All on / All off" feature does not work through the app or the remote
  • Switch "All straight / all curve" feature does not work through the app or the remote
  • I hear no relay click on either AIU when I try and execute any of the above features

 

Set up:

  • TIU wired to (2) AIU's
  • First AIU has factory RJ12 6PC cross-over cable
  • Second AIU is connected via custom length (25ft) RJ12 6PC cross-over cable
  • Running version 6.10 on remote and TIU
  • DCS wifi is app is 3.2.1 with 1.1 software flash
  • TIU is powered with (2) Z4000's using 3 of the 4 available variable voltage outputs
  • The 3 outputs are routed to 2 of the fixed TIU channels and 1 of the variable channels, set to fixed
  • The layout is comprised of 3 roughly equal size blocks, each powered by a single TIU channel
  • I run in a command environment only
  • Layout is approx 200 square feet
  • Layout is Fastrack
  • I have 16 switches all wired to the AIU's through the 14V accessory power channel on the Z4000's
  • I have 15 accessory's wired to the AIU's through the 14 V accessory power channel on the Z4000's

 

What works:

  • I can throw all switches individually on the layout with the app or with the remote
  • I can power on and off all accessories individually using the app or the remote
  • Layout signal strength is 9/10 across the board

 

Note:  up until about 6 months ago, the route feature, and "all on/all off" for both accessories and switches worked fine.  

Corrective actions taken:

  • Updated TIU to version 6.10 -- I was running version 6.0
  • Updated remote from 6.0 to 6.10
  • Updated app and firmware
  • Performed factory reset of TIU
  • Disconnected 2nd AIU (with custom length cable) from 1st AIU to see if I could perform functions on only the AIU connected by factory cable
  • reversed cable directions on both factory cable to AIU 1 and custom cable on AIU 2 
  • cut wire and re-crimped plastic connectors on custom length cable
  • inspected connector pins from AIU input/output ports and DCS TIU - AIU input port (I admit the inspection was cursory and depending on response may need to inspect more carefully)
  • Tapped on the housing of both TIU and AIU while uttering curse words several times

 

Any insight is appreciated.  I can run the layout fine without these features, which is why I let it go for so long, but the routes come in handy sometimes when I have switches that I throw in sequence and repetitively, and it's annoying to power on each accessory individually.  Both of these features just save time and button pressing.  I would love to get this working again.  Thanks!

--Adam

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Hi Adam,

First, thanks for the concise description of the problem.  It's VERY helpful.

The fact that the switches and accessories are working individually is very telling.  That pretty well eliminates any hardware issues with the TIU, AIU's, or AIU cables.  The fact that the route, all switches, and all accessory commands aren't working from either the remote or app is also very telling.  If something got corrupted in the data file of either the remote or app it wouldn't effect the other.  That tends to indicate the problem IS in the TIU, or AIU's.

Is the WIU connected to your TIU via USB or with a USB/Serial adapter cable?  If you're using the USB, disconnect the USB cable, cycle power on the TIU, and then re-connect the USB cable.  Try the routes again.

If that doesn't work, check to see if the TIU is detecting both AIU's.   You can do this by starting to add a switch.  You will be asked to select a TIU and then an AIU.  Note the address of the TIU.  Does it match the number of flashes of the red LED inside the TIU when you power up the TIU?  You indicated you have two AIU's.  Are they both available in the "add switch" process?

Lastly, try creating a new route from scratch in the remote.  Does a fresh route work?

Dave,

You are on to something here!  My 2nd AIU is not being read by my TIU.  TIU address is 1.  TIU blinks once when I cycle power.  I am powering the TIU through the USB cable that runs to DCS wifi, to household power.  

I never thought to check if the second AIU is being seen because I am able to power my switches and accessories.  I figured that the second AIU must have been seen by the TIU.  When I go to add switch or accessory, I get the following:

  • Select TIU 1
  • Select AIU 1

There is no option for AIU 2.  

I am leaning towards a bad cable (custom cable) or bad connections on the TIU input on AIU 2.  But why is it working at all if the TIU is not seeing it?  I know the information is stored in the remote and/or app, but the signal still needs to go through the TIU (cable) AIU 1 (cable) - AIU 2, correct?

Any ideas based on this information?

 

 

MrMoe,

Thank you for pointing that out. I need to correct myself. I do in fact power the TIU through fixed 1.  When I turn on the layout, the TIU does not come on until apply voltage to the Z4000.  The DCS wifi is always plugged into the USB port on top of the TIU, and thus keeps the lower red light on steady, always.

Sorry, it's been awhile since I hooked it up and I tend to rush when I get frustrated. 

Thanks 

 

 

 

The issue was in fact the custom length cable to AIU 2.  After a fair amount of trial and error this morning, I ended up cutting the connections off of the cable and crimping on new connectors.  TIU 2 is now fully functioning with routes and "all on/off" accessories.  

I still don't know why I had some functionality of AIU 2 when the TIU was not seeing AIU 2.  Perhaps the cable was able to deliver some, but not all signals?  In any case, thank you both for your input.  I appreciate it!

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