MTH DCS help needed

We really need more information if possible....Are you using an MTH DCS TIU? Remote Commander? How are you powering the equipment and track? Are you trying to run conventional locos or command control locos? Photos are always helpful of what you are trying to connect and how they are connected.

Mike

Mike,

Thanks for your response. Sorry about the lack of information.

MTH DCS TIU system. When I purchased it I was under the impression I could run MTH Locomotives,TMCC equipped locomotives and conventional locomotives.

I am powered by a Postwar ZW which runs my TMCC just fine.

I walked away from the MTH DCS system a few ago because it would just never work. As I said previously very frustrating. I even bought the DCS companion from Barry a few years ago to no avail.

I understand most have upgraded to smart phone applications and I am behind the technology but I decided to try again to get this **** thing working.

There isn't much information here to work with to help you so let's start with the basics of how to hook up the TIU from your ZW to your track with TMCC ingratiation. This graphic below breaks down the connection of a TIU: (PDF version attached for download and easier reading)

It would help a lot if you'd fill us in with some details about your layout (size, number of mainlines, sidings), how things are connected, what you have tried, any errors messages received on the DCS remote, and what success you've had.

Thank you for the diagram. I think I will retry and see how it goes.

I would just point out that MTH engines have changed over the years and it's good to know which item you are dealing with. Any with command inside, need a charged battery (if equipped) to function correctly.

Start by connecting the system to a small test track might help you get going easier. Make sure you have proper power to the TIU and the red light comes on. Make sure the remote talks to the TIU. Don't change TIU or remote addresses until you understand how and why.

The system will display messages, and they are generic. Each will help point to a problem and help figure out any issue. It takes some detective work when there's an issue. After much use, the messages will make better sense in what's going on.

The members here can help in each step so post anything happening as you go. They may ask for all the specifics to help them understand the issues.

I got help here right away back when I started. I then dove in to learn more about why I was having issues. Learning about the signal propagation was a big one. An easy fix is to not let the signal double back on itself for example. A loop of track needs to be broken in one spot to prevent this. It just requires a break in the hot center rail.

Keeping the polarity correct is a good basic rule. TMCC/ Legacy connects to the outside rail. DCS connects to both and must be correct to get the 2 way communication it needs.

Putting too much load on a single channel of the TIU can cause issues. So can having TMCC/Legacy equipment on powered DCS rails.

I could go on for the length of Barry's book here. I'm just trying to point out some reasons why your previous attempt at DCS may have failed.

Much appreciated

Hi Buzz and hope you're learning these procedures and protocols as you venture in here. You mention:

I am powered by a Postwar ZW which runs my TMCC just fine.

The ZW is a fine transformer but please be aware that the stock circuit breaker is an old design and dangerous to use with the modern electronics found in most of our trains for the last 20 years or so.  Would be highly advisable to install some modern fast acting circuit breaker protection before you damage any of your engines/locomotives.

Some general comments on what you want to do:

1.  Controlling MTH PS2/PS3 locos:  Connect transformer set at 18v to Fixed 1 input terminals of TIU, corresponding output terminals connect to track.  Repeat with other 3 TIU channels for separate blocks in larger layouts.  Insulate center rails to separate blocks.  All black terminals go to outside rails.  Need a fast blow fuse or circuit breaker if using older transformers.

2.  Controlling TMCC or Legacy locos:   Power is already provided through the TIU as discussed above.  
a.  Now connect a single wire from the Cab1 or Legacy base to any outside rail.  Use the Cab1 or Legacy handheld controller.  Most people use this scheme because they prefer 2 remotes when running 2 or more trains.
b.  Alternatively to run TMCC or Legacy locomotives using the MTH remote, in addition to the outside rail connection, you must use a special DB9 cable from MTH to connect the Cab1 or Legacy Base to the TIU.

3.  Controlling conventional or MTH PS1 locos.  Connect your track to one of the Variable Channels of the TIU.  Advancing the throttle on the DCS handheld remote will adjust the AC voltage to the track as you would with a conventional transformer.  Direction, whistle, and bell buttons are also functional. Variable channels can be configured as Variable or Fixed, so it needs to be set through the remote to Variable to do this. Note: While not ideal, you can run a command control loco (PS2/PS3, TMCC or Legacy) in the same block as a conventional loco, though the command locos may have performance issues if the track voltage is too low.

Bob

Bob,

I will try your setup instructions. Thank you.

buzz