New DCS set up - can't find any engines

You have to start with the basics. Do you have a 4 wire phone handset cable?

try only putting your plastic blocking clips in the center and outside rail.

It's probably fine the way you have the power going, but we'll get to that. Hopefully you have the red wires going to the center rail threw the TIU and not reversed anywhere.

What is the power supply you are using to the rails? How are you powering the TIU?

Why don't you try a small test track and one engine using fixed 1... Does the "read" (bottom left on the dcs remote  find the tiu?)

You may have too much track on the one channel. No need to insulate the outside rails,just the center rail.

 The red  Tiu output must go to the center rail.

Thanks for such quick response.  Red wires all going to center rail from TIU.   TIU is powered from brick that came with Z1000 pack to Fixed Input 1 on TIU.  It says power is 18v.  

Yes, I have 4 wire phone handset cable.  Is that to direct connect remote to TIU?

I can try test track.  If that works, then culprit is probably that I blocked outside rail current ?

Yes, we need to make sure the system works before we see if it's the layout.

The phone cord would connect the remote to the TIU to ensure there's communication. If it only works with the cord tethered, then we have a different issue.

Listen to Gregg.

OK, I'll try that and reconnect the common rails.

First, I would see if the new never been run MTH engines run with just the transformer?  Batteries will have to be charged up to move in conventional.

Will MTH engines run on DCS if batteries are dead?

Actually, i tried.  The Proto 2 engine had never been run, and is at least 8 years old.   When I tried to run without TIU, it only made buzzing sound and wouldn't move.   I tried all different combinations of whistle and bell buttons, but didn't help.

i will use advice and try to connect remote directly to TIU and connect common rails.  Hopefully will have good news

First thing I would do is what Gregg said.  Put one engine on a test track with about 15 feet of wire between the TIU and the test track and see if you can add it using the menu.

If the engines are 8 years old, the batteries are probably no good.  You need to replace them with a new battery or a BCR.

Removing the insulators from the outside rails is the right way to go.  I only insulate the outside rail when I set up a switch for non-derailing.

Orthosheff posted:

Will MTH engines run on DCS if batteries are dead?

Usually, but sometimes it won't add to the remote. What product number is the engine? Later PS2 engines have a DCS/DCC switch which has to be in the right position.

I don't like the buzzing sound of your engine. In conventional it should have start up sounds and lights at least.

You need to get it running with just the transformer first in my opinion. I would think if your old Lionel runs on your track, the MTH should also in conventional with a good battery.

Are you sure the engine is PS2 and not an earlier ProtoSound?

These guys might have helped you already, but I did not see how you were trying to "find" your engines?

First, if you apply power to the track via the TIU and the engines stay quiet (assuming engines are good), that is a good sign.  Meaning engine see the watch dog signal.

Second, you need to add the engines to the remote one at a time.  One engine on the track at a time.  Once this is done you can select an engine and press startup.  At that point the engine should start up and lights come on.  After startup sounds complete, you can operate engine.  G

I think he answered his own question. It doesn't run 

Do you ever get out in the valley near Winchester?

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ORTHROSHEFF,

    My suggestion is to Purchase Barry's DCS O Gauge Companion book, read how to set up your DCS layout from the beginning point.  Some how from your posts I believe you have not set up your TIU correctly, or programmed your engines into your DCS Hand Held Remote Control (HHRC) correctly.  I am a big advocate of BCR's in all P2 and P1 Engines, make sure you have the MTH Engine's powered correctly, to enter them into the DCS HHRC.  1st set up and use a Programming Track to test your just purchased engines, after you know they are running correctly, then go on to your full layout and test it with them.  I also recommend Purchasing the OGR Video Guide to DCS, Rich Melvin does a great job visually teaching people how to set up, and test their new DCS package, with several different kinds of Transformer.  Both of these formats are great education for DCS.   

PCRR/Dave

Our DCS/Legacy Christmas layout.