New PS3 loco Help?

 The fact that you're getting check track messages maybe a clue. Have you tried removing the other engines first? Are you adding it while on the whole layout? how big's the layout? what do you have for power?

 The best way I get them to add is on a short piece of track with a bulb attached (if the older TIU is used) and nothing else connected to the system. My only PS3 engine added easily so I can't help much. I have had others with troubles.

 The light should be at least a certain amp draw for it to work. Now I've forgotten what that is. I believe guys use older car type bulbs or the like. Too small a draw and the bulb does nothing. Susan Deats filter design would do this well if you search for that here. What revision number is your TIU (on the bottom)?

David,

Check the engine's instruction manual to see where is its DCS/DCC switch, and ensure that it's set to DCS.

Hi Barry

I have selected Dcs on the switch, have tried again to add the loco, but still no.

Is it possible that the DCS system I have is too old?, it is rev,13 on the base of the Tiu?

David,

Is it possible that the DCS system I have is too old

No, all DCS systems since the very first hardware and software work with all PS2 and PS3 engines.

Place the engine on a short piece of track that's directly connected to Fixed #1 Out. Ensure that there are no other engines powered up and that the TIU is TIU #1. Try to add the engine.

If still NG, leave the engine on the short piece of track and press:

Menu/System/Engine Setup/Recover Engine.

If the engine is recovered, try to add it again.

also try a Proto-2 engine  on the short test track and do a track signal test? Should be a 10.

If none of the above suggestions work, there's been reports of problems with PS3 engines on other threads.

1. Ground screws coating that needed to be ground off.

2. Wires that had to be rerouted that where to close to the donut coil.

3. Wire ends not crimped on properly at the DCS/DCC switch.

Anyone of these may cause your problem.

I wanted to chime in because I experienced this very thing.  After following every suggestion other than opening up the locomotive I couldn't get it setup to run in DCS mode.  I ended up returning it and was given a replacement which has worked flawlessly. 

~Matt

DJ,

   Glad you got things figured out, now that you are getting into DCS more you might consider setting up your own programming track seperate from your over all layout.

Barry was guiding you down this route in his post, use the programming track for adding and testing your engines one at a time, then switch the programmed engine over to the regular layout.  We have been doing this with great success for many years. 

PCRR/Dave

You can see our Programming track just above the transformers in the picture below