New to DCS and my system just flat out died and will not work

Well if this TIU is as old as I suspect, it is possible that it just up and died.

A couple of things you can check:

1) when the TIU powers on, there is a red LED light that will Flash 1 to 5 times to indicate what address is assigned to the TIU.  If it flashed more than 5 times, that's bad news.

2) What revision is the TIU? There is a label on the bottom It may read H, I, or L. If there is no sticker it is the first revsion of TIU which is G. Again these not the best TIU's only made for a couple years before the much better version H came out. the Rev. L is latest version available now and by far a vast improvement over the G.

3) Lastly, it could be something as simple as a loose tranciever board in the TIU or the Remote.  Use an old school curly telephone cord to and connect your remote directly to the TIU (REMOTE port). If your TIU begins to respond normally, you may only need to reseat the tranciever board in the TIU or the Remote (the more likely culprit).

Thanks for the response. 

So right out of the gate the TIU flashes about 9 times, which apparently is not good. Any idea what this means? I didn't pay attention to the flashes when it was working normally so I'm not sure if this is different then before. 

I think I have the G, I've attached pictures of the top and bottom of it just for reference, but I don't think there's a sticker. 

Tried to wire the remote to the TIU with a phone cord, but I realize all my phones have a different wider cord. I ordered a 6 pin which should be here on monday so when it comes I'll try wiring the base to the remote. 

The pictures you provided indicate a revision G.

It actually a 4 pin curly cord that you'll need. But I fear with 9 flashes that the TIU is pretty much toast.  Generally that means the memory module is corrupt and will need to be replaced and it is not worth while to do so. It would be better to get a new TIU. Your remote is fine, keep that, it will work with any revision of the TIU.

Thanks for the info, guess its time for a new TIU, this one lasted me a good 30 minutes!

Do you have any recommendations on which TIU to get and where? I see a lot of ones involving wifi, is that just how the newer ones are? I'm pretty clueless when it comes to DCS, I've been a legacy guy for years. 

@Billbarman posted:

Thanks for the response. 

So right out of the gate the TIU flashes about 9 times, which apparently is not good. Any idea what this means? I didn't pay attention to the flashes when it was working normally so I'm not sure if this is different then before.

Nine flashes is very bad.  That normally indicates a uP or memory failure, that's rarely field repairable.  You have the first version, the Rev. G.

Buying 20 year old electronics is always a crap shoot, I guess you know that now.

The Rev L TIU is the latest and has been out for some years.  Good news is that it will work with your current remote.  Since you have a remote, I'd ignore wifi until you get the layout up & running (you need a TIU whether you go wifi or remote). 

I've been looking for a new one lately.  They are backordered at every reputable dealer.  Let me know if you find a stash.

Brendan