Art, I’m so thankful for you! You did all the grunt work to save us headaches. I truly thank you for everything that you’ve done! Your videos have been very helpful!
Still not working I have a purple light going out to track but the App won’t do a thing?
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I keep getting “request failed” for everything
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See video.
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Why not power the input of the WTIU channel with the transformer?
@gunrunnerjohn it doesn’t work either. Then I don’t get the purple light at all.
Good think I kept my TIU and WiFi unit. 
@TattooedTrains posted:See video.
This sounds like the issue I was having with mine when I first set it up with the ZWL and the original Surge Protector. Have you tried to ensure everything is plugged directly into the wall outlet and see if the same issue happens?
Also, I couldn't tell what transformer that was you were using but my top row of terminals is the common and bottom hot, yet you have the top row connected to the center rail, is that right for that transformer?
Looks like a KW. In the video, you need to have 22uh choke between the power output of the KW and the track. Without it, the transformer will destroy the DCS signal.
Everything seems to be connected correctly. The engine would come on and sit idle for the first time or 2. Then it would do nothing. I’m using the KW transformer. I put a lighted car on the track and it’s working as it should. But for whatever reason the app seems to be the issue. It’s not detecting anything? It’s updated to the latest version and the WTIU shows up on the app but, won’t do anything I’m at a loss!
@TattooedTrains posted:Everything seems to be connected correctly. The engine would come on and sit idle for the first time or 2. Then it would do nothing. I’m using the KW transformer. I put a lighted car on the track and it’s working as it should. But for whatever reason the app seems to be the issue. It’s it detecting anything? I’m at a loss!
Do you have a different power supply you can try? @H1000 says above that the KW might be hurting your DCS signal.
@ArtsModelTrains posted:Do you have a different power supply you can try? @H1000 says above that the KW might be hurting your DCS signal.
Not necessarily the KW but any transformer will do this without the choke when you run a WTIU/TIU in passive mode.
@ArtsModelTrains posted:Do you have a different power supply you can try? @H1000 says above that the KW might be hurting your DCS signal.
If it still doesn't work with the KW connected to the input of the WTIU channel, it's not the transformer doing anything to the DCS signal. Truthfully, I really doubt it's the transformer anyway, but if you're going to run in passive mode, you'll get better signals with a 22uh inductor between the transformer and the track with the WTIU output connected directly to the track.
@H1000 posted:Not necessarily the KW but any transformer will do this without the choke when you run a WTIU/TIU in passive mode.
What is a choke? Could you walk me through it? Thanks!
@TattooedTrains posted:What is a choke? Could you walk me through it? Thanks!
I don't use one, but here is a good thread on it.
DCS Choke Tutorial (semi-analytical) | O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum
Would this be what I’d get?!
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@TattooedTrains posted:Would this be what I’d get?!
I'm running my layout without one of those and getting a great signal, not saying you don't need one, but I feel like for that test track you have you should at least be able to get a signal and the choke would just improve it.
If you're having issues even with running the power through the WTIU from the transformer I think something else is going on. Have you tried multiple locomotives? That request failed might indicate an issue with the WTIU to the App communication too. What type of device are you using? Do you have a different one, i.e. old tablet or phone you can try? Have you updated the WTIU firmware?
I don’t have any other engines to try. This is my first one lol. I bought the WTIU from muffin and it was updated to the latest firmware. I’m using an iPhone for my app controller. I can try another tablet. it just seems as though it’s all signal related.
@TattooedTrains posted:I don’t have any other engines to try. This is my first one lol. I bought the WTIU from muffin and it was updated to the latest firmware. I’m using an iPhone for my app controller. I can try another tablet. it just seems as though it’s all signal related.
Ok, that locomotive is the new run of the PS3 GS4s from MTH right? I'm going to go down and start mine up and see if I'm seeing issues like this. Do you have a different piece of track you can try it on?
@TattooedTrains posted:I don’t have any other engines to try. This is my first one lol. I bought the WTIU from muffin and it was updated to the latest firmware. I’m using an iPhone for my app controller. I can try another tablet. it just seems as though it’s all signal related.
Just had an idea, the test track you have has power at one end and the DCS connection at the other. Have you tried connecting them both at the same end? Also, I have heard that DCS doesn't like dead ends, can you run another DCS signal wire to both ends of the test track?
@ArtsModelTrains I love I will try some different track! That’s a good idea about putting the signal with the power. I ordered those 22uh chokes as well.
@TattooedTrains posted:Would this be what I’d get?!
Actually, you need something a lot more robust as it's going to be carrying the full current from the transformer!
Here's a 10A inductor that will do the job: Bourns 2205-H-RC
Thank you @gunrunnerjohn! Ordered.
I used to hear a buzz in my rev L tiu's, when supplying power from ZW-L, just using and extension cord.
@ArtsModelTrains posted:Did you pay for the premium app to unlock using the variable channels? I think that is required to use those channels.
That's surprising that a person buys an expensive WTIU, and they would require a premium paid app to fully utilize it
I have the full app to make use of wiu/tiu. They should include a free activation code with WTIU, IMHO.
@Rod M. posted:That's surprising that a person buys an expensive WTIU, and they would require a premium paid app to fully utilize it
I have the full app to make use of wiu/tiu. They should include a free activation code with WTIU, IMHO.
In the past with the TIU, one could use the DCS remote to switch the variable channels to fixed. you can't do that with the app unless you have the premium version. When MTH started to offer the WIU / TIU sets without the DCS Remote, they should have at least modified the app to allow users to switch the variable channels to fixed so that they can fully use the entire TIU/WTIU.
Personally to me, it's a bit silly to charge for the app upgrade and when you think about it MTH could make more money by simply upping the WTIU & WIU price by $25. I bought the premium app years ago and have no need to ever buy it again but every time I buy a new WTIU or WIU, MTH could have got that extra $25.
So got the wtiu to recognize the engine! The app needed to be reset. However, when moving it from the section of test track to the layout track. I was back to no signal. So I’m assuming once I get a choke installed this will solve that problem.
https://ogrforum.com/topic/185...9#188663164452185109
@H1000 posted:In the past with the TIU, one could use the DCS remote to switch the variable channels to fixed. you can't do that with the app unless you have the premium version. When MTH started to offer the WIU / TIU sets without the DCS Remote, they should have at least modified the app to allow users to switch the variable channels to fixed so that they can fully use the entire TIU/WTIU.
Personally to me, it's a bit silly to charge for the app upgrade and when you think about it MTH could make more money by simply upping the WTIU & WIU price by $25. I bought the premium app years ago and have no need to ever buy it again but every time I buy a new WTIU or WIU, MTH could have got that extra $25.
I agree that is a slap in the face. All a money grab.
@TattooedTrains posted:I agree that is a slap in the face. All a money grab.
Maybe, Maybe not. MTH could have just as easily added $25 to the cost of every WIU & WTIU sold to make the app free. I own 3 TIU/WIU combos and 1 WTIU, It was lot cheaper to buy the app upgrade once at $25 vs. paying an extra $100 padded into that hardware for a free app.
Again, MTH could have grabbed a lot more of our money through multiple hardware sales vs. charging once for the app upgrade. The app is not a physical product you can hold in your hands and therefore many people feel like they are paying for nothing for the sake of making someone else's wallet bigger.
Hi Guys and Girls;
Mike was at our store yesterday and we had a WTIU that would not do a thing on one channel. Everything checked out, but it would not work. Mike and I took it apart and found that one of the connectors to the output nuts was loose. We snugged it up and what to our wondering eyes appeared...........output voltage! So check those nuts. With Mike repairing it, I'd consider it a factory repair!😜
Billy C
I added a choke… it did nothing
@TattooedTrains posted:I added a choke… it did nothing
Hard to say what you're seeing, or why, but the Legacy engine issue with DCS is pretty well known.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Hard to say what you're seeing, or why, but the Legacy engine issue with DCS is pretty well known.
I’m not trying to run legacy engines. I’m trying to run MTH PS3. Still shows there is power going to the track. The WTU is flickering when giving it a command as it’s trying to read a signal. But nothing happens.
If your layout is new to DCS you could have issues getting it running as the issue maybe the layout itself. The track signal test is your best friend. Unfortunately you need to get the engine started up and moving to perform the test. You were able to add the engine using a programming track. Is there any spot on your layout that features an isolated block that you can run one channel of your DCS to ? Run just your 2 paired wires from the output to just that one block. Nothing else. You should be able to run your engine as it’s basically nothing more than a programming track within your layout. Once the engine is moving even if you lose the signal it will stay moving and keep performing the test throughout the rest of the layout. Just note what you have as far as numbers.
@Dave_C posted:If your layout is new to DCS you could have issues getting it running as the issue maybe the layout itself. The track signal test is your best friend. Unfortunately you need to get the engine started up and moving to perform the test. You were able to add the engine using a programming track. Is there any spot on your layout that features an isolated block that you can run one channel of your DCS to ? Run just your 2 paired wires from the output to just that one block. Nothing else. You should be able to run your engine as it’s basically nothing more than a programming track within your layout. Once the engine is moving even if you lose the signal it will stay moving and keep performing the test throughout the rest of the layout. Just note what you have as far as numbers.
I have been testing it on test track the whole time. It’s never made my normal loops. The engine won’t except any signals
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@TattooedTrains posted:I’m not trying to run legacy engines. I’m trying to run MTH PS3. Still shows there is power going to the track. The WTU is flickering when giving it a command as it’s trying to read a signal. But nothing happens.
Yep, I'm mixing up threads. Adding the choke between the transformer and the WTIU/track should yield a small improvement, but if you're having no luck at all, it probably won't fix that.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Yep, I'm mixing up threads. Adding the choke between the transformer and the WTIU/track should yield a small improvement, but if you're having no luck at all, it probably won't fix that.
So? I’m at a loss here… basically it’s not going to work for me?
@TattooedTrains posted:So? I’m at a loss here… basically it’s not going to work for me?
Hard to say, I'm out of ideas since I don't have the WTIU. My WiFi and TIU combo works fine here, maybe something I just don't understand about configuring the WTIU. It shouldn't be this hard, but sometimes it is.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Hard to say, I'm out of ideas since I don't have the WTIU. My WiFi and TIU combo works fine here, maybe something I just don't understand about configuring the WTIU. It shouldn't be this hard, but sometimes it is.
Think it’s time to throw the towel in and send it all back. This was my first DCS experience. Wow
You said you got the WTIU to recognize your engine on a programming track. I’m guessing that means you got the engine to add to the system. If you got it to add it should be able to start up on the test track and all functions should work.
If you bring it over to the layout. When everything’s powered up. Does the engine sit there silently ?
