Older TIUs - what are the disadvantages?

 Just my opinion but We're still using an original from 2002 and it works just fine. The only  TIU version I might stay away  from is an I3a.  Yes I know MTH fixed the problem but mine has gone again on 1 channel.

However is there any way to test it before purchasing ?  Track signal test on each channel using a small test track and 1 engine? If you can get a perfect 10.. I'd go for it.

Unfortunately no way for me to test, so there would be a leap of faith involved!

mikeowen17 posted:

Unfortunately no way for me to test, so there would be a leap of faith involved!

Yep  and that might be the deal breaker. If that's the case I'd buy new.

Gregg,

Yes I know MTH fixed the problem but mine has gone again on 1 channel.

FYI, that's an entirely different problem from the one that you had fixed by MTH previously.

Mike, you have not mentioned what versioon of TIU it is.  Versions are on the bottom.  If no version label, it's a Rev G, the original.  I have 2 of them, both original issue.  Both work fine, but within a year after purchase, they went back to MTH for an internal beefing up.  Right now, one is working as the main TIU on my layout, with wifi, while my Rev L is at MTH for a checkout.

I don't know why you mention protosound 2.  All DCS remotes and TIUs work with all versions of the DCS loco equipment.

Personally, if I were parting with $175, I'd be more insistent on knowing it worked.  If on some internet site (I have one in mind) from a non-reputable-dealer, I wouldn't touch it.

What's the issue with the I3a?

gunrunnerjohn posted:

What's the issue with the I3a?

I'd like to know also. I have a 13a that the signal is dead on fixed 1.

Some, but not all, I3a's had an issue where there was low signal strength on all  channels (typically 5 or lower), not just one or two. There was a marginal component that MTH replaced under warranty.

Any such TIUs that were repaired for this failure were marked with a white or silver dot next to the Rev. designation on the bottom.

I checked, my other one is an I3, not the I3a, am I safe?   If not, I could replace the component if I knew what it was.

AFAIK, there were no known out-of-the-box issues with the Rev. I TIU.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I checked, my other one is an I3, not the I3a, am I safe?   If not, I could replace the component if I knew what it was.

I know you're safe even if the thing is broken.   You have the electronic  skills to fix it. Anyway I think the fix was pretty simple,,  a  resistor  change .. Actually there was a pic of the  fix here on the forum years ago. I believe the I3a s came out  around 2008.

I could probably change a resistor.

MikeOwen17,

     IMO the $175.00 used is not a real good deal, also you get no Warranty purchasing used.  Now if you can get the TIU & the Hand Held Remote Control for about $125.00 or less, that would be a much better deal, and one I might take a chance on, if I knew the seller.  IMO it's always better to purchase brand new, from an authorized MTH distributer, than to purchase 2nd hand from somebody you don't  know.  If the seller happens to be a OGR member, I might go $150.00 for the used unit.

PCRR/Dave

Just an FYI...

The Rev. L TIU is considerably superior to any earlier TIU in terms of DCS signal strength, as well as the number of track blocks and linear feet of track each of its channels can support.

The Rev. L's addition of a USB port is just icing on the cake.

Thanks all - I went with the advice above and bought a brand new Rev L from an auth retailer - figured it wasn't worth the risk over trying to save some $

Good move.

Hi

Here is my ten pence worth, if it were me I would invest in the newer Rev L TIU, you only need to but this once and it's worth the extra cost.

I have struggled on for 5 years with the older TIU and on my layout running Proto 3 was a virtual no no. I am now the owner of a Rev L and magically all works fine.

If an old Rev G TIU has failed, I would buy new rather than repair.  On the other hand, I have a rather large layout, 35'x16', several scale miles of track and 25 locomotives.  Most all of it, save a storage yard (TIU#2), is fed by one TIU, #1.  Both TIUs have wifi.  When I had to have MTH check out my Rev L because of some issues with wifi, I plopped in an original issue Rev G.  It ran everything flawlessly.

There is no reason of which I am aware why a TIU would have problems with PS3 and not with PS2.  I would check my wiring.  Too small a gauge can cause issues.

I agree the wire  gauge can be an issue however I am using 25 amp multi core cable, the PS3 definitely work better with my Rev L on large loops the signal is far stronger with no drops across  the loops, Rev L has a superior signal generator than G, also I can only comment from experience. 

To answer the original question the Rev L is worth the investment IMHO