Out of RF range after downloading chain file - SOLVED, SORT OF

The most common thing when removing and replacing the TIU from the layout, is wiring mistakes. Check carefully. Is the TIU powered up?

Engineer-Joe posted:

The most common thing when removing and replacing the TIU from the layout, is wiring mistakes. Check carefully. Is the TIU powered up?

Never disconnected TIU or removed it at all. All I did was plug in the cable to the side of the TIU, did the programming and disconnected the cable. After that the problem started.   Wiring and connections were not touched .

I disconnect the layout and any other engines whenever I load a sound set. Only the engine that is getting the file is powered. I thought that's what you did here.

What is the cable that you describe? 

Is power getting to the rails now? Maybe you blew an internal fuse?

Try connecting the DCS remote to the TIU directly using a coiled telephone cord. If this works, you could have a problem with the transceiver in the TIU or your DCS Remote.

Engineer-Joe posted:

I disconnect the layout and any other engines whenever I load a sound set. Only the engine that is getting the file is powered. I thought that's what you did here.

What is the cable that you describe? 

Is power getting to the rails now? Maybe you blew an internal fuse?

The cable is the data cable from pc to TIU.  The PC reads the engine because it loads the files OK.  I think it is remote sender/TIU receiver.  I will try the app through WiFi.  4 wire direct cable next between remote and TIU next.  Should narrow it a bit.  Then per Barry’s (RIP) book, reseat TIU receiver board next......

Unfortunately, IMHO the postwar stuff is like a black and white movie and TV to the younger generation. 

Frankly, Some good tinkering engines are the early tmcc Stuff. All, the early command control gp’s, F3’s and steamers can be found relatively cheap.

What’s the worse that happens with the electronics. You remove them and relegate the engine to a black and white TV status with no command control or sound

Ss

shawn posted:

Unfortunately, IMHO the postwar stuff is like a black and white movie and TV to the younger generation. 

Frankly, Some good tinkering engines are the early tmcc Stuff. All, the early command control gp’s, F3’s and steamers can be found relatively cheap.

What’s the worse that happens with the electronics. You remove them and relegate the engine to a black and white TV status with no command control or sound

 

Ss

I've done  a few PS1 upgrades to PS3.  I think the problem is coincidental to the file download.  What make me think this is that communication to MTH engines has been lost.  TIU works fine with Legacy or TMCC.  That would be radio (Legacy Remote) from Legacy to each engine.  DCH uses signals through track.  I suspect DCS remote not communicating with TIU to MTH engines.  I will do the app and cable tonight and update this thread.

Also, a "floating" signal is mentioned and that a solution is reseating communication board in TIU and possibly remote.  My gut is resetting board or repairing/replacing TIU will be in order.  No changes or wiring modifications for over 1.5 years.

Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:

shawn posted:

Unfortunately, IMHO the postwar stuff is like a black and white movie and TV to the younger generation. 

Frankly, Some good tinkering engines are the early tmcc Stuff. All, the early command control gp’s, F3’s and steamers can be found relatively cheap.

What’s the worse that happens with the electronics. You remove them and relegate the engine to a black and white TV status with no command control or sound

 

Ss

I've done  a few PS1 upgrades to PS3.  I think the problem is coincidental to the file download.  What make me think this is that communication to MTH engines has been lost.  TIU works fine with Legacy or TMCC.  That would be radio (Legacy Remote) from Legacy to each engine.  DCH uses signals through track.  I suspect DCS remote not communicating with TIU to MTH engines.  I will do the app and cable tonight and update this thread.

Also, a "floating" signal is mentioned and that a solution is reseating communication board in TIU and possibly remote.  My gut is resetting board or repairing/replacing TIU will be in order.  No changes or wiring modifications for over 1.5 years.

I happen to have 2 remotes.  Brand new remote still would not communicate.  I used a phone cord to act as tether.  No go.  Tried to update TIU to newest hoping it would reboot TIU and wake it up.  Loader could not find the TIU.  Uh Oh, figuring I would need a new TIU, I made phone calls.  They are scarce.  I read about reseating transmitter/receiver boards, but figured the tether bypassed the boards.  I must have been wrong, because I went with the Chicago Solution ( a nice thump on the TIU when powered off).  Next thing you know "It's Alive".  With or without tether, something must have seated or got in position to make contact.  I will pull the TIU tonight and properly reseat any boards I see that plug in.  

I know, do not pull the board off because it might damage it beyond my ability to repair.  Lessons learned, Chicago method still works and I should get a spare TIU for potential problem down the road.  Current turn around with MTH on TIU repairs is about 4 weeks.  Kind of long for such a minor part like the brain of the whole layout.  Hopefully this helps someone with the same type of issue.