Power to Fixed 2, Engine Sounds but No MOvement

It sounds like your engines are coming up in conventional mode rather than DCS mode.

Thanks Barry.....but its intermittent, sometimes they respond individually or as a lashup, sometimes they respond to sound, but when speed is applied, just shut down.  Voltage to track remains constant, and its not just the one track...it seems to be affecting all the tracks.   I tried resetting TIU and remote, but that hasn't helped.    Its doing it with all engines.  If I have a wire crossed, short so that power is going to the center and outer rail, would that be consistent with these symptoms?

Its all the tracks.... the engine starts up, responds to sound, but when speed is applied, all the engines seem to start moving, then just shut down.  No short, transformer shut downor change in voltage to tracks.

It also intermittently does not see the engine on a read command on all tracks.

Kevin,

Please try the following:

• Disconnect everything from the TIU
• Connect a short piece of track to Fixed #1 Out, red terminal to center rail and  black terminal to an outside rail
• Place an engine on the piece of trace
• Connect power to Fixed #1 IN
• Try to start up and operate the engine
• Repeat with the other three channels, being sure to always have power into either Fixed #1 IN or the Aux. Power port
• If there are any problems, repeat the above with a 4-conducor telephone handset cable connected between the Remote and the TIU's Remote Input port.

Report your findings.

Just so I understand, the connection the track is NOT through the TIU...just direct from the Z4000?  I am starting up in conventional mode using the Z4k?

Just so I understand, the connection the track is NOT through the TIU...just direct from the Z4000?  I am starting up in conventional mode using the Z4k?

Huh??

Is the test section of track connected direct to the Z4000 or through the TIU?

Kevin,

Is the test section of track connected direct to the Z4000 or through the TIU?

Through the TIU.

Barry.   Hooked up separate section of track.  Connected to TIU fixed 1.  Disconnected all other TIU connections.  Engine responds to start up, sounds and movement in forward and reverse. 

Connected fixed output #1 from Z4000 to fixed in/out #2 on TIU, engine starts up, sounds and moves in forward and reverse.

Kevin,

What about the other 3 channels?

Did #2, working on 3 and 4.  Thanks

Kevin,

Did #2, working on 3 and 4.  

To be clear, are you saying that, when using the test track. all 4 channels seem to work OK?

Next, repeat the process and do a DCS signal strength test on each channel with the engine standing still. Post your results.

Barry:

Redid the tests using a 30" test track connected as follows:

Z4K Fixed 1 OUT @ 19 V to TIU Fixed 1 in and out to test Track.  Engine is found, starts, Track Signal 8-9.

Z4K Fixed 1 OUT @ 19 V to TIU Fixed 2 in and out to Test Track.  Engine is found, starts, Track Signal 6-9.

Z4K Fixed 1 OUT @ 19 V to TIU Variable 1 in and out to Test Track.  Engine found, starts, Track Signal 6-8.

Z4K Fixed 1 Out @19 V to TIU variable 2 in and out to Test Track.  Engine found, starts, Track Signal 6-8.

Kevin

Kevin,

Turn over the TIU and look for the model number. If it's there, it will be the word "REV" followed by one of the following: H, H1, H2, I, I3, or I3a.

My bet would be "I3a".

It is 13B.

I have another TIU that I bought more recently that is Rev L.

Thanks for all your help.

Kevin

Kevin,

What is the first TIU's model number?

It just says Rev 13B with patent number.

That's interesting.

I suggest that you call MTH tech support (410-381-2580) to arrange for an RMA to get the TIU repaired.

Any reason I should offer re: repair?  I expect the cost will exceed the cost of a new one.

thanks.  Kevin

Kevin,

If it was an I3a, it might well be covered under warrantee because early I3a's had a defect that caused exactly the symptoms that you're experiencing.

It couldn't hurt to ask about it and mention the I3a issue. Regardless, the repair may not be all that expensive. However, you won't know if you don't call.

Thanks Barry