Problem activating Caboose w/Operating Signal Man using DCS

Mike, I have the same unit.  The button should be in the "auto" position.  The DCS remote will not activate it, but the Z4000 should with the bell button in a DCS environment.  You have to hold the button down for several seconds (not just push and release) to start the sequence.  One you see the signal man start to move, you should be able to release the button.

Hmmm, Glad I didn't buy one of those then.

I have no bell buttons, It's all Pure DCS with brick power.

I wonder WHY the DCS Bell won't trigger it...

Then I think, DUH, that does not put DC on the rails, it tells the engine to ring the bell.

Sounds like another application for a small PS-x board that can activate a device from a DCS signal.

I've been asking for an Uncoupler board for several years to add to freight cars.

Thanks guys for your replys to my post. Sorry its taken me so long to thank you, been really busy lately. Unfortunately I still have not been able to acativate the operating signal man. I tried several times using mrmacher's advise but i still can't get it to work. I have 4 lock-ons spread out around my layout and I have them connected to my Z-4000. I have 2 wired to the track 1 input on the back and 2 wired to the track 2 input on the back. This setup was recommended to me but I'm thinking this might be my problem. I have tried using the bell button on each side of my Z-4000 but with no luck. Do you guys think i should have all my track wired to the track 1 side of the Z-4000 as opposed to splitting the power up as it was recomended to me? (I've listed my MTH setup so you might get a better feel for what i'm working with). Thank you for your help - Mike

My Setup:
(1) Z-4000
(1) TIU
(1) AIU
(1) DCS Remote Control Version 4.20
(9) Switches hooked up to AIU
(4) Lighted Lock-On
(1) RTR F-3 Diesel Freight / Passenger Set PS2
(1) RTR SD70ACE Diesel Freight Set PS2
(1) RTR 4-6-0 Steam Freight / Passenger Set PS3

(1) Operating Passenger Platform

(1) Railtown Building Switch Tower

(1) Red Operating Rotary Beacon
Layout Measures 5 feet X 10 feet

I have one of these cabooses and Barry has hit on the solution.  I activate the brakeman by first pushing, on the handheld,  the TR(ack) button and then pushing (and holding until the sequence is well under way) the bell button.  Works like a charm every time.  I don't remember, but it might be necessary to first set up a " track" in the DCS handheld.

I hope this helps.

Pat,

I don't remember, but it might be necessary to first set up a " track" in the DCS handheld.

Yes, this only works on a TIU track, on a variable channel.

You can use the bell button on your transformer if it has one,  It'll give the track a  shot of dc hopefully enough to activate the car. I have a Lionel 5906 sound activating module  rewired with heavier  wire in series with fixed 1.(hot)