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You guys have been so helpful, thought I'd pick your brains again. I'm trying to create a lashup - doesn't matter which engines I use. Issue is the trailing unit (I'm only doing 2) doesn't run. Everything else is in sync. Sounds, couplers, lights, but it just sits there. Can't figure out what I'm doing wrong.
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Originally Posted by Christopher2035:
You guys have been so helpful, thought I'd pick your brains again. I'm trying to create a lashup - doesn't matter which engines I use. Issue is the trailing unit (I'm only doing 2) doesn't run. Everything else is in sync. Sounds, couplers, lights, but it just sits there. Can't figure out what I'm doing wrong.

 lash-ups must see the watch dog signal on power up else they won't move, however it seems your problem is a little different, the lead engine will move. (back to square 1)

Sorry guys - My power went out last night from a storm shortly after I posted this & I've been tied up at work this morning.  Just to clarify, For this - I'm using DCS with MTH engines.  I have some TMCC engines, but everything is still run via DCS. 

 

here are the exact steps I'm doing - 

 

2 engines are placed on the track

track power is turned on

on the DCS remote - 

Menu/Advanced/Create Lash Up/MTH Lash Up/Add Engine/Pick engine/Head Engine/Fwd/Add Engine/Pick Engine/Tail Engine/Reverse/Lash Up Name/Press 3 on the keypad to start up lashup

 

both engines start up & are online.  Functions work as they should for a lashup - couplers, lights, horn, bell, etc.  

 

Go to move them out & only the front engine moves.  I've tried with different engines, same result. Also tried to change the address of the lashup - same result.

 

Any idea?

If multiple engines do the same thing when attempting this, it seems something isn't right.

 

Have you tried selecting the lash up and starting it up that way, making sure you have not selected the lead engine somehow? (If that doesn't work, for a test what happens if you delete the lash up and reverse the two engines?) Once in a while we have had lash ups with horn and bell in both engines, no idea why, the others only head light and coupler work on trailing engine.

 

DCS level and engine numbers? One TIU?

Last edited by Lima

Chris,

You are not alone in this, I've been having similar problems with my lashups on Proto 3.0 diesels. They work fine separaetly, but in a lashup they will do everything except move.

Deleted then re-added several times finally gets them to work together, but upon shutdown and idle for a while, the problem starts all over again the next day. Yes, I have updated DCS to 4.30 and am beginning to wonder if it is a glitch in the updgrade?

What rev. in DCS does your's show?

Originally Posted by Lima:

If multiple engines do the same thing when attempting this, it seems something isn't right.

 

Have you tried selecting the lash up and starting it up that way, making sure you have not selected the lead engine somehow? (If that doesn't work, for a test what happens if you delete the lash up and reverse the two engines?) Once in a while we have had lash ups with horn and bell in both engines, no idea why, the others only head light and coupler work on trailing engine.

 

DCS level and engine numbers? One TIU?

I've tried swapping the engines around & the trailer still sits dead.  Yes, I'm using 1 TIU to 2 tracks via the variable outputs.  DCS is 4.10 Engines are in the 1-20 address range

Originally Posted by Christopher2035:
Originally Posted by Lima:

If all your engines do the same thing when attempting this, it seems something isn't right. Either software or other issue.

 

Curious, have you tried a three piece lash-up to see if the center unit responds?

I'd leave them uncoupled as you just want to check response to commands.

 

As willygee asked, remote and TIU same software version?

 

Have you tried selecting the lash up and starting it up that way, making sure you have not selected the lead engine somehow? (If that doesn't work, for a test what happens if you delete the lash up and reverse the two engines?) Once in a while we have had lash ups with horn and bell in both engines, no idea why, the others only head light and coupler work on trailing engine.

 

DCS level and engine numbers? One TIU?

I've tried swapping the engines around & the trailer still sits dead.  Yes, I'm using 1 TIU to 2 tracks via the variable outputs.  DCS is 4.10 Engines are in the 1-20 address range

Have that very set up at a friends house. Very strange, if multiple engines all do the same thing seems like a software issue.

 

Leaving them uncoupled and a few inches apart, if you make a 3 unit lash up does the center engine move?

Last edited by Lima
Originally Posted by Lima:
Originally Posted by Christopher2035:
Originally Posted by Lima:

If all your engines do the same thing when attempting this, it seems something isn't right. Either software or other issue.

 

Curious, have you tried a three piece lash-up to see if the center unit responds?

I'd leave them uncoupled as you just want to check response to commands.

 

As willygee asked, remote and TIU same software version?

 

Have you tried selecting the lash up and starting it up that way, making sure you have not selected the lead engine somehow? (If that doesn't work, for a test what happens if you delete the lash up and reverse the two engines?) Once in a while we have had lash ups with horn and bell in both engines, no idea why, the others only head light and coupler work on trailing engine.

 

DCS level and engine numbers? One TIU?

I've tried swapping the engines around & the trailer still sits dead.  Yes, I'm using 1 TIU to 2 tracks via the variable outputs.  DCS is 4.10 Engines are in the 1-20 address range

Have that very set up at a friends house. Very strange, if multiple engines all do the same thing seems like a software issue.

 

Leaving them uncoupled and a few inches apart, if you make a 3 unit lash up does the center engine move?

I haven't tried a 3 unit one.  Let me do that now. I'll report back!

ok just tested it w/ 3 engines.  SD70ACe, ES44AC & SD45-2.   SD45-2 is the lead, ES44AC is the middle & 70Ace is the trailing.  The middle & trailing unit run, but the SD45-2, the lead unit will not respond to throttle. All other functions work though - couplers, lights, horn, sounds as if it was a working 3 unit lashup

What version is the TIU? Light bulbs or filters?? What type of track?

I believe the TIU stores or controls a lot of info. There was a post about this when the computer controlling program was written by Mark.

 I have a feeling it maybe something else though. What is your power? Gauge of wire? Maybe something is causing a power loss at the rails? even dirty wheels???

 I run nothing but lash-ups and never saw this one.

The extra engines aren't getting the command for some reason. Are any accessories attached to track power?

 Update: I should have stated that I have seen engines not respond in a lash-up. Usually it's in an area of the layout with weaker signal and one or two engines didn't get the command.

I would try a lash-up on a test piece of shorter track. You're losing signal somehow. I'd bet it's in the layout.

Last edited by Engineer-Joe

Christopher,

 

I'm suspecting a DCS watchdog issue of some kind. Try the following: 

  • Replace the connection to the layout at the TIU channel output with a test track. This should be a section of track big enough to hold a lashup.
  • Disconnect all other channel outputs from the TIU.
  • Place a known problem lashup on the test track, owner up the track and see if it works correctly and consistently.
Last edited by Barry Broskowitz

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