ps2 engine not found by dcs

CJ,

 

A few questions:

• What version of DCS are you running?
• What is the signal strength on each TIU channel?
• If you connect the TIU's Remote Input port to the remote using a 4-conductor telephone handset cablele, do things improve?
• Does the problem only happen when the TMCC engines on the tracks?

barry everything is brand new. dcs version 4.2 rev L tiu and new mth track, i also scuffed off the black coating on the center rail. the ps2 engine only works when the tmcc engine is deleated from the remote.  also i have the lionel 1 wire from the comand base hooked to the tiu fixed 1 out ground jack that goes to the outter rail. is that correct? The other tihings you asked about i will have to try when i get home from work . thanks again.  also i am using a post war lionel ZW.

I have the lionel 1 wire from the comand base hooked to the tiu fixed 1 out ground jack that goes to the outter rail. is that correct? 

Yes, that's correct.

FYI if I read the book correctly the newer versions of the TIU's do not use a common ground. The TMCC signal will only be on the TIU channel it is attached to unless you jumper the grounds on the TIU together for the signal to pass through. 

Nelson,

FYI if I read the book correctly the newer versions of the TIU's do not use a common ground. 

That's correct. The only TIU that had a common Common was the original Rev. G.

The TMCC signal will only be on the TIU channel it is attached to unless you jumper the grounds on the TIU together for the signal to pass through. 

Also correct, although the TMCC or Legacy signal is RF and can often "jump" from one block to another even if the outside rails are insulated between blocks.

Ok so I ran to radioshak after work and picked up some paired speaker wire, some terminal ends, and a phone cord. got home and got to work. I make up new cables from the zw to tiu and tiu to track all properly terminated this time. also made a ground jumper wire for all the ground output terminals on the tiu and to the tmcc.  Both engins now run but the ps2 engine will not respond to all the functions of the remote and it runs slow. every time i push a button it says engine not on track or check track. but it stil runs slow. the tmcc engine runs like a top! I hooked up the phone cord to the tiu and remote but that did not make a difference. I will have more time to check signal strenth on the tiu chanels tomorow, and i wil let you know.  I really apriciate the help you have given me! I also got a e-coppy of your book, can't wait to read it.

I also got a e-coppy of your book

Check out the troubleshooting section, pages 147-170.

Battery and must sure engine runs

Hi Barry, I did some reading in the section of your book you sugested and i did some tests. I checked voltage from the transformer to the tiu fixed chanel 1 and fixed chanel 2 inputs and outputs and at the tracks. they are all the same value with no change. I switched Fixed chanel 1 (that is hooked to my outter loop) over to my inner loop and the problem moved to my inner loop. I moved fixed chanel 2 to my outer loop and that works perfectly. So I think I have a problem with fixed chanel 1 in my tiu.  i preformed a track signal test and fixed chanel 1 will not let me preform the test. fixed chanel 2 the test was a 10.  Can i repair tiu fixed chanel 1 or do i need to replace the TIU?  Is there anything else i can try to trouble shoot the problem

All you can do is verify that the problem is the TIU's Fixed channel #1, as follows:

• Connect a short piece of track, large enough to hold an engine, to Fixed channel #1 out
• Place a PS2 engine on the track
• Put power into Fixed channel #1 in. Use the same transformer output that's currently working with Fixed channel #2 in.
• Attempt to run a track signal test with the engine stationary.

If the signal isn't all 9-10, then Fixed cannel #1 is almost certainly defective ad needs to be repaired.

 

I suggest that you also test the variable channels after putting them into fixed mode.

Hi barry, I did as you said and i have a signal of 10 on all outputs but fixed output 1.

Fixed output 1 has a signal of 1 and the remote says to check track.  Do I send it back to mth or what do you think i should do.  I will attend the york tca meet on friday april 20.

It's almost certainly a defective DCS signal generator or other component on Fixed #1.

 

Call MTH tomorrow (410-381-2580) and talk to tech support. It's new so you should be able to send it in for a warrantee repair.

 

If you bought it from a local dealer, another alternative might be to see if they'll exchange it for a good one, or at least handle the repair for you.