PS3 engine starts up autmatically

Instead of turning the TIU on and off, just do the following:

• Press ENG and select the engine in the remote's Engine List
• Press the thumbwheel to get the engine into the remote's LCD display as the active engine
• Once the engine is in the remote's LCD display, press Startup.

Hi Barry,

 

I think I may be a little lost here, I know how to startup the engines via the remote that is not the issue. The issue is why periodically an engine will startup just by plugging in the TIU? Are you saying to keep the TIU active all the time and not to unplug it from the electrical socket?

 

Thanks..

why periodically an engine will startup just by plugging in the TIU?

It shouldn't. The engine is somehow missing the watchdog signal.

 

There are only a few reasons why this can happen:

• Signal strength may be low
• The power is coming on for the track after the watchdog signal has come and gone, perhaps because you're toggling on the siding upon which the engine resides
• The TIU may be defective
• The engine may be defective.

Hi Barry,

 

Yes, the engine is located on a yard siding. Not sure what you mean by toggling.

The remote at the time has not even been turned on.

It does not always occur. This has happened to another engine as well.

I think the issue is the rate at which the PS3 caps charge.  Some prefer a slower increase in voltage.  OR   It could possibly be a signal issue in the smaller engines.  There have been some wire harness routing issues with PS3.

 

I have noticed this problem mostly with the SW switchers although I have had it happen with some bigger engines as well.

 

Dave

I have had it happen with the PS-3 R-36 cars. It was accompanied by erratic behavior such as loss of control while in DCS mode as an example. On the dealers layout, we had trouble loading in to the DCS system. When we got it running , it stopped several times on the layout. The final time, it could not be restarted. Also, it would not run conventioanlly. It was back to MTH twice to correct issues which they say are resolved. I have run it but for a few moments since it was returned about when we were leaving on a trip. Hope to get some time with it when we get back. 

Ok so at this point I am not sure if there is an engine issue or what.

Not a bid deal, juts trying to find out what is the cause.

 

Thanks everyone.

 

Trackahead

If this occurs only on the siding you may have a DCS signal strength issue there.  As Barry says it misses the watch dog signal at first.  When you cycle the TIU the watch dog signal is resent.

 

Place engine on the main line, and power up the TIU and Track.  Does the engine still start up or does it behave correctly?  G

Hi I was having the same problem. But then realized I was having similar intermittent issues with other MTH engines. I was getting frustrated so I swapped out the TIU with a spare one I had bought the last time my TIU went bad and the problem was solved. I put the original TIU back and the problem returned so definitely was the TIU in my case. Second time this one went bad. Of course I'm sure the warranty has lapsed ha ha $$$

Hello rgross,

 

The issue as of my last post did not occur again until last night.

If it is the TIU, I am not having any other issues. The 2 AIU's connected etc

are also fine with no issues. Also per GGG, issue does not occur on the main line.

Interesting

Thanks

What transformer are you using? I have the same issue wih mine if I do not trottle up track 1 before I trottle up track 2.....using a Z4000

Berg,

I have the same issue wih mine if I do not trottle up track 1 before I trottle up track 2.....using a Z4000

Your issue is because the TIU is getting power for itself from the power going into Fixed #1 IN.

 

To avoid this problem in the future, either connect a suitable power supply to the TIU's Aux. Power port or make sure to turn on power into Fixed #1 IN before turning on power into Fixed #2 IN.

 

This and a whole lot more is all in "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!

Ok, thank you, Is this a serviced accessory, or can I get a specific size adapter???

Berg,

Ok, thank you, Is this a serviced accessory, or can I get a specific size adapter???

If you're referring to a power source for the TIU's Aux. Power port, this excerpt from The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition, page 93, should help:

 

TIU Aux. Power Sources

There are several sources of power that may be used to power the TIU through the Aux. Power port. In general, any AC or DC power supply that provides 1.5 amp of power at a voltage between 12 and 22 volts and has a suitable connector that fits the Aux. Power port will work.

 

One source of power for the TIU's Aux. Power port is any one of the smaller MTH transformers, such as the Z500, Z750 or Z1000. Their barrel plugs exactly fit the TIU's Aux. Power port. If using one of these transformers, it is important not to use the Z-Controller that may be included with the transformer.

 

Another source of power for the TIU's Aux. Power port is the Radio Shack "#273-331 "Enercell™ Switchable 18/24VAC 1 AMP Power Adapter with #273-344 Enercell™ Adaptaplug™ M. It should be used on the 18 volt setting.

 

A third source of power for the TIU's Aux. Power port is the 14 volt output of an MTH Z4000 transformer using an appropriate barrel connector. It should be noted that if the Z4000's 14 volt output is used, it should be used solely for this purpose and not used to power any other device.

 

If you're not readily knowledgeable of all of the features and functions of DCS, you might want to consider purchasing a copy of "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site. Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book.

http://www.mthtrains.com/content/60-1279