PS3 Problems

Whenever I have encountered similar issues, I get out the denatured alcohol, a short piece of 1"X2" wood, and a soft cotton red shop rag. Cleaning the track, especially the center rail works every time.

Paul:  Unlike the Lionel TMCC, the DCS system can only handle about 250' of track per channel.  Even then, it might not get to more distant parts away from the TIU.

 What I had to do, and it took a bit of effort because my layout has some 750' of track and is on four, connected levels, was use all four channels on the TIU, each one connected to a section of track.  Where one track section (call them blocks, for lack of a better name) meets another, you must separate the third rail from the adjoining block.  Each section of track then gets connected to a different channel but you power up the whole layout at the same time.  The train can't tell when it goes from one section to another but the DCS signal comes from a different channel and is much stronger and will control the engines much better.  But, like I say, the transition is seamless.

If you still have some difficulty in a more distant part of the track, you can connect your power leads, from one channel in what they call a "star" pattern, with all the drops in that one control block, connected to a central bus strip.  Sounds complicated but it is easy to do, once you have the tracks divided.   Also, the installation of a small bulb (I use 25v bulbs so they last longer) connected between the center rail and an outside rail but generally hidden below the layout or, at least the scenery,  probably in the most distant part of each block, can somehow draw the DCS radio signal to the distant locations. 

Give that separation a try.  It works and will help your signal strength measurably.

Paul Fischer

Swap the TIU inputs and outputs between the inner and outer loops.  If the problem stays on the inside loop, the track and wiring for that loop is most likely the problem. If the problem moves to the outside loop, the TIU channel may have issues.

Barry, sorry to get back to you so late but I had some other issues to attend to. I did what you said, swapped the TIU inputs and outputs and the problem switched to the outside loop. It would seem that the TIU has issues. My outside loop is dedicated to my Lionel Legacy F-7 ABA so switching the TIU won't be a concern for me unless you think so. Can I use one of the two outside input/output or are they strictly for conventional running? Thanks again for your expertise.

Can I use one of the two outside input/output or are they strictly for conventional running? Thanks again for your expertise.

Sure you can.... set'em(var 1 or var2)  to fixed mode to operate just  like fixed 1 &2.

Here's the command.... Menu/System/ dcs set up/ select the var channel you want to use and hit FXD.   The tiu will remember it's in fixed mode so you only have to set it up once.... the var channel needs full voltage on the input side whether in fixed mode or var mode. There is a slight delay with the var channel when you first power up the layout.

Don't forget the tiu needs a power supply to function... Either power to fixed 1 or an aux power supply.... I'm not sure what channel is down on your set up.

Paul,

I agree with Gregg's comments.

However, one additional concern is that the Legacy engine could also be interfering with the DCS signal. When you swapped the inputs and outputs, was the Legacy engine getting power? If it was, then retest without the Legacy engine powered up.

My Legacy was not on when I tried swapping the TIU input/output.

Did the inside loop ever work?

Gregg, The inside loop always worked with TMCC/Legacy and a PS2 engine. My problem started when I got my first PS3 engine. I was told to move the wires away from the donut (RF receiver) which helped on the outside loop but not on the inside loop. I did the same on my new GP9 and that seemed to help it also on the inside loop once I changed the leads from outside to inside.