puzzled

Are the 4 loops completely separately from each other? no switches connecting them?

The var channels shouldn't be getting power until address as a track UNLESS they've been set to fixed mode. Maybe try this one... Menu/system/ Dcs set up/ select the var channel and select FXD. The FXD key is like a toggle , each time you press it , the channel changes from fixed mode to var mode, from var to FXD, you get the pic.

The remote shopuld tell you which mode you've selected.

yes the loops are seperate and on diffrent height levels

all of this is with the DCs Remote off with no batterires in it yet

Get some batteries, The var channels when set to fixed will power up the track just like a fixed channel, only difference, there's a slight delay . Doesn't matter if the remote is on or not.

Bobbie,

You have to have your conventional engines on a variable channel to keep them from starting up. Don't set them to FIXED to run these. The Fixed channels will pass power through them as soon as the bricks are turned on.

You then run the variable channel with the remote to control the voltage to operate conventional by pressing the TR softkey on the remote.

Check that one of the variable channels isn't set to FXD.

Blonde Moment

Problem is solved I inadvertently hooked up the conventional track to the fixed output instead of the Variable output.  Unfortunately i did not figure this out till after the event but a good time was had by all.  The Staff at the Adult Basic Education here in Hinton West Virginia were elated and had me sign a release to be published in the local news paper.  As Soon as i get the Article I will scan and post it if there is a request for me to show it.