Remotes

Yes, the first thing is- clone the first remote so the second remote has the same database- then both can easily send commands to that engine.

https://ogrforum.com/topic/how...iu-remote-to-another

Again, what you want to do works, no problem, but the first step is backing up and cloning the first remote to the second remote.

Foo.  I was hoping there would be a video on YouTube or page on how to do this. A few years ago I wanted to add a custom sound while changing a locomotive direction.  I swear I did it with two remotes but can't recall how.

You can do it without cloning but it requires a bit of understanding how adding an engine works and ensuring both remotes have the same ID slot 1-99 free.

You add the engine to the first remote and make a note of what ID slot it takes up. You then ensure that same slot is free on the second remote. You add the engine to the second remote and because the "adding ruleset" attempts to use the current stored ID slot the engine reports, if it is free in that remote database it uses that slot.

The problem is if you forget and add to one remote and not the other, and then your free and used slots don't match up and you end up with mismatches. That's why cloning the remote ensures both are an exact copy.

Again, it's technically possible to add an engine to 2 remotes and have it be the same slot ID. However, it's also possible to do this, and each time you add it the new add engine on a different remote steals the engine away (changing the ID slot to a different one free in that remote) and you end up in mismatch- one remote will say engine not found when the IDs do not match- hence both cannot send commands to that engine. As long as they match, both can send the same ID formatted commands and the engine will respond.

It's not that difficult.  The secret is the DCS Loader and the two icons illustrated.  Power up the TIU and make sure it's connected to the computer properly and is recognized by the computer.

Connect the source remote with the phone handset curly cord to the TIU.  The "source" remote is the one you want to clone, the destination remote is the one that receives the cloned data.

Using the DCS loader program, click on the left hand icon that transfers the data from the remote to the TIU.  You will have to select a location for the data on your computer.

Connect the destination remote to the TIU.

Click on the right hand icon this time, and you can transfer the data back to the destination remote.

You the man Gunrunner.  Thanks

That must be what I did before, Vernon.  You're correct that the second remote "steals" the engine.  Every time I tried the same address would not be available on the second remote.  Should resetting the second remote to clear it out then adding the loco work?

@jps32016 posted:

That must be what I did before, Vernon.  You're correct that the second remote "steals" the engine.  Every time I tried the same address would not be available on the second remote.  Should resetting the second remote to clear it out then adding the loco work?

Yes, if you clear or reset the second remote and then add the engine, because the remote has a blank unpopulated roster and every address is free, it should then keep the address the engine reports from being added to the first remote.

Well foo again.  I reset the second remote, made sure the engine was the only one on the track, and when I tried to add it to the second remote it just froze up.  Tried several times.  In fact the only way I could turn it off was take a battery out.  Maybe defective?  No big deal as I found another way to do what I want but two remotes would be preferable.

Okay here's where I am now.  All I want to do is fire a custom sound into an engine while immediately stopping it as part of a recorded session.  The manual says to press update list on custom sounds.  The option appears on my primary remote but not the backup.  It says it can't communicate with the TIU.  In fact when I selected add TIU it messed up the primary remote and I had to reprogram everything on the primary.

I have an older DCS manual  which says nothing about backup except to go to the website. Am I missing a step to access custom sounds or is the backup remote defective?  Any other way?  Somehow was able to do this before but neglected to note the exact procedure.

My alternate solution was to install a little recordable module I already had and speaker under the target spot.  A 1/2" insulated rail (both) triggers the sound as the engine pilot truck contacts it and stops.  Actually works better than the custom sounds as the two sound sources mix.