SER2 To TPC400 not working

ed,

I'm in the middle of wiring my layout and I have a similar setup as you.  The big difference is I also have a DZ-2001 in the loop to drive my DZ-2500 switch machines.

I did a test wiring setup before I started the layour, and I got things to work.  So yours should work.  Here is what I used:

You may want to try without the Command Cable DB9.  Per the SER2 instructions, connect the LCS SER2's OUTPUT terminal to the DAT connection, and the SER2 COMMON terminal to the COM connection.

Hope you can get it to work; I'm worried now mine may not.

Ron,

I did as you suggested and replaced the DB9. Works like a champ now!  Thanks.  I can now run in conventional mode so my grandson can run his Thomas engine. He'll be thrilled, and I can now run my 70+ yr old Lionel engines as well.  Life is good.

ed

Ron,

I forgot to ask. I noticed you have something ( Can't read the letters)  bridging the wires to and from the terminal block. What are they and what are they for? My next addition will also be a TIU so if there is some gizmo I should have, I'd like to know. Not much hair left to pull out when things don't work.   

Thanks,

ed

I just added LCS WiFi to my Legacy Base/Original CAB1 combo with a TPC300.  Since the Y cable that came with the Legacy Command Base was "full" I had to get a SER2 as well.  The DB9 that was connected to the TPC300 had to be connected to the new power supply/DB9 combo cable for the LCS modules.  The DB9 cable I had with the TPC300 was an IC Controls made cable from when I bought my TPCs.  Unfortunately the plastic housing around the DB9 metal pin connector wrapped around the connector base plate.  It protrudes enough and the DB9 connection on the SER2 is so low against the plastic lip of it's housing that you can't fully insert the DB9 connector.  It only went in 1/2 way and I suspected the connection wouldn't be reliable.  So I too moved to the same screw terminal connection mentioned above.  That works great.  It's unfortunate the SER2 placed the DB9 where they did.  It's not functionally thought out.  And the PDI connections seem very flimsy.  I love the new modules design and functionality.  I just wish the build quality was a little more substantial.

I think the devise you are talking about is the PSX-AC circuit protection I use.  One of its many functions is a very fast electronic CB, faster than the CB in a PH180.  I use it because the dual PH180s, going through the TPC400, can put out 20 amps which is quite a bit of amperage.  I set the PSX CB function to 15 amps which is plenty for my power hungry passenger trains.

The down side of the PSX is it kills the DCS signal, that is why there is a 34A 22uh choke between the PSX and the TIU.  The TIU is wired in passive mode because its channels are not rated for more than 10 amps.

One of these days I'll finish a loop and see if it works as planned.

I agree with you regarding the placement of the DB9 and I too am concerned about how well the module will hold up overtime. However, I don't think I'll be moving it much or monkeying with the cables once I go final, so I'm thinking it will not be a problem.  I had carved off enough of the plastic on the Command Base Cable so I could secure it to the SER2 with the screws. Otherwise, it just doesn't fit. Anyway, I switched to the wire connections and it's all good.