tiu. changing variable to fixed how do you do it with remote?

Menu/System/DCS set up/TIU#1/Variable1/ soft key FXD

Menu/System/DCS set up/TIU#1/Variable2/ soft key FXD

I configure them as fixed, then if I need variable, just selecting the track and moving the thumbwheel will drop them back to variable until the next power cycle of the TIU.

You're welcome.

John,

I did not know that little trick to temporarily switch back to variable. Thanks.

Another note for newbies: if your do a restoration of the tiu to factory settings one must reselect fixed...don't ask me how I discovered this...:-)

Earl   

John, That is a fantastic tip!  Much, Much easier, that will keep some of my conventional out of the box under the layout.

THANKS !!

Gentlemen,

  Remember also you can use TR in 2 different ways, as Z4K tracks or TIU tracks, however if you use the Z4K tracks you must also have the side receiver.  If you have some time, read how you can trick the system and run more Z4K tracks than you ever thought possible.  Barry spells this all out real clearly in his book, he also advised that he does not recommend it, and it is not sanctioned by MTH.  Further when set up correctly your old conventional engines run smoother on the TR mode, using the DCS hand held remote control, than they ever ran on any of the older transformers.

Smooth as silk as a matter of fact.

PCRR/Dave

If you have a Z4000, the Z4K tracks work well, as you say, you get sine wave power at all power settings.  However, if you don't have the Z4000, then using the TIU variable is the way to go.

Guns,

   Absolutely I use the TR TIU function for my ZW's & KW's all the time, it still totally amazes me how smooth the old trains run in this manner.

PCRR/Dave

Dave, one of my sons gave me a complete DCS system, including the Z4K receiver, the week after it was released.  I had no DCS locos at the time, but I had walkaround control of my fleet of conventional locos locos, and it worked great.

RJR,

   Great stuff isn't it, my old Tin Plate engines run so smooth via the TR that it's almost like the engines are brand new again.  Ya got to love this kind of engineering technology.  I acquired an old 264 Tin plate engine & some rolling stock from one of the OGR members last year, man that little train thinks it's brand new again, runs as smooth as glass on the 2nd level of the Christmas layout, with a little Red & Tacky and DCS TR control.  My original Williams engines are so powerful using the DCS TR that I have to put numerous big lighted passenger cars behind them, so I can raise the voltage far enough to operate my FT CC switches correctly using just track power,  ya got to love this stuff.

PCRR/Dave 

I just ran a trolley on variable to see how this works and its so smooth!  then switched it to fixed to run my PCC on the same track.  I like that feature, quick back and forth. 

Dave, the reason the loco runs fast is the highly distorted wave form caused by the TIU reducing a high input voltage.  If I input 22 volts to a TIU variable, my conventional locos, if deadheading, will fly at 5.5 volts.  I don't know what an FT CC switch is, but if you can power them separately and cut voltage inputted to the TIU, they'll be even more fun.

RJR,

  The FasTrack Command Control switches can be powered either way, they are great low voltage stuff and I eliminated all wiring by using the track power, and it works great.  The big Williams engines have always been seriously powerful stump pullers, even with a minimal amount of power. 

Chris D,

   You are starting to see why we like this TR function so much, it opens up all kinds of options for old Conventional engines, trollies, fire cars ect, along with your P2 stuff.

PCRR/Dave

Over the decades, I've learned that operating trains slowly and using track power for switches, unloading cars, or uncouplers are incompatible.  Worth the effort of running one wire all around the layout and feeding switches from it.

RJR,

   I agree and use to due the same thing, now I am trying to eliminate as much wiring as possible, and run as much via remote control as possible, so far the experiment is working out great.

PCRR/Dave