TIU is probably Toast, How to Proceed

Memory chip failure on Rev G.  It can be replaced, but is tedious repair.  I have done a few.  Just not easy and there can be other faults.  G

So what would cause a failure like that?

So am I better off buying a whole new system or just the TIU and upgrade the two remotes?

Mike,

IMHO, buy a new one. It has upgraded circuit traces, and better signal generators. You need only the TUI, but frankly, I'd buy both the TIU and the remote.. Your old remotes will work with the new TIU. After you get it, I recommend upgrading both old remotes to the latest version of software. The new one will have the current version already on board.

Be aware that your old TIU has all the black connections common to each other, while on the new one, there will be 4 independent commons and a single 10amp fuse on each one. You MAY have to do a little rewiring, but not much.

Chris

LVHR

If you do go the new remote route, we can trade remotes if you'd like. I have the newer style thumbwheel remote upgrade to v. 6.10 and I'd like one with the older style wheel.

I wouldn't spend the money on a Rev. G TIU, just go for a current one.

It's like socking money into a used car, no sooner do you fix one thing, than something else goes. After a point you got your money's worth. Go with a new TIU & remote & you'll still have a back-up remote. I'd keep using the old remote as long as it lasts & if it goes, you'll have a new one to keep running.

I'd suggest the only thing you do is enter all your engines from the old remote into the new, keeping the same address to avoid conflicts. Do the same with lash-ups. You'll also be able to share the extra remote with a guest.

Don't forget to remove the batteries if storing for a long period.

Age who knows, only the REV Gs have been memory failures that I have seen.  The repair can be done and you then have a back up/spare TIU and at much less cost then a new one.  Or if you have multi tiu layout and the G can do certain duties for your layout.

If your going to throw it out, I will pay you postage for it:-)  G

I keep dead TIU's around to use the posts when someone melts a couple, and I have gotten numerous requests for cases where one was dropped or melted as well, so the dead ones are always useful to keep around.  The transceiver board is normally good as well, though I have accumulated a small stock of those, they don't seem to go bad much.

How many MTH engines do you have ?

If you are concerned about future MTH parts, service, etc., you might consider switching to a Lionel Legacy system. Someone can correct me if I am wrong, but I believe by adding a Powermaster (especially the newer Legacy Powermaster) to a Legacy system you can not only operate Lionel command engines, but also operate MTH engines in conventional mode with many of their features.

In response to GGG, a back-up to your TIU or remote is always a good idea. Certainly repairing the one you have should be cheaper than a new one. Get an estimate, back & forth shipping should also be considered in the cost.