TIU Not recognized

Kris,

Many have had a similar problem.  Try this first.   Check and make sure the nut is completely tight to the screw.  TIU's seem to have that issue.  The fixture will get really hot, but not enough current to trip the fuses/breakers.  I have a deformed fixed 1, but after tightening that nut, the problem went away and the trains run again.  Fortunately, it only affects the fixture, not the board.  

If this doesn't work, then the guys will likely take you through the whole checklist.

JerryG

Thanks Jerry. It felt tight by hand but I will give it a turn.

Well I gave it a turn and it tightened but the results were the same both engines started like they were in conventional

Kris3914,

    I recommend powering your DCS  TIU thru the Aux with a RS 18/24 power supply, further use good male Banana Plugs on both the in & out sides of your TIU to help eliminate any loose wire problems that might arise over longevity operation.  I have been operating in this particular manner for many many years, works perfectly all the time, and gives you another channel to operate trains from also.   

PCRR/Dave

First, make sure that the circuit breaker on the Z1000 that powers Fixed #1 Input hasn't tripped.

If the TIU's red LED does not light when power is applied to Fixed Input #1 and all fuses are good, the only possibility, other than a TIU repair, is that the microswitch on the Aux. Power port is defective.

Test the Aux. Power port by plugging in a Z1000. If the red LED still doesn't light, call MTH for an RA# (repair authorization).

The fact that you have a very hot board component, that's not a nut on an input terminal, leads me to believe that your TIU needs repairing.

Not good....I would disconnect all the tiu outputs and try powering up the tiu using fixed 1 in... Will it light up? how about with just the aux power supply? 

Okay back to the basement.

Pine Creek Railroad posted:

Kris3914,

    I recommend powering your DCS  TIU thru the Aux with a RS 18/24 power supply, further use good male Banana Plugs on both the in & out sides of your TIU to help eliminate any loose wire problems that might arise over longevity operation.  I have been operating in this particular manner for many many years, works perfectly all the time, and gives you another channel to operate trains from also.   

PCRR/Dave

Still Nothing I am calling MTH my local National dealer opens at 2:30

Gregg posted:

Not good....I would disconnect all the tiu outputs and try powering up the tiu using fixed 1 in... Will it light up? how about with just the aux power supply? 

Tried that still no red light. Time to box it up and take it in.

Thanks for all of your suggestions time to cal MTH

Kris,

   Sure looks like you have a major problem with your TIU, time to send her back for repair or replacement.

PCRR/Dave

I am assuming your talking about one of the voltage regulators with a screw through the heat sink.  If that is hot, there is a short on the microchips overloading that  regulator.  Needs to be repaired.   Or it is one of the FETs in the bank of heat sink, but that would only be when a variable channel is powered.  G

I called MTH and I was only on hold for about 8 minutes I actually was impressed with that. I explained my issue and was given an authorization number. 25 bucks to ship via UPS but what the heck it was time to take a break from the layout anyhow. I just hope it would not have been money better spent on a new TIU and an in line fuse.

GGG posted:

I am assuming your talking about one of the voltage regulators with a screw through the heat sink.  If that is hot, there is a short on the microchips overloading that  regulator.  Needs to be repaired.   Or it is one of the FETs in the bank of heat sink, but that would only be when a variable channel is powered.  G

Thanks G you are correct on your assumption. This one is out of my league so I shipped it.

Kris,

Sorry to hear.  Suspected as much.

You are lucky to get that timely a response.  I have gone days...the MTH folks are very helpful, but they must be understaffed.   MTH stuff is great- when it works.  I keep buying, but have had to send a few things back.  Most of the "train people" are more than willing to take care of things.  I figure with such a sea change in technology there are bound to be problems, but the new stuff is so superior it is worth the problems we go through.  I thank Barry and Gregg, and all the guys, so much for solving so many problems for all of us.  OGRR forum is a godsend to the unbelievable amount of folks involved in the hobby. 

Jerry G