TIU with both PS2 and PS engines?

Barry, He states he is powering TIU via Aux port and Z-500.

Once you power up TIU and then power VAR1 and Raise voltage, you need to make sure the DCS Signal is on; you can use the AON soft key.

Also, some times as you raise voltage on VAR1 the PS-2 engine may miss the watch dog signal and start up.  G

DrtrainDad,

   You might want to consider an upgrade to the Z4K Transformer, and use of the side receiver, to run all your conventional type engines & your P2 engines from your DCS hand held remote control.  Works great for all different kinds of engines, even runs most TMCC/Legacy.   

PCRR/Dave

Thanks everyone for the tips.

I am very appreciative of the quick replies.

I am reluctant to buy a new transformer, since I think I should have all of the power I need with 3 power bricks (Z1000 / Z1000 / Z500) and I don't need all the functionality of the Z4K with the TIU I have now.

Another thought I had-  If the battery in my engine is dead or uncharged, if I put the engine on the fixed voltage powered track, it should be fine since the PS2 board immediately gets 18V.  However, if I put the engine on the variable voltage track starting at 0 V then neither the battery nor the track is supplying power to the PS2 card and it may not be read.  It is also suspect because when I put the engine on the track in variable voltage mode at 5 V (start up), I am not getting engine sounds- just a lot of buzzing.

I will make certain my DCS signal is on, but I am wondering if I have a dead battery on my engines (they have been siting around for a few months).  Will try to charge the batteries.

The one thing I don't like about Fixed Voltage output is that there is always 18 V on the tracks (I have little ones that like to watch the trains and I am worried about burning out my switch and accessory lights), but I guess that way, the engine battery is always charging, whether the train is moving or not.

Thanks again and I hope every one is having a happy Thanksgiving.

- mark

Mark,

   You must have a charged battery or BCR in a P2 engine to initiate start up in any mode.  I suggest you replace the old battery with a new BCR that will probably last as long as you will ever need it.

PCRR/Dave

Dave,

You must have a charged battery or BCR in a P2 engine to initiate start up in any mode.

Actually, a PS2 engine will start up fine in DCS mode even if it has no battery or BCR at all.

Barry,

   Thanks for the education, my mistake, I thought initiation start up needed a charged battery for the engine to operate. 

PCRR/Dave

The worst scenario is a bad battery that is loading down the charging circuit, I've had those do funny things.  If the battery is charged or totally missing, it'll start up fine as Barry says.

Guns,

   Now I know why my P2 engine would not start, man you guys are good, thanks again for the education.

PCRR/Dave