Using All 4 TIU Channels for Command - Help

To make a variable channel fixed, go to menu, system and the DCS setup. There you will see your variable channel and change it to fixed using the soft key.

Regardless of setting to fixed or leaving variable, you need to make sure DCS signal is turned on also, an voltage scrolled up.  Barry's book covers it.  G

Don,

Looking though Barry's book, I can't seem to find how to do this -

In the 2nd edition, pages 45 and 95 .

This and a whole lot more is all in MTH’s “The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

Thanks to all- that was very helpful and it worked like a charm.

And to echo GGG's point, once you set the Variable to Fixed, it's  not done - you need to press the soft key "on" or the DCS signal is not going to be on to that channel. 

Barry - thanks for the reference. Once I'm out of the basement I'm going to review those sections. Funny how reading it two years ago didn't stick! Lol.

Barry,

Is there anyway to check the settings without doing a feature or factory reset on the TIU's and losing the info stored there? I'd like to make sure the DCS is turned on on all 8 channels.

you can use the remote and use the AON soft key.  G

Thanks George. 

And to echo GGG's point, once you set the Variable to Fixed, it's  not done - you need to press the soft key "on" or the DCS signal is not going to be on to that channel. 

That's neither correct nor is it what George stated.

Setting a variable channel to fixed mode or resetting it to variable mode does not affect the DCS signal. If it was on before you changed the channel's mode, it's still on.

So then once set from variable to fixed what's the point of the "on" soft key designation?

You really wouldn't want a fixed channel with no dcs signal. However the if the channel is  in var mode you may not want the dcs signal present. Ex.  running a proto-2 in conventional mode for testing.   you can use  the dcs remote to get the fast whistle and bell combinations for conventional resets.

Any way lots of options under Menu/System/dcs set/   once the var channels  are set to fixed they stay that way until you change them .

You really wouldn't want a fixed channel with no dcs signal.

Not quite correct.  You can used Fixed to run conventional, regulating voltage at the transformer, or via remnote if you have aZ4000 with the separate receiver.

So then once set from variable to fixed what's the point of the "on" soft key designation?

One must turn off the DCS signal on any channel where one desires to operate DCS (PS2/PS3) engines conventionally.

Just so there is no confusion, the signal can be left on if the loco you want to run conventionally does not have PS2 or PS3. 

(No comment on any non-MTH command equipment.)

So as I said - if you're creating a new line and use a variable TIU channel, and change that variable channel to fixed to operate a command locomotive in command mode - and the locomotive does not operate - (assuming all else is right) it's because there is no signal propagating on that rail.  So you will need to press the soft "on" key, which fixed the issue in my case. 

My point was that if your using VAR to run DCS you don't need to set them as fixed, but you can and probably makes it easier.

My point was that running DCS trains in command on VAR requires the VAR voltage turned up, and make sure the DCS signal is turned on.  Just incase it was off.  Hopefully the TIU is working for you.  G

So you will need to press the soft "on" key, which fixed the issue in my case. 

Yes, but only because it was previously turned off by an operator. It is initially turned on by default.

PJB,

   Read Barry's book it's all spelled out in black and white, his wording is perfect and easy to understand.

PCRR/Dave