I switch the banana plugs over from fixed to variable on my TIU to run some conventional engines using the handheld remote.
However, as we know, the starting point is 5 volts.
This is not so bad on start up but if you forget (and I often do) and drop suddenly below 5 volts, some engines come to a very abrupt stop.
Is there any way to alter this so start up begins at 0 volts?
Thanks
Soo Line
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The starting voltage is not 5 volts but 5 22nds of the amount of power going into the variable channel you are using. Cut down the input voltage you are using and the engine will stop before you get to what says 5 volts and your problem will be solved. If your input is 14 volts and the handheld says 11 volts what is coming out is 7 volts or 11/22nds of 14 volts.
You can switch a variable channel to fixed by using the soft keys with no need to change banana plugs.
I never switch anything to run conventional rather than DCS. Just use the TRK button to control track voltage. It controls the TIU output voltage on the variable channels, and by using a Z4000 reciver, controls the input vopltage on the Fixed channels. If I didn't need so many channels (6) on my layout, I could just use variable for all locos.
RJR,
Yes but you must change the V Channels to Fixed to operate in the manner you are
trying to accomplish. This gives you the ability to run both Conventional and DCS engines on the same tracks, it's a might tricky but you will get use to it.
PCRR/Dave
Dave, I've been doing this since DCS was released. I never change variable channels to fixed, for any reason.
If I want to run both DCS & conventional at the same time on the same track, I make the conventional train heavier so it runs slower, & control its speed by varying voltage using the thumbwheel after pressing the Track button. To control speed of the PS2 train, I press the Engine button and use the thumbwheel. I do not touch the transformers.
If I'm only running DCS, I use remote to set variable voltage output to about 16-17 volts, and use the engine button only.
RJR,
I fully understand you are very knowledgeable about DCS, was just commenting on
how Rich on the OGR Video Guide explains things, doubt I will ever weight my old 1959 Conventional magnatraction Lionel trains down far enough to run them and the DCS stuff at the same time, in the manner you do yours. You got to love DCS there are just so many different ways to use it.
PCRR/Dave
I got my first trains in 1941 and it drew over the years. I have a roster of Lionel locos dating back to 1941, which now probably get run once a year. When I first got a DCS system, that's all I had. Later I started acquiring some PS2 locos and have converted to PS2 everything I have that had a can motor. Once I got a stable of PS-2-equipped locos, it was just not as much fun running the old locos as DCS running: being able to run several locos in close proximity and not having to constantly adjust speed as loco went up and down grades made DCS much more fun.
"Weighting down" a conventional loco just means having a few more cars. Or use old Lionel cars on the conventional train and newer easier-rolling cars on the DCS loco.
What area of PA are you from?
RJR,
My home is just outside of Pittsburgh, Pa in Churchill. I am like you, have been running my trains from 1950 and each year at the very least we have a Christmas layout.
I love this DCS stuff and the slow speed control, especially in my Tin Plate. Always dreamed of running my trains from a hand held remote when I was a kid, never thought I would live long enough to actually do it.
RGD/Dave
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