Variable 1 and Variable 2 and bell - whistle - direction

I really don't see. this as an issue with the TIU or remote hardware. Further, if this is a DCS issue, I've never experienced it or heard it being reported. The only difference that I can see is that power comes from 2 different transformers.

In that regard, please describe exactly what voltage is coming from each transformer and how you adjust it.

In the mean time, do 2 things:

• Ensure that there is no center rail connection anywhere between the tracks connected to Variable #1 and Variable #2.
• Second, swap just the outputs between Variable #1 and Variable #2, and see if the problem moves from Variable #1 to Variable #2. 

Barry Broskowitz posted:

I really don't see. this as an issue with the TIU or remote hardware. Further, if this is a DCS issue, I've never experienced it or heard it being reported. The only difference that I can see is that power comes from 2 different transformers.

In that regard, please describe exactly what voltage is coming from each transformer and how you adjust it.

In the mean time, do 2 things:

• Ensure that there is no center rail connection anywhere between the tracks connected to Variable #1 and Variable #2.
• Second, swap just the outputs between Variable #1 and Variable #2, and see if the problem moves from Variable #1 to Variable #2. 

The voltage on Variable in 1 is 16.80 VAC.  The voltage on Variable in 2 is 16.95 VAC.  There is no adjusting them.  They are both connected to the fixed voltage outputs of the transformers.  Those transformers are for track power only.  (I use other transformers for accessories and throwing switches.)

I am running two rail S gauge, so the center rail is not an issue.  The power rail is isolated using insulating pins between the two halves of the layout.  The base rail is connected with steel pins between the two halves.  And the base of the two transformers are connected together using a 16 gauge wire.  They are plugged into the same power strip.

I swapped the output connections and the problem stayed with Variable out 1.  The whistle still worked when using the Var1 and Var2 outputs independently, but only worked on Var2 when using the ALL TIU TRACKS control.

I only have conventional locomotives so that is all I run for now.  It is great using the DCS system for remote control of the voltage on the track and therefore the speed of the engines.  I am very happy with it.  I have a MTH PS3 S gauge engine on order, but I am still waiting for it.

Thank you for trying to help Barry.

Double Header in NC

When selecting Var1 or Var2 independently, the bell and whistle and direction buttons work fine.  But when I select ALL TIU TRACKS, the bell / whistle / direction buttons only work on the Var2 half of the layout.  There is no response at all to the button pushes on the Var1 half.  The train speed control is fine on both halves, but the bell / whistle / direction buttons only work on Var2.

This does not seem to be a hardware problem to me.  Is it a software problem

I  had the same experience years ago so you're not alone. However I was only using a single PWZW. I finally gave up and put it down to operator error. Not so sure about  it now.

When selecting Var1 or Var2 independently, the bell and whistle and direction buttons work fine.  But when I select ALL TIU TRACKS, the bell / whistle / direction buttons only work on the Var2 half of the layout.  There is no response at all to the button pushes on the Var1 half.  The train speed control is fine on both halves, but the bell / whistle / direction buttons only work on Var2.

Do this:

• Disconnect the tracks from Variable #2 Out and turn off power into Variable #2.
• Leave power on for Fixed #1 and Variable #1.
• Set the remote to ALL TIU TRACKS.

See if the bell, whistle and direction buttons now work on Variable #1. If they do, you may well have an unwanted  connection between the tracks of the two loops, as well as a possible reversal of the Hot and Common between the 2 transformers.

Do this:

• Disconnect the tracks from Variable #2 Out and turn off power into Variable #2.
• Leave power on for Fixed #1 and Variable #1.
• Set the remote to ALL TIU TRACKS.

See if the bell, whistle and direction buttons now work on Variable #1. If they do, you may well have an unwanted  connection between the tracks of the two loops, as well as a possible reversal of the Hot and Common between the 2 transformers.

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Barry - I performed the above three steps as directed.  No change.  Still no bell, whistle, direction on Variable1 when using ALL TIU TRACKS.

I have phased the transformers and they are plugged into the same power strip.  So, hot and common should not be a problem.

Thanks.  I have been struggling with this for a while and it is good to have someone else thinking about it.

Double Header in NC

I have phased the transformers and they are plugged into the same power strip.  So, hot and common should not be a problem.

That's not to what I was referring. I'm talking about unintentionally reversing a pair of wires between a TIU output and the tracks to which it's connected.

Did you both disconnect the power coming out of Variable #2, and also ensure that there is complete isolation of the rails of the tracks connected to Variable #1 and Variable #2?

Did you both disconnect the power coming out of Variable #2, and also ensure that there is complete isolation of the rails of the tracks connected to Variable #1 and Variable #2?

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Yes.  I just did the experiment again and put another engine on the Variable2 side of the layout.  It did not move at all while I was applying power and trying the whistle on the Variable1 side.  Variable2 was completely off and disconnected.  Variable1 whistle worked when selecting Variable1 directly, but did not work when selecting ALL TIU TRACKS.

Double Header in NC