What to do? Running PS1 Engine on TIU Tracks for the First Time

Anybody have input on this?

Thank you!

mjrodg3n88 posted:

I don't know if the one new post per day applies still, but if it does, I completely understand if this post is deleted (I think this is my third different one, sorry.)

That policy is ONLY for the For Sale or Trade Forum, i.e. NOT anyplace else on the OGR forums.

In April 2015, I purchased a Southern F3 ABA PS1 20-2177-1 (brand new) from Charlie at Trains R Fun.  Before he sent me the engine, he told me he replaced the battery, tested the engine and it works fine.  Would the battery still be okay sitting since 4/15?

Just my opinion but, I would charge the battery for at least 12 hours prior to trying to run the units.
 
With that, before I put it on the track, what exactly do I need to do?  I've researched through here and Barry's book and can't find clear details.  I know something with the PS1 soft key, but I also have seen people say that the sine waves coming from the TIU are not constant.  I have 2 isolated loops each powered by their own PH180 through the TIU variable channels.  Do I just power up the track, hit the PS1 soft key and be on my way with the thumbwheel?

Sorry but, way too many questions in one paragraph for this old fart to answer!

Thanks!

Other than charging the battery, I'd just see if it runs.  The battery should still be fine if it was new a year ago.

If you have a standard PW transformer, I'd start out with it on a test track to make sure all is well, then run it with the TIU.

I fire up the TIU, hit the TZV key to drop the track voltage to zero, then put the PS/1 locomotive on the tracks.  Hit the PS1 key and it should do the normal startup.  This is after charging the battery.

Thank you, Hot Water.

John,

Can I charge it on the tracks or do I need to buy a charger?  If I charge it on the tracks, do I just use an old transformer?  (the only transformer I have is a KW).  Charlie told me the battery was brand new in April of 2015.  Also, thank you too.

You can charge it on the tracks, the old PS/1 didn't have a charging jack.  It should charge enough to get going in less than an hour.  I'd probably pick the KW over the TIU for the initial testing, just so you have a pure sine wave feeding the track.

Thanks, John, and one last thing... what voltage should I apply, 10v (or more for charging?)

Hooking up the power

To use a var channel it's need full power on the input side. Then Var out to the track.

The  Tiu  also needs power to function(turn on)  2 ways as you know     ,power to fixed 1 or an aux power supply.

Here we go with the remote...

Menu/System/ Dcs set up/ Select the var channel and hit FXD. The FXD toggles between fixed mode and var mode. Select var mode. (the remote will tell you what mode you selected)

Now press TR. select the var channel you  hooked up   and scroll up the voltage to what you need

There should be a list of soft-keys for various proto-1 features.

Don't forget as mentioned  the battery must be up to par.

mjrodg3n88 posted:

Thanks, John, and one last thing... what voltage should I apply, 10v (or more for charging?)

Charge it at 12-14 volts for an hour, don't try to do anything but power up to charge.  Shut off and let it totally shutdown, then you can try normal operation.

John,

I sent you a personal email, but you can ignore it, I figured out the voltage.

Now, when I put it on the track and applied power, one of the A units started up, is that normal?

Also, should both of the A-units of a PS1 have sound or only one, because only one is on?

Thanks guys

Only one has audio, and it will start up, just let it sit there running the audio.  If the audio bothers you, just turn it down with the volume control.  The trailing powered unit doesn't have audio, but the lights might be on.

Once it charges, turn it off and allow the sounds to totally quit and a few seconds more.  You'll normally hear a little sputter as the board shuts down.

Once that happens crack the throttle to about 8-10 volts maximum, after the dings and the motor sounds stabilize, hit the direction button.  The engines should move out forward.

You should be hearing 2 dings from the engine indicating reset mode  upon scrolling up the voltage.

The dings are exactly what I heardo

John, 

I heard the boards shut down like you said.  So, I let it sit for about an hour and ten minutes then followed your instructions.  It works!  Got it to go forward and reverse without any issues.

Thank you all for your help, can't wait to see this go around my track (once I get that craziness figured out. )

Well, the set works, now you just need track to put it on!