Why are Number Board Lights Flickering in MTH Lash-up (M.U. Consist)??

Joey,

Are you using DCS 4.30? If so, this could be a bug reported in DCS 4.30 that has been corrected in DCS 4.31 beta.

Thanks for your quick reply, Barry!  Yes, I am currently operating with DCS 4.30.  I updated my original post to state that.  

On a separate note, I've also noticed that when I attempt to turn off the engine sounds, only the lead engine goes silent while the tail engine's sound stays on.  This has occurred not just with this particular lash-up, but with others as well. Do you know if this is also a bug reported in DCS version 4.30?

I think I had a similar issue when MU'ing with a PS2 GP40. Even though this engine does not have ditch lights I switched the setting to "ON" and it corrected the problem.

I run version 4.30.

On an aside, the FSV key is supposed to save lash up settings but I've noticed that it doesn't always work with the lighting effects. I run MU consists with 2 powered engines and program them so that the number boards are always illuminated. The first unit is fine but sometimes the 2nd one will flash for a split second when I power up then go dark. I have to address that engine individually and turn on the number boards then address the lash up to operate.

Joey,

I've also noticed that when I attempt to turn off the engine sounds, only the lead engine goes silent while the tail engine's sound stays on.  This has occurred not just with this particular lash-up, but with others as well. Do you know if this is also a bug reported in DCS version 4.30?

Yes, it also has been reported.

However, this has not yet been corrected in DCS 4.31 beta.

Joe,

I too am experiencing some problems with Lash-Ups and Proto 3 engines. Like, you I have upgraded my DCS to 4.30. When I do a lash-up with two diesels, the first time, all functions work under the lash-up name on the hand held, yet they will not move. I can power up, sound horn or bell, do direction control, fire couplers, but they just sit there. Deleting and re-entering the lash-up several times will finally get the two diesels to respond and work together properly, but, and this is a big BUT, after powering down and coming back a day later, the two will not respond properly and we are back to entering and re-entering the lash-up. This has occurred now with three separate pairs of Proto 3 diesels. ALL of these diesels work as they should when used independently, not in a lash-up. Yes, talk about frustrating!

Also, on another note, I've noticed the Proto 3 engines will now start up with sounds and lights by themselves, once power is applied to the track, no need to address the engine with the remote. However, to get control of the engine, I have to address it and hit "start up" even after it already has. Not sure I'm happy about upgrading to 4.30 at this point.

Flickering lights has always been a come & go issue with DCS and Z-4000.

In my case if I have all the subways in the yard lighted, the first proto 1 set causes all the PS2 sets lights to flicker as its sounds are running.

Another thing I noticed on certain engines is that if both throttles are set to 17volts this can happen.

I have to set one to 17v and the other handle to 18v to eliminate lighting flicker.

Not a common occurrence but I have seen it happen at times.

I had a similar issue with 2 PS3 engines, an AC4400CW and an ES44AC whilst running version 4.30. I ran them together but sometimes they would not move when I addressed them in a lash up. I positioned them tail-to-tail so I think when I powered up and addressed the lash up ID# each engine wanted to operate in the default direction state - forward. Obviously an issue when running tail-to-tail.

I pressed READ before operating and this corrected the problem, however all of my lash up settings were lost and I would have to reprogram them.

Flickering lights has always been a come & go issue with DCS and Z-4000.

 

In my case if I have all the subways in the yard lighted, the first proto 1 set causes all the PS2 sets lights to flicker as its sounds are running.

 

Another thing I noticed on certain engines is that if both throttles are set to 17volts this can happen.

I have to set one to 17v and the other handle to 18v to eliminate lighting flicker.

Not a common occurrence but I have seen it happen at times.

The issues you describe are power issues, not DCS issues.

Thanks everyone for your replies!