(Based on Barry's recommendation, I revised this thread to address only one topic.)
Background
I use a rev H2 TIU with five AIU’s attached. I power the tracks with a Z4000. I use a 40-4001 remote control system with my Z4000. I run conventional postwar era trains; consequently, I like using the variable outputs. Also, I run DCS 2.0 and 3.0 as well as TMCC locomotives. I have the TMCC transmitter attached via serial cable to my TIU.
In addition, I use the Z4000 to power some of my accessories, e.g., lamps, that require limited power. I use my 1965 ZW to power my motorized accessories. I use Atlas track. Instead of using the early Atlas flat bottom fish plates, I use the current fishplates/track joiners with dimples on the bottom.
My layout is 8x11 with positive and neutral wires attached every few tracks. I don’t have star wiring. When I first wired my track in 2002, I had no idea that star wiring is best; however, my layout is only 8x11. Furthermore, I installed 14 gauge wire as bus wires. I use one variable circuit for my inner loop and the other for the outer loop.
The problem
- I apply power to a locomotive. It runs down a track with the sound on.
- I get tired of the sound so I turn the sound off.
- When I turn the sound on again, the engine sounds and accent sounds do not reappear. The horn and bell still work, however.
- Next, I access the sound menu via the handheld. Inexplicably, the engine and accent sounds have dropped back to zero. I reset each sound to 30. The sound reappears.
- Until recently, this problem only affected some locomotives. Now, this problem affects all of my PS 2.0 and 3.0 locomotives. It doesn’t matter whether a BCR or MTH rechargeable battery is installed in the engine.
- If I shut down a locomotive with the sound on, it will start up with the sound on.
- Oddly, until a couple of years ago, I had the opposite problem. Turning the sound off and then on again on a moving engine would reset the sound meter to 70.
Is there any reason why the sound resets to zero or, formerly, 70?
Thanks for any insight that you might provide.
