DCS WIFI Module Killed My TIU?????

I don't comprehend how that could have happened.  Just how did you connect the wifi to the TIU?  How is the TIU powered (FIXED 1 or AUX)?  What version TIU?  Connecting the WIU may have jostled connections to the TIU: check that all connections are tight and that, if you use AUX, the plug is properly seated.  Where on the TIU is it hot?

Same here.  I'm not sure it had anything to do with the WIFI module.  I restarted everything when I plugged the WIFI module into the TIU.   I did notice I have power in Fixed 1/2.  Just no DCS signal.  Remote tells me TIU Address 1 Not Found.   Talked to my dealer and he has me trying some items out.  Found a few things on the forum I'm going to try as well.

TIU is hot right about Variable 1 In.

One frequent issue with the TIU is loose nuts on the connection to the binding posts, I just fixed one where it melted the case.  I happened to have a junk case to replace the melted one, lucky break.

Panther, GRJ is right.  I would open the tiu case and check the nuts on all terminals.  After making sure they're tight, I add lockwashers and second nuts.  I can dig out the metric size if you wish.

If you have power on Fixed #1, then the next thing to check is to tether the TIU's Remote Input port to the remote with a (curly) 4-conductor telephone handset cable.

If the TIU then behaves properly, it's likely that handling the TIU while updating its software caused the transceiver board to float out of its socket.

This and a whole lot more is all in “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at OGR’s web store!

Thanks, appreciate the help.   I opened it up and the black support with the screw/nut is the item that is really hot.  I'm assuming that's the binding post? 

I plugged it in while I had the case off.   No red light for sure.  Fixed 1 and 2 have power only to the rails.  No DCS signal at all.  I plugged the remote in directly and there's still no DCS signal.  

well, I would guess that most are talking about the binding posts that the track wires go to on one side and the transformers go to on the other.

Didn't he say he has no red light? Would blowing the fuse in the TIU on fixed 1 completely prevent the TIU from getting power? However the TIU can get power from the WIU so no red light can't be good

Barry Broskowitz posted:

If you have power on Fixed #1, then the next thing to check is to tether the TIU's Remote Input port to the remote with a (curly) 4-conductor telephone handset cable.

If the TIU then behaves properly, it's likely that handling the TIU while updating its software caused the transceiver board to float out of its socket.

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This and a whole lot more is all in “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at OGR’s web store!

Barry,

I actually purchased your book yesterday along with the WIFI module.   Based on the recommendation of the book, I checked the fuses and the transceiver board.   I didn't press down too hard on the transceiver board though.  I was afraid to mess it up.   The telephone handset was the first item I checked.  So I have power but no DCS capability.

Thanks,

Tim

Matt Makens posted:

Didn't he say he has no red light? Would blowing the fuse in the TIU on fixed 1 completely prevent the TIU from getting power? However the TIU can get power from the WIU so no red light can't be good

Correct, no red light but power goes through from Fixed 1-2 to the output.  Powers the rails but no DCS signal at all.   I'm going to try the transceiver board again when I go down into the basement.  

Regardless, I already ordered a second TIU.  Learned I should probably have a second one as my layout is crippled at this point. 

What version TIU are you using?   If you have a revision L TIU, the WIU will power the TIU through the USB port if you have a blown fuse on fixed one.  If you have any other TIU version, the WIU would connect through the rs-232 serial port and NOT power the TIU if fixed 1 fuse is blown. Check the fuse at fixed 1 or try powering at the AUX port.

I'm using a Rev L.  I've double checked all the connections and all alternate power sources.   Still no DCS signal or red light.  I double checked the transceiver and it is seated properly.    Even thought it was working fine, I tried to reinstall the software.  However; the loader program tells me it cannot recognize any COM ports.  Prior to my issue the loader program recognized all COM ports.     Sounds like it may need to go back to MTH for repair.

Panther97 posted:

Thanks, appreciate the help.   I opened it up and the black support with the screw/nut is the item that is really hot.  I'm assuming that's the binding post? 

I plugged it in while I had the case off.   No red light for sure.  Fixed 1 and 2 have power only to the rails.  No DCS signal at all.  I plugged the remote in directly and there's still no DCS signal.  

 

 

The component that you drew a red square around is a power semiconductor with a heat sink. Is this the part that is getting hot?

First of all, IF you do not have power applied to VAR post, than they can not get hot even if loose.  NO RED LED is a problem and it has nothing to do with VAR Power.  NO DCS signal is also an issue.  IF the chips that are powering the DCS signal generator are bad that can cause a Voltage Regulator to over heat.

Is it possible you plugged a wrong cable into the wrong TIU port at some point and powered it up?

If you apply power to FIX1 input and the RED LED does not come on and Flash at least once, and the TIU gets hot.  You have a damaged TIU that needs to be repaired.  G

Oman posted:

 

The component that you drew a red square around is a power semiconductor with a heat sink. Is this the part that is getting hot?

Yes, Sir.  That is the part.

GGG posted:

First of all, IF you do not have power applied to VAR post, than they can not get hot even if loose.  NO RED LED is a problem and it has nothing to do with VAR Power.  NO DCS signal is also an issue.  IF the chips that are powering the DCS signal generator are bad that can cause a Voltage Regulator to over heat.

Is it possible you plugged a wrong cable into the wrong TIU port at some point and powered it up?

If you apply power to FIX1 input and the RED LED does not come on and Flash at least once, and the TIU gets hot.  You have a damaged TIU that needs to be repaired.  G

GGG, Thanks for the response.  I have power to all inputs.   I power with bricks instead of transformers.   They may work but I haven't tried it with a transformer.  There's definitely no DCS signal.   

I don't believe I plugged the wrong cable into the wrong TIU port.  However; it's under the table and the input/output wires look very similar.   I plus plugging in wires right and left trying to get it to work.  It's possible I could have plugged the power wire into the output.  I don't think I did but I cannot rule it out.   Is there any indicators I could check to see if that's the situation?  Would that damage a chip?

It shouldn't.  Remove all inputs except Fixed one and test?  G

GGG posted:

It shouldn't.  Remove all inputs except Fixed one and test?  G

I tried removing all inputs other than one and it still did not work.  Sounds like the TIU needs sent for repair.

Just a quick update to this thread.  I purchased a new TIU and everything is working fine.   I know there are a few forum members who could potentially repair the TIU.  Can anyone give me an average cost of repairing a TIU?  I know it's tough to determine without seeing it.   I'm just wondering if it's worth attempting to fix the original as a backup. 

I have a blown channel on fixed 1. The rest works fine. But I powered it up on the aux with a walwart.  I will send out for repair at some point. Mine still worked. Yours doesn't.  hard to tell what is going on. But I'm guessing a short with a grounding out. Heating up a spot is usually that.

Panther, 1st class postage to GGG is cheap enough to warrant his analysis and estimate.  I recommend getting it fixed.

RJR posted:

Panther, 1st class postage to GGG is cheap enough to warrant his analysis and estimate.  I recommend getting it fixed.

Thanks.  I think I'll go that route.

Last TIU that I sent in to MTH for repair cost $65.00 

I agree with George you probably plugged in a cable in the wrong port I have been warned about that before . and its easy to do when you get caught up into troubleshooting and you start swapping cables and plugs around. don't worry George will repair it for you . probably  due to over heating power supply chip   ic1

Alan

repair technician posted:

I agree with George you probably plugged in a cable in the wrong port I have been warned about that before . and its easy to do when you get caught up into troubleshooting and you start swapping cables and plugs around. don't worry George will repair it for you . probably  due to over heating power supply chip   ic1

Alan

That's certainly possible.  I was  plugging in a lot of wires.  I plan on sending it to George