Filter placement

David,

I don't have a lot of experience using engineered filters. In my limited testing on my star (home run) wired layout, they weren't any more effective at improving DCS signal strength than what was achieved by using 18 volt bulb and in one case did not do as well as a bulb.

On page 61 of The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition I stated the following:

An alternative to using a light bulb is to use what is referred to as an "engineered filter". The engineered filter's inventor notes that "The filter consists of a resistor and capacitor of a specific values wired in series. The filters work best in pairs, one across TIU outputs and the other at the 'farthest' point from the TIU output."

A number of DCS operators have reported success in using these filters as light bulb replacements, particularly on buss wired layouts. For additional information, go to the inventor's web site at www.slsprr.net/technical/filter.htm

As regards use of light bulbs or engineered filters to improve DCS signal strength: 

• These devices should only be used if the DCS signal strength is lower than the operator desires 

• There is no guarantee that these devices will improve instances of low DCS signal strength although they tend to improve DCS signal strength when used with revisions of the TIU earlier than the Rev. L 

• To use these devices with the Rev. L TIU, first remove them all, install the Rev. L TIU, and then selectively add them back if and only if the DCS signal strength needs to be improved 

• While there are reports (by the author and others) that these devices adversely affect Rev. L TIU DCS signal strength, experiences of different operators, with different layout track topologies, may vary.

This and a whole lot more is all in MTH’s “The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

Barry, I understand and have read your area in the book, however, whether it be a filter or a light bulb, my concern is that in a block you are supposed to have only one power feed, which I have. Is putting a light bulb in a low signal area allowing another signal feed to the engine?

David

David,

 Is putting a light bulb in a low signal area allowing another signal feed to the engine?

No, simply placing a light bulb (or filter) across the center and outside rails does not constitute a second feed to the track.

Thanks,

David

Barry, I have a question. I have a Z4000 set up in Z4K mode, track 1 and track2. Each track is a separate loop but there is an interconnecting section of track. I would like to be able to run the engine from one loop or track onto the other loop or track. I would have to have the two tracks power controlled by the thumb wheel. The problem I have is that when I go to track, Z4K, all and roll the thumb wheel the track power immediately goes to 18 volts. I have gone into track and set the MTV, start, to 5 volts for both track 1 and 2 but I still get the same results. Once I get the 18 volts I can thumb wheel down the voltage but if I go to 0 volts and start upwards it immediately goes to 18 volts. Any thoughts?

David

I would have to have the two tracks power controlled by the thumb wheel. The problem I have is that when I go to track, Z4K, all and roll the thumb wheel the track power immediately goes to 18 volts.

Upgrading to DCS 4.30 will solve the problem for you.

DCS 4.30 adds the MSV soft key to the ALL Z4K TRACKS and ALL TIU TRACKS screens. The MSV soft key allows setting minimum (starting) and maximnum voltages for the ALL Z4K TRACKS and ALL TIU TRACKS screens.

Thank you

David

Barry, help needed,I have two TIU's both set to Super TIU.  I've had this layout for 8 years. I had a car come off on a track being controlled by TIU #1.  Then things went crazy.  After struggling to figure out why I couldn't move engines I determined that both TIU's were now considering themselves as TIU #1. I now have gotten them back to TIU #1 and TIU#2. Problem is that I can only add engines on TIU #1 tracks.  Once I add them to the hand held on TIU #1 tracks I can put them on TIU #2 tracks and operate them.  I even then tried deleting them while on TIU #2 track and then re-adding them on TIU #2 track and all I get is no engine to add.   I've rechecked the blinks on the power lights on the TIU's and they are one for #1 and two for #2.Any thoughts?

Make sure that both TIUs are actually in the remote and in Super TIU Mode:

• Press: Menu/System/TIU Setup/Add TIU
• If the remote doesn't list both TIUs, add the one that's missing
• Press: Menu/System/TIU Setup/Super TIU
• Select TIU #1 and press SPR
• Select TIU #2 and press SPR.

Yes, it's all there. I tried again and I can add engines on TIU #! tracks, then move them to TIU #2 tracks , find them and operate them. If I remove the engine from the handheld on TIU #2 track and then try to add it says no engine to add. If I move it to TIU #1 track I can add it.

All bets are "off" unless you're using a programming track with no  other engines receiving power (tiu #2).  Your problem could be a low dcs signal.... It wouldn't hurt to check it.

DCS engine IDs stick with the engine unless ..Edited or  Factory reset.  IF the engine's established ID is taken with another engine when adding  the engine should add at the lowest available ID.

You need to determine if the problem is one channel on TIU #2 or all channels. Proceed as follows:

• First, swap the output of TIU #1 with TIU #2. If the problem moves to TIU #1, TIU #2 is OK and the layout wiring is suspect
• If the problem stays on TIU #2, swap the channel being used by TIU #2 with a different channel of TIU #2. Make sure that TIU #2 itself is being powered via either the Aux. Power Port or Fixed Channel #1 Input. If the problem goes away, the original channel of TIU #2 that was being used is the problem.
• If the problem remains, try the rest of TIU #2's channels to learn the extent of the TIU #2 problem.

I'm filing all this info for future use, however I just fixed the problem, I'm pretty sure.  What an experience. Barry while thinking about you suggestions I also considered taking my test bench TIU and swapping with TIU #2 and went into my shop and found that my test TIU didn't get turned off when I was down loading sound files and in fact it's TIU number had changed to TIU #2 also. Obviously the two TIU's were  confusing one another. As soon as I shut it down my layout TIU's started working fine. Thanks for getting the my brain going.

 Yep !    2 tiu with the same address doesn't  work very well..... even if both were in   super mode. Glad to hear you're  fixed up. Must of been when you were editing a tiu's  Address.  Downloading software shouldn't change a TIU's address.

I sometimes forget to unplug the USB from my workbench TIU, and even though I've turned it off, it's still talking to the remote.  I then try to do something with the other TIU connected to the tracks, and odd things happen.  Then I remember to go unplug the USB plug.

All:

That's why I always have my test TIU tethered to a remote.

Great info, I will do that.

A very good point Barry, with only one loophole.  Once you walk away from the workbench, you're probably going to power down the remote, that allows that USB connection to bite you anyway.

I'm missing something? do you mean  USB or curly phone cable?

USB, I have a cable from the computer over to my bench TIU.  When I want to load sound files, etc. I plug it in.  Sometimes I forget to unplug it...

John,

 Once you walk away from the workbench, you're probably going to power down the remote, that allows that USB connection to bite you anyway.

When I power down the remote, I also unplug the USB cable to the TIU. Further, the bench TIU has a DCS ID# of "5", while the layout TIUs are numbered "1", "2" and "3".

Barry, I probably should do that with my bench TIU, a different number sounds like a good idea.

Does anyone know the MTH part number for the hand held tether cord?

Does anyone know the MTH part number for the hand held tether cord?

Just buy it at any office supply store (OfficeMax, Office Depot, Staples), Best Buy, Amazon, or Radio Shack.

It's a standard 4-wire telephone handset cord, as Barry says, buy it anywhere.  However, if you're buying at Radio Shack, hurry as they're going out of business!