Problem with Proto 3 Help Please

Weak signal strength on track.  Do a signal strength test on test track and than regular track with the GP40.  G

Thanks for the response,  is it possible to test the signal if I can not get the gp 40 to start up?  I have slot of other locomotives on the layout and they work fine,  I will try your suggestion though.


       

It  is possible if it loaded.  My be a wiring issue near the signal transformer on PS-3 board.  Just trying to get some more data before you have to take the shell off.  G

Do the test track TIU and the layout TIU have the same number? If not, unless you're operating in Super TIU mode, that's what will happen.

 

Doing a READ when the engine is powered up on the layout should work around that issue. Then, select the engine and press STARTUP.

I'm just asking but  could it be a capacitor thing? I recently  tried using a BCR in a 3 volt engine and the engine added just fine... however it  couldn't be found after  power down. tried charging for a least 2 minutes with the same results.

 

 END  result... put the battery back in and engine is fine but now I   have doubts about BCRs  if a setting requires changes.

Jarrod,

    This sounds like you are using 2 different TIU's one for your programming track and one for your main, Barry gave you the fix.  Everything must be set up the same, when you change the engine from the programming track to your main track with the different TIU, or you will get the problem you are now experiencing.  Hit the READ, select the engine and then start up and see what happens.

PCRR/Dave 

Thanks for the input,  although I use the same TIU I just disconnect the layout and plug the programming track into fixed 1 where the layout normally is,  then after the add,  I disconnect the test track and put the layout back on fixed one.
Sorry for the delay

We're back at the beginning? engine doesn't remember it's ID? Do your other engine run OK on the layout? Can you do a dcs track signal test with another engine on the layout?

I think the dcs remembers the engine because after I move the TIU back over to the test track and it startup if started, for what ever reason it's only on the layout it does not respond. 
I have feeders for the layout every 6 feet and other ps2 and Ps3 locomotives work fine.

NS1719,

   Ok, now take a good look at GGG prior post, more than likely George has fixed a few of these problems, in the past.

PCRR/Dave

Okay I see what he is saying but is that a issue I can fix I don't know much about these boards and transformers.

What's the difference between the test track & layout? same TIU, same fixed 1,  I would guess track signal?  This one is a head scratcher.

Yeah Greg it really is.  The only difference is more power feeds which all are I  a star topology and soldered to the scale trax. It should not matter how many locomotives are on the track should it being they are all dcs. 
I will check track signal tonight but I checked it before and it was all good not to say it couldn't have changed.  I just find it odd I can add new locomotives on the test track then move it over to the layout and they work,  but this one just isn't having it. 
I appreciate everyone helping me out on Thanksgiving,  I hope your having a great day!

PS-3 can be a little more sensitive and MTH has seen were the wires from the connectors in the vicinity of the 4 legged donut with wires wrapped around it can lower TS Strength.

 

You take shell off and push any wires away from the donut which is near the 8 pin connector.  Reinstall shell being careful not to pinch any wires.   G