I do initial testing and running on test track. I am using the commander for DC power and run the signal through a 15 foot wire coil to the track. Engines will respond correctly in this situation. It is when I move them to the track that I have issues. I have one currently that will correctly respond 1 out of 7 - 10 attempts on my layout.
I have only one other engine live on the track, a Premier Yellowstone, and it is a pita to take on and off so I avoid that if possible. I recently purchased and test ran a Bi Polar PS3 on my layout and it performed flawless.
I have two loops, I power each off variable power, and two additional blocks powered by the fixed channels. They are my yard and my roundhouse. I am using two ZW transformers for power and isolate the two blocks by powering down the handles. I power switched, accessories and track on three switches on a barrier strip. I turn on the switches, then accessories and lastly the track via TIU.
Then I power the main loop by using the remote and setting that to 18 volts. The engine in question will turn on the headlight seconds later and then shortly after that power the sound system on. I can then shut it down with the remote and re-power it and it will function properly. I only had the Bi Polar on the track recently but it sat through all the steps to power up the layout with out incident.
Any more thoughts or ideas.
Thanks
