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I have a DCS set up with the DCS remote (no Wi-Fi set-up). I have 3 PS2 and 1 PS3 engines that I never had any issues adding and operating under DCS.  I have a brand new PS-3 engine that I set on the tracks  and applied power and it starts up in neutral (lights, engine sounds, etc. Furthermore, remote cannot find the new engine. I verified that the switches on the engine itself to make sure that they are set for DCS and 3 rail.  I removed all other engines from the track and tried the startup again to no avail. All my other engines work fine.

Next, I went through the late Barry Broskowkiz's DCS Companion book troubleshooting issues related to the Watchdog Signal trying to "force" the engine into DCS.  I'm now wondering if there may be something wrong with the DCS functionality on the engine.

Anyone have any other suggestions for "forcing" a PS3 engine to recognize DCS vs. conventional operation?  Any help would be appreciated.

-Ed Abbot

 

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Dave Zucal posted:

I would try doing a conventional reset with a Z Controller, 1 Whistle, 5 Bells. Keep trying til you hear the 2 toot's of the whistle or horn. Also, it always helps to include the items product number in your post.

try that!

I have had brand new MTH engines come with defective switches. When you state that you checked their position, did you actually throw them a few times to make sure they worked? I have also seen them stuck and needed to be thrown to fully be set into the correct position.

 There are cures to help an engine see the DCS signal better. Being a brand new engine, you should contact the dealer to see what the next course of action is before meddling around inside.

 If this isn't possible or not helpful to you, you could look up Willy G's post about curing missing watchdog for PS3 engines.

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...ce-needed-with-photo

I find it interesting that a conventional reset will fix this issue, never seen that happen.  Starting up conventionally means it does not see DCS signal at all.  Even engines with problems can see a signal and won't start up, just be non responsive.

If not the switch, I have seen wire to switch cut by being pinched (Diesel).  If steam maybe two pin connector fell off.

Main culprit is wiring over board and close to the signal transformer, killing the DCS signal.

Having said all that, are you trying to load this on a separate track with no other DCS engines present?  G

Recap - After trying last resort of the conventional factory reset at a LHS, the final verdict was probably a bad DCS board or DCS switch.  Sending it back to the dealer, Nicholas Smith Trains. Kudos to Joey's efforts at Nicholas Smith attempting to help me out and appreciate them offering to give me a refund.  The engine was a Premier P3 CSX AC4400CW (20-20384-1).

I guess that my luck would run out sooner or later.  This is my 6th MTH engine and the first one that gave me an issue out of the box. Thanks again for everyone's suggestions. While I wasn't able to get it working, it was a good learning experience.

-Ed

 

 

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