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I have a new AIU I’m setting up to work with my TIU and WiFi modules. I found out from MTH that the 5v from the WiFi module isn’t enough to power the AIU relays. So, I now have a 15v Wall wart from a starter set plugged into the TIU in addition to the WiFi.

Now, when I program the AIU and select a switch or accessory, I get a “command Failure” message..

Any idea what’s causing this?

Thanks

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No Legion, the WIU cannot power the TIU so as to operate anything.  It may keep the TIU board alive, but not usable.  Have you answered Gilly's last question?  That will cause repairable damage.  Depending on its ampacity, a 15-volt WW should provide adequate power; does it allow the TIU to run trains?

I think you’re mis-understanding me. MTH told me the WiFi unit (powered by a wall wart) is powering the TIU board thru the USB. The Z4000 I have is plugged into the TIU fixed IN and OUT jacks I use for my track power. I have been running It that way for about a year now. The AIU is the new addition.


I’m 99% sure the cord was only plugged into the TIU IN port and not the AIU OUT.

There are several threads on the forum that address backfeed from a TIU powering the TIU board enough to cause it to exhibit certain activity, but not enough to provide operations.   For example, when upgrading software or sound files, it sometimes becomes necessary to power down the TIU; if I recall a plugged-in WIU will keep it from shutting down.  I suggest you do a search.

I can assure you, from personal experience, that you wouldn't be the first person to make the stupid mistake of plugging into the wrong end of an AIU. 

Marty-

I checked with the seller and it was new, unopened, but older (5 years or so). I have a 6 conductor phone cable, but it’s longer than the original. 10ft vs 2ft stock cable. Would that work?

Gunrunnerjohn-

That 1% is probably gonna bite me..  ;-)    The only way to know is to buy another one, put a tape cover over the AIU OUT, and see if it works.

Hi guys,

Legion JD and Walt - I have the chips on hand to repair the AIU board.  I can make the repair for $50+shipping.

Legion JD - Don't give up on the AIU just yet.  There's another possibility you should check first.  As MTH told you, if a WIU is connected via the USB port on a Rev. L TIU, it will provide power to run the main processor.  However, it will not power the AIU's or even read the presence of the AIU's.  This makes the power up sequence VERY important.  If the WIU is on and you then bring up power on the Z-4000, the TIU won't read the presence of the AIU and you'll get the error message posted above.

Try the following...

1 - Disconnect the WIU/TIU USB cable.

2 - Power up the TIU via the Z-4000.

3 - Connect the USB cable.

4 - Power up the WIU and wait 1 full minute for the WIU to boot.

If the AIU is still functional, the TIU will now find it and the error message should go away.  If not, the AIU probably was damaged.

There are all levels of "graduates" from any school or training class.  To harbor the feeling that two or three days at a manufacturer's site makes you an expert in any field is pretty unrealistic.  You learn a lot of this stuff by doing, not by sitting for a couple of days listening to someone talk about it.  There really isn't any substitute for experience in almost any field of endeavor.

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