I bought a brand new Revision L TIU ( with software version 6 on both the remote and TIU) about 3 weeks ago. I will be calling MTH tomorrow to get a return RA for a repair (lhs that is a MTH NASC told me they just ship TIUs with problems back to MTH, so that's what I'll do) as the TIU is under warranty. The issue is that the Variable 2 channel has a low DCS signal.
My layout has two loops powered by a Postwar ZW. Power goes from handle A (with a TVS and a 7.5 amp fast acting fuse on the ZW output A) to TIU variable 2 in, then out Variable 2 to one loop. Power goes from handle D (with a TVS and a 7.5 amp fast acting fuse on the ZW output D) to TIU variable 1 in, then out Variable 1 to one loop. The outputs of both Variable outputs are connected to toggle switches connected to 8 different blocks on each loop. Wiring is star pattern and when first set up I got a signal strength of 10 everywhere on the layout. A TMCC base is also connected to the TIU. I wired each loop to the variable channels as I run a mix of DCS, TMCC, and conventional locomotives, so I want to be able to control everything from the DCS remote.
The issue with signal strength on Variable 2 was noticed yesterday. I was running a PS2 locomotive on the loop connected to Variable 1 and then attempted to start a PS2 locomotive on Variable 2. I kept getting a "Engine not on track" message from the loop connected to Variable 2. I powered down and connected the loop with the issue to Fixed 2. I was able to start up and run the PS2 locomotive on the loop with no problem now that it was connected to Fixed 2. I ran a signal strength test and got 10 everywhere. I powered down and the connected the loop to Fixed 1 and then Variable 1. I ran a signal strength test when the loop was connected to Fixed 1 and Variable 1 and got 10 everywhere, just like when the loop was connected to Fixed 2. I then reconnected the loop to Variable 2 and ran a signal strength test. The block with the shortest wire run to the track had a signal strength of 10. The other 7 blocks, which had longer wire runs, either had a signal strength of 1 or the remote displayed "Out of RF Range ". Through the process of elimination Variable 2 has a DCS signal issue.
Is there anything I did that could have damaged Variable 2? I have had 2 derailments on that loop when it was connected to Variable 2 (passenger car derailed backing through a Ross 11° right had switch, Williams Alco PA picked the point on the same switch and derailed). The 7.5 amp fuse popped instantly in both cases. Could those 2 minor derailments have damaged something on the Variable 2 channel? I did find this thread: https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...between-aghr-and-mth . Sounds like this is what happened to my TIU. Is there anything I can do to insure it doesn't happen after I get my TIU back from MTH? I have followed all the recommended precautions but it didn't seem to help. I'm hoping MTH will install the larger TVS when the TIU is in for repair. I'll be sans a TIU for about a month so I'll be stuck using transformer handles or running TMCC locomotives via a Cab-1 till my TIU comes back.
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