CHECK TRACK!!

Are the feeders going to insulated blocks there?

The siding insulated from the mainline?

Also, what TIU and software level?

Some questions for you:

• Are the two tracks using the same TIU channel?
• Is it the same engine that causes CHECK TRACK or does it happen with all of your PS2/PS3 engines?
• Are you wired using star/home run wiring with insulated blocks?
• How long does the CHECK TRACK message stay on the remote and what are you attempting to do when it appears?
• You've cleaned the track, however, have you cleaned engine wheels and pickup rollers?
• Does the message come up in when the engine is on any particular part of the track loop or can it occur anywhere on the loop?
• Have you done a signal test on the problem loop with the engine running at about 10-15 SMPH?

Barry,

my layout I use all four channels for DCS.  The double track main line so that uses two channels. The lower section has a single track.  so that is the third, and the yard/engine area uses the fourth. 

no it seems to be any engine, not just one in particular

I have the MTH 24 post strips , I think it is Star

it stays on the remote for a second or two, usually trying to whistle, turn the bell on or off, change direction. 

Yes, the engines are clean

yes, it seems to be on one of the channels, sometimes, and usually the problem occurs in the area in the picture.  but it is not uncommon for it to happen on both

I will retest the signal...and report back.

all of my atlas track is connected not blocked.  the only sections that are on an connection track that goes to another channel.   I have not tried the bulb yet, but I will.  every 10 ' is a feeder wire. I am using the z4000

in the picture l-r  the four tracks are on one channel. the 5 and 6are on the other for the main.  and the 5 and 6 are where the problem occurs

yes, it seems to be on one of the channels, sometimes, and usually the problem occurs in the area in the picture.  but it is not uncommon for it to happen on both

Try swapping channel and see if the problem moves to the other loop. If it does, the problem is poor DCS signal from that TIU channel. If the problem stays on the same loop, the problem is most likely with the  loop itself.

all of my atlas track is connected not blocked

That can most certainly bbs a cause of the problem that you're experiencing.

I have the MTH 24 post strips , I think it is Star

How many connections to track blocks do you have on each TIU channel? More than 12-14 using a non-Rev. L TIU can present a problem.

I will retest the signal

Without insulated blocks, the signal test can be good but there can still be problems  due to duplicate packets (commands) being seen by the engine.

Barry I am going to read your book today, I updated the tiu and remote to 4.2 today.  I think that the area with the sidings have too many feeds, so I will try to remove some and add the light bulb.  But I have to wait, I have a broken hand and it is my dominant hand.  so crawling under the layout and unscrewing.  I look forward to reading the book cover to cover,

Barry,  That must have taken you quite a bit of time to write, nice work.  I think I am going to try reducing the power feeds to the track loop.  the issue of check track, seems to happen in the station area, maybe there are too many power feeds, also I am going to add the bulb, and I need to stand the TIU UP i have mine laying down, .

I will report back when I get these al done.

I have a question regarding  recording/playback.  once you play back are you able to operate the remote for another train or is it only going to play what is recorded only?. 

for example, if I was to record a passenger train sequence, can I run other trains while the playback is going.  I do have two remotes, can one be playing back while the other operates another train

once you play back are you able to operate the remote for another train or is it only going to play what is recorded only?. 

 

for example, if I was to record a passenger train sequence, can I run other trains while the playback is going

Once playback has commenced, you can do whatever else you want using the remote, or a second one. Since the TIU is doing all of the heavy lifting, you could even turn the remote off.

Barry,

I was wondering, is there a method to make an extension for the TIU's antenna?  maybe in my case I could run the wire antenna down the center of my room? Or are there limitations to the length and reception-ability

is there a method to make an extension for the TIU's antenna?

There are things you can do, some of which, such as the TIU antenna modification discussed on page of 157 The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition, are simple.

Why do you want to extend the antenna? What are you hoping to accomplish?

I will re read that section,

I the section I am having trouble with is at the farthest point.  I have 16 feeds, and will be moving my TIU to verticle shortly as well as the 18 v light bulb, but I was wondering if I was to extend the antenna, would my check track issues be solved

I was wondering if I was to extend the antenna, would my check track issues be solved

Np, they would not.