Loss of Connection in the Roundhouse

Dave how do you do a signal test?  It does it any engine I try it to.

 The engine has to be running under DCS control in order to do a track signal test. Practice while running a train around the layout to get the hang of it. A number of 8 to 10 is fine. It need not be moving.The DCS manual covers this as well as Barry's book. If you are killing track power at the spur to stop your engine and you can't restart it. I suspect your signal is bad. You should be able to stop your engine with the remote and perform a signal test. What you are experiencing when you power up the toggle switch is the engine coming up in conventional mode. This is normal even on a layout with a perfect 10's for a track signal. It should start up using the DCS start up button and go into DCS control.

 Try removing the toggle switch and run a good quality paired wire direct from the TIU output right to the spur. You can use alligator clips or track pins temporarily. Make sure you have a solid connection.  Make sure no other wiring is on this channel. Place an engine on the spur and it should start right up with a perfect 10 for a signal. Your spur is basically what many use as a programming track. This takes all other wiring out of the equation. Some toggle switches have been known not to pass the DCS signal well.

Please answer the followig questions:

• If you shut down the engine on the turntable siding but don't shut down track power, can you press Startup and then operate the engine?
• If you shut down the engine on a different track, fur off track power, turn track power back on, and press Startup, can you operate the engine?

If you answered "yes" and "no", the problem could be a weak battery.