Lost Channel

So what I have done is use 1,2,4 and 5

There is no channel "5". I assume that Fixed Channel #2 has failed and you're using Variable #1, Fixed #1 and Variable #2.

. Anyone have any ideas?

Does power go through Fixed #2? If not, then you should check the fuses inside the TIU, as well as any external fuses or transformer circuit breakers on the power into Fixed #2.

If engines power up on Fixed #2 immediately upon getting power, make sure that the DCS signal is turned on for all channels: Menu/System/DCS Setup and press the AON soft key.

If power is off on the channel and the internal fuses, and any external fuses and circuits breakers are also OK, the channel is defective and needs to be repaired.

This and a whole lot more is all in "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!

Thanks Barry, I'll look into the book you mentioned. This is a whole new world for me so I am a novice at the DCS system after running conventional all my life.

I'm curious about these numbers, the TIU has channels numbered from 1 through 4.  Are you talking about the locomotive numbers?

Yes, I am talking about the locomotive numbers programmed in the handheld remote, not the TIU. Sorry if I was not clear.

That's obviously a different issue, but I'll bet Barry will be able to address it.  I think he was thinking you were talking about TIU channels.  I can't say I've seen this issue, but if anyone knows, he's your man.

I am talking about the locomotive numbers programmed in the handheld remote

Yup, that's a whole different smoke!  You've encountered a bug in DCS.

The bug is more prevalent under DCS versions earlier than 4.0. If you're running DCS 3.11 or earlier, I strongly urge you to upgrade to 4.20. 

Regardless, if you don't have much in the remote, the quick fix is to reset the remote. I'd also reset the TIU for good measure. You'll have to re-enter everything in the remote, however, if power cycling didn't correct the problem, nothing but a reset will.

This and a whole lot more is all in "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!

Could you backup the remote, reset it, and then restore, or would you be restoring the problem back?

Thanks for your advice Barry and Gunrunner. I will buy the DCS book and see what happens.

Thanks for all your help. I'll let you know how it goes.

Bogeyman

John,

Could you backup the remote, reset it, and then restore, or would you be restoring the problem back?

Unfortunately, you'd be restoring it back to the error condition. The time to backup a remote is when it's healthy.

I figured that, just thought it wouldn't hurt to make sure.

I have a similar situation as BOGEYMAN has. I have 2 DCS systems. The older one has version 3.1 in the TIU and remote. The newer one has version 4.1 in the TIU and remote. Both remotes have identical entries (about 24).   I have lost #16 in the 4.1 remote and want to RESET it.  My question is, can I upgrade the 3.1 without  loseing all the entries?  My thinking is use the 3.1 after upgrading to make a clone.

P.S.   #16 is still in the 3.1 remote.      I did not lose the locomotive that was #16.

can I upgrade the 3.1 without  loseing all the entries?  My thinking is use the 3.1 after upgrading to make a clone.

The answer is "yes, you can".

Barry,

THANK YOU

Dad-O