Operating Issues

More in formation is always helpful:

1. Size and kind of track

2. Transformer and TIU edition

3. Trains and model numbers

4. How is transformer hooked up to TIU and TIU to track.

Were these trains up and running in the past or is this a new set-up ? Have any recent changes been made ?

first, connect your TIU to a piece of track and just see if one engine will work.

Nothing else getting power! Disconnect the AIU and all accessories for this test.

I'm guessing that something is drawing down signal and/or power.

Switches are for polarity on PS2 models and DCC or DCS on PS3 models. There's no switch for command vs conventional operation that I know of!

OK

let's see if I get the answers correct!

Track is MTH scale Track- Size? I am assuming the size of the layout- Essentially MTH's Roosevelt junction_ the complete layout- with a little extra added

Transformer & Tiu edition- I don't know where to get info, other than they are MTH products- 400 watt transformer

TIU model # 50-1003- purchased about 9 years ago

Trains all MTH- Premier V)-1000 & SD70ACE & Rail King SD70ACE

All hook ups are via 12 gauge wire

Were up and running 6 years ago- then moved and have slowly been putting layout together

Regarding other answer- switch issue was my error you are correct- did not remember the terminology; also,have tried activating on a single track- no joy

Hope the info above helps

Thanks for your interest

I assume you mean the black and grey MTH Z-4000 transformer with two handles (and 360 watts).

I'm not sure if a 9 year old TIU was a Rev. L model or not.

Just to clarify, if you have one handle output of the transformer hooked up to TIU Fixed Input 1 and then from TIU Fixed Output 1 to the single piece of track with the PS3 engine on it, what happens ?

Correct on the transformer- it has been a few weeks since I tried the single track experiment- will do so and advise- bt, my recollection was that nothing happened- as I said in my initial post the PS 3 engine runs- reacts to headlight command and coupling-also, forgot to mention bell and whistle command from the remote

OK folks

I tried the different engines on a separate track( isolated from all other inputs.

Here are the results:

The PS 3 engine - no change from on the layout- no sounds but responded to headlight/whistle/bell/and speed commands

The Premier SD70Ace- Nothing- totally dead

The Rail King SD70ACE once power was applied it activated- sounds, talking etc- but not responsive to inputs from the remote- eventually dies out and could not get any further sounds- did not respond to any other commands- would not move.

If anyone has any suggestions- it would be greatly appreciated- I am stumped

Thanks,

Mike

Have you checked the batteries in the PS2 engines?

Chuck

So, the PS3 engine operates properly except for the lone issue that there are no sounds ?

1. Is there a switch on the engine to turn sounds on/off ?

2. Is the volume turned up on the remote ?

3. Have you tried scrolling through the sound functions on the remote ?

Chuck

The batteries must be OK- when I put the 2 PS2 engines on the DCS track- they emitted sounds, both start up and voice, for a brief time- maybe 30 seconds or so, then went dead- also they won't move in DCS mode only direct throttle from the transformer

Richie C

Yes- the PS3 engine accelerates, decelerates, whistle, bell, headlight- reverses direction and coupler activates- just no sounds

I can't find any switches for sound- just 2-3 rail and DCS operation- all properly set- the volumes is turned up on the remote

Thank you both for your interest- I am totally befuddled- If I didn't get occasional sounds at all on the PS2 engines I would understand- If they didn't run with direct power I would understand

Thanks again

Mike

Does the PS3 make sounds in conventional ?

Not sure if a feature reset would help.

Richie

No sounds from the PS 3, I have scrolled the remote and reset all sounds, increased volumes etc

@Mike Bonvi posted:

The PS 3 engine - no change from on the layout- no sounds but responded to headlight/whistle/bell/and speed commands

The Premier SD70Ace- Nothing- totally dead

The Rail King SD70ACE once power was applied it activated- sounds, talking etc- but not responsive to inputs from the remote- eventually dies out and could not get any further sounds- did not respond to any other commands- would not move.

 

I turn the engine sound off for some of my locos that have annoying blower whine.  The whistle and bell still work though.  For the PS-3 engine, maybe you have the engine sound turned off.  Press the ENG SND button on your remote.

To check the batteries in the PS-2 locos, go to the advanced menu, select INFO and then select the engine.  Battery should say OK, LOW or HI.

Bob

I appreciate the info- battery is low on all 3 engines

However, what really baffles me is why the PS 2 engines run on conventional control- ie direct throttle; but, do not move in dcs mode

Thanks,

Mike

There's no battery in a PS3, but I would replace the other batteries as a first step.

I want to thank everyone who pitched in to help- I'll let you know how it turns out

Mike B