Remote and 2 TIUs

@Pu239 posted:

I have my current set up with a MTH Remote and 1 TIU. I got another TIU and fixed it. I was thinking of using it as a programming track setup. Can one remote go between 2 seperate TIUs? I have a feeling no. I want a way to add a engine without disconnecting everything on my main TIU that’s in passive mode. Maybe software control of the second TIU?

thanks

I've considered doing something for our club when I can find a second cheaper TIU.

My plan was, the programming track- the way you use that is tether the remote to the TIU using the coil cord remote connection.

The reasoning and logic is this. You could number the TIUs (1,2,3,4...) and then assign a/the remote to each TIU. The other way is super TIU mode.

Here is what happens if you just have more than one TIU assigned to the same ID code- typically you will fight a lot of engine not found. This is because DCS is a 2 way protocol, and the engine responds back- but what happens with the second TIU the engine is not on? That's the point, it responds no such engine- your remote getting multiple messages back from 2 TIUs errors out on many commands. Again, I have have this problem happen at home time to time. I have a permanent TIU on my layout, but I also have a second TIU often attached to a PC for programming and testing. If I forget and leave the downstairs PC connected TIU powered (even over USB only) then it wreaks havoc with the layout TIU because both are Default ID1. I really don't want to change the programming PC attached TIU to a different ID, I just have to remember to ensure it's not powered or plugged in USB.

The thing more unique in a club situation is, we tell members to bring their own remotes, however, the club does have one DCS remote. So you show up and your engine is not in your remote, or others are also there, they have their remote and engines and are running. The current way with one TIU, I have to have everyone else stop running, only power the engine and have that new user add their engine to their remote or the club remote. My logic is, if I have a TIU and a programming track off to the side, and the TIU is accessible to the coil cord- then user tethers their remote to the TIU adds the engine on the programming track, they unplug their remote- place the engine on the main layout, and now they don't have to stop everyone else running DCS engines- a real pain in the neck and sore point when the new guy wants everyone to drop everything so they can run.

Open to comments and suggestions or alternate solutions.

I have two TIU's one on my bench and one on my layout.  When I'm using the bench TIU, I turn off the layout.  When I'm using the layout, I turn off the bench TIU.  Both TIU's are set to TIU #1.  They work fine.

I have 2 in the same room.  They have different addresses.  The possibilities are 1 to 5

Having two different TIU addresses complicates operations if it's not needed.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I have two TIU's one on my bench and one on my layout.  When I'm using the bench TIU, I turn off the layout.  When I'm using the layout, I turn off the bench TIU.  Both TIU's are set to TIU #1.  They work fine.

Thank you! That way the remote database stays true.

We put a DPDT switch on one channel or our TIU that diverges to a programming track. Flip the switch, put your engine on, program it into the TIU and then flip the switch again to run it on the regular layout.

I also have a bench remote that I just use for testing.  I regularly reset it to clean out old engines.  The two remotes that I leave on the layout are regularly synchronized with what's currently on the layout.

Thanks everyone!

Can you disable the radio on a TIU?  This way your bench TIU could work tethered and not interfere with the club layout TIU.

Just wondering thoughts if there's an easy way to disable the radio?

@MichRR714 posted:

Can you disable the radio on a TIU?  This way your bench TIU could work tethered and not interfere with the club layout TIU.

Just wondering thoughts if there's an easy way to disable the radio?

You can take the radio board out of the TIU.

@MichRR714 posted:

Can you disable the radio on a TIU?  This way your bench TIU could work tethered and not interfere with the club layout TIU.

Just wondering thoughts if there's an easy way to disable the radio?

I could, but I prefer to not tinker with the tether.  It's really not a big deal to do it the way I do.

FWIW, if I'm actually wanting to work on something on the bench with the layout running, I just plug the remote into the bench TIU tether, that disables the radio on the bench TIU..  So, that's already done for me automatically if required.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

FWIW, if I'm actually wanting to work on something on the bench with the layout running, I just plug the remote into the bench TIU tether, that disables the radio on the bench TIU..  So, that's already done for me automatically if required.

Thanks John.  That's helpful information.

@MichRR714 posted:

Thanks John.  That's helpful information.

Maybe I should have led with that information.