Running on the Conventional side with Hand held DCS Remote.

My son gave me a complete DCS outfit when it first came out, since he knew I was working on figuring out a way to get walkaround control, but I had no DCS locos. I found that using the handheld as a remote control for my conventional made a world of difference in operational fun---not being tied to the control panel.

When I try to run conventional with my remote... The horn continues to blow uncontrollably. Anyone run across that?

Ron,
What transformer are you trying to run with?
PCRR/Dave

quote:

Originally posted by Ron045:
When I try to run conventional with my remote... The horn continues to blow uncontrollably. Anyone run across that?

I have a current ZW and the same problem running from the variable channels. I changed the channel to System/DCS Setup/channel/FXD and used the ZW's levers to vary power. One ran without the horn whether you tried to blow it or not.

I did have a problem disabling FXD that I don't understand. After doing it the track would show 11.5 v on starting up the layout but there would be 18 v on the track and a runaway. I finally cleared it by 0 v from the ZW, do FXD enable, followed immediately by FXD disable then bringing ZW power up to max.

I ended up ordering the Atlas O HD Selector and will use it so I can select ZW or TIU power independently for each of my two channels.

quote:

I have a current ZW and the same problem running from the variable channels.

The newer ZW's controller chop the Sine Wave form and is the reason they aren't on the recommended transformer list for the MTH DCS system. Try using just the brick without going through the ZW. The brick alone will put out Pure Wave form.

Gentlemen,
Get a old ZW or a Z4K and it will end your problems, stay away from the new ZW when trying to run in this manner, as was stated it is not compatable.
I had a hunch you guys were trying to use the wrong transformers. I do beleive the Video Guide to DCS covers this, if I remember correctly Rich Melvin
recommends certain transformers for running DCS.
PCRR/Dave

Ahhh... I have a Z4K and I have the problem.

Ron,

Try running the Z-4000 at 16 volts and see if it helps. The Variable channels of the TIU still chops the Sine Wave form but I have found that the Wave form isn't distorted as bad running the transformer at a lower voltage.

Some engines are just more sensitive to the Chopped wave form more than others I have found.

Ron,
In order for the Z4K to due the conventional job from the hand held remote control you also need the
small side receiver for the Z4K, I can't remember the correct name for this piece of gear and my transformer is now packed away. I can show it to you however.
PCRR/Dave


You see the small black box sitting between the Z4K and the ZW, you need that piece of equipment
for proper conventional running from the remote, it attaches to the Z4K.

Wow... Precisely why I have been slowly upgrading my remaining conventional fleet to to PS2. I have a few that might have to go the route of ERR Cruise commander.

Dave,
Here's the Z-4000 remote receiver you're talking about. It will let you use Fixed channels to run conventional.

http://www.mthtrains.com/content/40-4002

Joe,
Thank you sir very much, I could not remember the true name of the Remote Commander receiver.
PCRR/Dave