I have a CSX Dash 8 G-gauge engine with the Digital Command System.
My problem:
When I put it on the workbench and program it, it works fine. Start, stop, horn and bell, ect. I then take it out on my outdoor layout and hook it up thye same way it was on the workbench. As soon as I put power to the TIU, the engine starts moving very slowly, stops and then moves a few inches again. If I put over 25 volts to it, it moves around the layout, but with no control from the transmitter.
I have talked with MTH via e-mail and have gotten many suggestions from them on how I might solve my problem. I have been trying to get it to run for several weeks off and on, but to no avail.
Maybe someone out thereran into the same problem and can give me some other helpful hints other than what MTH has given me. It would surely be appreciated.
You can e-mail me at mvrr@mvdsl.com directly. The sooner I get the info back, the less discusted I will be with MTH. At this point I am ready to put it up on E-Bay and take my losses.
I take it you are in the UK? if you put a small bit of info as to where you are on your profile. There may be someone close to you that can help sort your prob.
Age is only a state of mind, keep the mind active and enjoy life
Well I'm not sure why you would keep raising the voltage? I run at 18 volts and some run as high as 24 but you should not subject the engine to that much more voltage. Hooking up the tiu to a large layout takes some changes to get the signal strength correct. I would suggest you first look at this site under dcs tips and operating help for suggestions. You may need to rewire or divide a large layout.
http://www.rayman4449.dynip.com/
http://www.rayman4449.dynip.com/DCS_Tips.htm
Joe
"G" gauge is a two rail system, DCS was first designed for "O" Gauge three rail. It makes a difference which way the locomotive faces with two rail. The negitive rail shuld be on the right, under the engineer's side of the cab.
If you place the locomotive on the track in the wrong direction, it will usually will start up and accelerate to full speed. If you put the locomotive on the track in the right direction it should stay there until you make your move with the Remote. Your first move should be the "READ" button.
I have found that if the locomotive starts up, moves and shuts down, the TIU can not find that locomotive. Weak Track Signal from the DCS to the Locomotive, NOT WEAK VOLTAGE.
As MTH/DCS uses the negitive rail to send the signal to the locomotive, leakage to ground will "sink" the signal without effecting the voltage.
1. Are You running lights or accessories off the track voltage.
2. If the "READ" button shows "NO DCS ENGINE ON TRACK", try on your Remote, Menu/System/Engine Setup/ Add Engine/Add DCS Engine.
3. My biggest problem was Rail Joiners, I ended up changing all 500 plus feet of track to Rail Clamps to give me at least an 8 out of 10 on Track Signal Strength.
4. Keep your track CLEAN, brass is excellent when clean. Stainless is almost as good but requires LESS Maintenance.
5. I also have the CSX Narrow Nose, remember, it has a "Polarity Switch" located, on the bottom, under the front power truck next to the fuel tank
Most "G" Gauge is 18 Volt DC, the DCS System works on 12 - 22 volts AC or DC. The Absolute Voltage Limit is 24 Volts, I do hope you have not "spiked" the micro-processor with over voltage. Please read the DCS Manual.
I have 10 MTH "G" gauge locomotives plus 5 Aristo-Craft Locomotives upgraded to DCS. Love the System.
Don U. TCA 73-5735
I have the same problem with my new GG-1. I cycle the reverse button. For some reason it just need that initial kick.
I did find out something to keep in mind. I have multi engines on tracks. I "start up" (lets say) two of four engines. I start up only two engines and run them. Then for some reason I will punch "ALL Engines" to run the two at the same speed and control at same time.
Then I seen the two I did not "start up" were running also.
spikejones52002 I have the same problem with my new GG-1. I cycle the reverse button. For some reason it just need that initial kick. I did find out something to keep in mind. I have multi engines on tracks. I "start up" (lets say) two of four engines. I start up only two engines and run them. Then for some reason I will punch "ALL Engines" to run the two at the same speed and control at same time. Then I seen the two I did not "start up" were running also.
Wrong Command, to run 2, 3, 4, or more locomotives at the same speed on one set of commands, independent or coupled together as a "Lash Up":
Menu / thumb wheel to Advanced/ Create Lash Up / it will ask "First Engine" (you choose) / then "Is It facing Forward or Reverse?"/ "Next Engine" and so on untill you click on "Last Engine". Then you should "Edit Engine"/ "Edit Name"/ make up a name to call it on the Remote. The combined command will appear on the Remote as one engine but with a (L) in the upper right conner.
"Eng" Yes you are correct.
It is something to keep in mind if you have engines on powered sidings.