I have a track connected to variable 1 that i also have TMCC hooked up to. I run my TMCC Lionel's with the DCS remote, with no problems. When I try to run a Proto 1 engine on the track it starts up as soon as power is applied. At one time, I think, I was able to run proto 1 on this track and do a "start up" and get the PFA to work, now I can't. I just don't remember how I did it 4 months ago. If someone would be gracious enough to tell me what I'm doing wrong, or provide a step by step, I'll print it out and keep it by my layout. I have a few proto 1 engines that I really like, but if I can't enjoy running them they're useless.
Thanks in advance

Clueless

Yes, make sure the track with the PS1 engine is set to Var1 or Var2. Then push the TR button on the DCS remote and scroll the voltage up/down like a normal transformer. The PS1 engine will respond in conventional. The neat thing I discovered is the PS2 engines if they get the watchdog signal will still sit silently and not run. I have a small layout and had one PS1 engine on an outside loop with a PS2 engine sitting on a passing siding. I got the operating PRR caboose with signal man for xmas and you can only make him work in conventional so I ended up switching from Fixed 1 to Var1. It worked fine.

Remember the DCS signal goes out even on the Variable tracks. You just have to be aware that you can lose the DCS signal if you drive the voltage down below 8-10 I think. I'm working from memory here so I think that's right.

Dave, I may not be remembering this correctly (a usual occurrence)but I thought that I started the Proto 1 engines (in the past), by pressing the PS1 soft key. Should I press the TR button before applying power? 'cause when I apply power the engines sound starts up and i run them but can't figure out how to get the PFA's to engage.

Yes, you can't control a variable track with DCS without selecting the track first. Unfortunately, I am at work and don't have access to the remote. When you first power up on a variable like turn on the TIU and remote, it appears as if nothing happens, my lights on my switches stayed dark. Then I would select the TR button and once I scrolled the thumbwheel up power came on to the track and a conventional engine will start the sounds but remain in neutral. I believe the lowest you can go is 5.5 volts on variable which won't make a PS1 engine move. then you have to scroll up and down(or use the direction button) to get the engine to go from neutral to forward, just like using the transformer. I hope this is accurate, it's been a while, 6 mos. I had to take all my stuff down due to a remodeling of the kitchen/family room.

Good luck, just experiment. DCS has a lot of options and ways of doing things.

Reread activating PFA in your manual. I forget the sequencing.

I believe it is the same as when using a conventional transformer. Hold down the bell button for 3 seconds until you hear an air hiss noise. That means the PFA is armed and will run at the next dir change.

quote:

ARMING THE FREIGHT YARD FEATURE
Before freight yard sounds can be heard, ProtoSounds® must activate the
feature so that the next time the engine enters the Neutral position, the
sounds can play. The Feature can be activated one of two ways.
Option 1: If you are using a separate bell button controller to ring your bell
(like the Lionel® Railsounds® number 5906 bell activation button or a
transformer equipped with a bell button, like the MTH Z-750), you can
activate the Feature by holding down the bell button for three or more
seconds (it doesn’t matter if you are in Forward, Netural or Reverse). You will hear the bell chiming turn on and if you listen carefully, you should
Ding, Ding Psshhee
Put Engine In Neutral,
Forward or Reverse
Press & Hold
The Railsounds® Bell Button
For 3 Seconds
Listen For The
Start Of The Bell Sound
Listen For The
Air Release Sound
After 3 Seconds

Hope that helps

Mort

Mort thanks, I'll try the bell. That sounds familiar, I have a hazy recollections of doing that.
Please tell me, am I mixed up about pressing a soft key to start the proto 1? I have a feeling I'm confusing running my TMCC engs with DCS, because I do start them with the remote.

I do not use any PS1 engines right now, but when I did, I believe the ps1 soft key puts a start up voltage on the track for ps1 engines, rather than rolling up from the 5 volts available at initial roll up of the thumb wheel.

Mort

Mort, thank you very much. As soon as I pressed the "bell" button it all came back to me. I'm going to write a note and tack it up.