Another used piece of DCS. Take my advice unless you can test it yourself before you buy, don't buy one unless it's a real steal. Anyway I bought this used. Up until now I never had a need to use the variable outputs. Variable output #1 has no output. I opened it up and the wires are connected to the post. Is there a fuse or a component that is generally the 1st to go? Otherwise all three others work fine. I may keep it as is for what I paid. I paid $250 for the TIU, the Remote, an AIU, 3 MTH Power blocks suitable for Z-1000 size controllers, a Z-750 and various cables. or if repairs aren't too much, I'd like to get it repaired or better yet fix it myself. I'm pretty electronic savvy but couldn't find a fuse.
I look forward to any feedback. Thanks, Dave

Hi Dave,

If you opened the TIU and didn't see any blade fuses it's an original "Rev G" TIU. These first run TIU's did have problems with the variable channels going out. One of my Rev G TIU's lost output on one variable channel and was repaired under warranty. It can be repaired, but I don't know what the cost would be.

One thing to try is to do a TIU reset to make sure the channel hasn't been turned off or had the max voltage set to zero.

Dave is right if you do not see 4 yellow blade type fuses then you probably bought a Rev G. First thing I would check is to see what version of software is on the TIU. If someone loaded 4.0 and didn't do any further upgrades then the VAR 1 problem may be corrected by upgrading to 4.02. If you have 3.1 or 4.01 or later then check the ground trace on the board. The REV G's have been known to burn that out especially if the previous owner didn't protect the TIU with fast blow fuses between the transformer and TIU.

Yes it must be a "G", no blades. I did upgrade it to 4.02. What I need is not variable, I tried to set it to fixed. But when that didn't work I tried variable. I do have continuity from ground from input to output. Any other software settings I should check? It is set to ON. I was wondering if a common component would go first on these like the Mosfets that blow in the Lionel TMCC power modules. Thanks again, Dave

Check to see what the max/min voltage is set at for VAR 1. and are you scrolling the wheel up when you go to track VAR 1?

quote:

Originally posted by VaGolfer1950:
Check to see what the max/min voltage is set at for VAR 1. and are you scrolling the wheel up when you go to track VAR 1?

How in the Variable setup under DCS setup is the Min / Max Set? Thanks, Davester

Hi Dave,

Press the track button "TR" and find the MTV softkey. Scroll to "MAX VOLTS" and press the thumb wheel. Scroll up until the display reads 22.0 and press the thumb wheel.

The starting voltage can also be set through the same softkey.