Re: SAMRA Show Jan. 27th-28th

["Ira Schneider" <ira_schneider@iname.com>]

I strongly disagree with the idea of adding a switch to the track 2 power flow.

1.  We don't know what effect adding a switch will have on the DCS signal quality.  We have enough
     trouble with signal quality now.  Adding another variable is just asking for more problems.

2. The board of directors previously discussed this option and agreed to leave the MTH Track
     Interface Unit (TIU) connected in series with the Track Power Controller (TPC).  In fact, the original
     agreement was to have ONLY the TIU control track 2.  We added the TPC in series with the TIU
     to allow track 2 to be shut down if anyone hits the HALT button on any CAB-1 in case of a
     major problem on the layout.

3. If you want to run TMCC on track 2, all you have to do is:
    a. Select Track 2, then Boost on a CAB-1.
    b. Press TR, select TRACK 2 COMMAND, and turn the thumbwheel up one click on the MTH handheld.
    c. Use the CAB-1 to send commands to the engine.

4. If you want to run conventional mode on track 2, all you have to do is:
    a. Select Track 2, then Boost on a CAB-1.
    b. Press TR, select TRACK 2 CONV, and turn the thumbwheel up or down to control the speed
        of the train.  The DIR button controls the direction; the BELL button rings the bell, and the
        W/H button sounds the whistle or horn.

I have heard complaints before about not being able to power up track 2.  However, I have rarely
had any problems getting power to track 2.  I suspect the problem is operator error, since
you have to remember to power up the track using BOTH handhelds and make sure the TIU
is powered on.  Also, occasionally, after running for a while, the TIU and handheld stop
communicating with each other.  Turning the TIU and the handheld off then on usually corrects
this problem.  (There is a power switch on the power box for the TIU.)

I have learned the minimum command sequences I need to use the CAB-1.  Surely, our members can
learn the minimum commands necessary to use the MTH handheld to allow them to operate TMCC or
conventional mode engines on track 2.


Ira