Multiple HC-2b's & Linked Units

[Espeelark]

I linked my first pair of diesels about a month ago. Boy is that sweet!
I then removed one of the diesels back to the workbench to install forward and rear (LED) lights that were originally overlooked.
I put that unit back on the layout and married it up to its partner. I then randomly picked up one of my four HC-2b's. When I selected either of the two loco's, the HC-2b did NOT indicate either was linked. I thought that maybe somehow they became "unlinked" when I removed the one to my workbench? I attempted to link them again and it said that it couldn't because it was already linked!? Same happened for the other loco in the pair. The HC-2b did not show the "Unlink" button for either loco.
I then searched this forum and found a "Can't unlink" discussion from July '24. It discussed needing to try using the "clear active locos list" button, and try linking again. I reflected on this and wondered if my issue had something to do with the fact that I have four (-4-) HC-2b's. I started going through each of my HC's and the first two showed the same thing - that the two loco's were not linked. When attempting to run either of the loco's from these first two HC's they operated independently and dragged the 2nd unit.
Then when I tried the 3rd HC, it showed that they were linked and they did operate as a linked pair.
It appears that the linked status of the two units does NOT translate across, and to, any other HC's. Is this true?
If true, then I will have to either A) unlink prior to shutting the HC down, or B) put a note on the HC that has linked locos.
Anybody have any further info on this issue?
What is everyone's exper

[LVRR1856]

Not sure I have the answer - first all, I only have 1 HC, secondly, I just did my first link/MU myself. Learning as I go and reading this.
I was shocked at first when I tried the MU having the 2 uncoupled ... didn't work being uncoupled, once coupled it worked.

Also surprised the MU is remembered after on/off ... glad to see this. Now I have to learn about unlinking/clearing list.
I think on one of K-packs videos he talked about clearing thing.

My guess to your situation is the HC initially used to set up the link remembers the MU'd pair? Not the modules. I c/b wrong - but my assumption.

You are right - it is nice feature, and was happy it works, can't wait to do a 4 unit lashup.

I'm following this ..

[CPRail]

Surprised to hear you needed to couple up the units to get them to link. I've successfully run a consist with 2 locos up front, and 2 buried about 25 cars back. Ran for about 2 hours, no issues, up and down the grade. Everything MU'd as one consist.

[Espeelark]

Hey there LVRR1856!
I am just as surprised as Ian that your 2 units didn't operate as a linked pair when uncoupled. I purposely uncoupled my 2 units and spaced them about 2' apart (to see how closely speed matched they were) and they ran just fine.

I sent my question to Ring, and here is their response:
It appears that the linked status of the two units does NOT translate across, and to, any other HC's. Is this true?
False.
If you leave the locos powered, you can grab any HC and it will pickup the current loco link even if it was linked by a different HC. 
If you turn off the locos power and turn off the HC then it will link based on last HC link in that particular HC.
If you are not likely to remember what HCs have what locos in a link then you should unlink locos before powering down.
If you get confused on what HCs and what locos have links, then you can power off all locos, and press the clear active loco list on all HCs (full reset) and all locos will link the first time.

Another way of saying that is, A) as long as the power to the track remains on (after having newly linked units together), other HCs will be able to “see” them as linked.
B) if I shut the layout down WITHOUT unlinking them, then only the HC that originally linked them will be able to operate them as a linked pair/consist when you restore the power to the units.
Sounds like employing the "clear active loco list" after an Op Session on all HCs' might be a best practice!