I had used various transformers - including a Lionel CW-80 and all of my MTH Proto-sounds 3.0 engines worked fine - but i tried running a C&O Greenbrier the other day and there was not sound - the engine responded to all of the other DCS commands - smoke on/off, forward, reverse direction etc but no sound - so i checked the master volume control, did all of the troubleshooting steps in the DCS manual with no luck - then i called MTH and the service tech said the the transformer might be the problem (was getting good voltage readings and 10 on the DCS signal) So I switched to a Z-1000 - and still no sound. I sent the engine back to MTH (still under warranty) but was wondering if anyone ever heard about the transformer issues - or what possible could be the problem. I have the latest version of the DCS Software and WiFI - (PS also tried the sound using WiFI & the phone app - no luck)
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Some people swear by the CW80 transformer and some people swear at them. I have not used one recently, but some years ago did have several that were quite problematic (especially with MTH and some other brands) to the extent that I simply discarded them. It would not be possible to place direct blame on the CW80 you used since you got the same result with a Z1000, but I sure wouldn't rule out--at this point at least--the possibility that the CW cuasedsome sort of glitch with the electronics in your Greenbrier.
Ted,
Acceptable transformers for use with DCS preventing engine sound?
Extremely unlikely.
thanks - i doubt it was the transformer - since other MTH engines worked fine - i think it was a problem with the speaker/electronics. i also plan just to use Lionel Powerhouses in the future - should be interesting to see what MTH finds with the engine.
thanks Allen - we will see what the MTH people say, but i was a bit disappointed with the response/service people - not sure how much experience they had - or if they were just looking at a "response" sheet they had in front of them. Margins must be tight !