Help - New locomotive. NO Sound? SUCCESS!

1) What is the MTH item number?

2) Are you testing it with DCS or conventional?

Thanks for the reply Hot Water.  We've tried both conventional and with DCS. The systems are working fine as we're running other engines. This is MTH NKP 765 from 2021

Didn't bring the MTH item number as I transported her in Doug's boxes.  Runs fine, nice and smooth. Smokes well...

Did you try a feature reset or a factory reset yet? did you use it for a track signal test? ( that mutes the sounds)

Volume turned up on each of the sounds? on DCS

Is the tether fully seated correctly at both ends?

Might have to open the tender and get a look at the speaker. An AA battery should make the speaker click if applied briefly to the terminals with it disconnected. If it's magnet is flaking, it probably can't move.

After that?? sound file issue?

We just did both a factory and a feature reset to no avail. The rear coupler doesn't function either.

Tried her in conventional and still no sounds but she ran OK.

A solid guess is, that if a reset and conventional don't work, and this is a PS3 engine, but everything else works- BINGO- the answer could be the inside the tender, the wiring harness has come unplugged from the output of the tender board- and that output contains both the speaker and volume pot connections. MTH has been bundling the wiring too tight with tension on the connectors causing them to come unplugged.

FWIW, this same problem has affected a number of engines in recent memory. Example, my own 611 J class had this issue, as did another club member's.

Example tender board and this connection that could be unplugged.

That sounds like a good possibility Vernon - Thanks. We just noticed that the backup light isn't working either.  Running a track signal test and exiting didn't help either.

@c.sam posted:

We just did both a factory and a feature reset to no avail. The rear coupler doesn't function either.

Tried her in conventional and still no sounds but she ran OK.

@c.sam posted:

That sounds like a good possibility Vernon - Thanks. We just noticed that the backup light isn't working either.  Running a track signal test and exiting didn't help either.

all these things not working helps direct where to look.

@Vernon Barry posted:

A solid guess is, that if a reset and conventional don't work, and this is a PS3 engine, but everything else works- BINGO- the answer could be the inside the tender, the wiring harness has come unplugged from the output of the tender board- and that output contains both the speaker and volume pot connections. MTH has been bundling the wiring too tight with tension on the connectors causing them to come unplugged.

FWIW, this same problem has affected a number of engines in recent memory. Example, my own 611 J class had this issue, as did another club member's.

Example tender board and this connection that could be unplugged.

Sounds like you got the right help now!!

I have seen more bad speaker wire connections on PS-3.  Either broken internal wire under insulation, or bad connection at the plug.  The latest run of PS-3 have some crappy wiring.  G

@GGG posted:

I have seen more bad speaker wire connections on PS-3.  Either broken internal wire under insulation, or bad connection at the plug.  The latest run of PS-3 have some crappy wiring.  G

Another note: they are using different connectors to LEDs and couplers too on these wiring harnesses. I think JST-ZH or maybe Microblade? Just saying, gone are the Mini-SPOX 5264, now replaced with much smaller connectors, not saying this is bad- just to be aware of the change and another part to keep in the spares box.

I have seen that.  The but these were the SPOX, but a knock off type.  Did not look like original Molex.  G

@Vernon Barry posted:

…the wiring harness has come unplugged from the output of the tender board…

Given that nothing in the tender works, I think this is the most likely problem, with an easy solution.

Did you try a different tender? If it works, then tender may be bad. If not, could be engine based issue

Chris, I do have the SR Mikado with PS3, will perhaps give that a try as well. It may be a few days until I am back home and able to have a look at everything. Thanks to everyone for the responses and suggestions; this is one of the many good attributes of this forum!

Our new 'Stealth' Berkshire'

@cbojanower posted:

Did you try a different tender? If it works, then tender may be bad. If not, could be engine based issue

I know that it's not a good idea to swap tenders with PS2.  Is it safe to do what Mr. Bojanower is suggesting with PS3?  I.e., are they all electronically interchangeable?

@Ted S posted:

I know that it's not a good idea to swap tenders with PS2.  Is it safe to do what Mr. Bojanower is suggesting with PS3?  I.e., are they all electronically interchangeable?

I call this a bad idea.

On PS2, the thing is, there were and are mux tender and engine wiring, and then the simpler non-mux wiring. You won't see externally any label or sign but mixing is incompatible.

On PS3, while the 6 pin connection is more standardized, there is a known scenario of EMI rated boards and firmware VS non EMI version and the reason that matters is firmware and a state where you can blow up the motor drive FETs on the boiler board. FWIW, here is a topic with several good posts in it about this scenario https://ogrforum.com/...c/157406523646053071

So again, there is some risk in swapping tenders. It's not zero, even if you know exact details- hence don't do it IMO.

Caution noted - Thanks Vernon. Will NOT try the other tender!

SUCCESS!

Sound restored - Simple fix. Those are the best kind.  I've not had time to pull the tender shell to check for a loose connection as several have suggested until this past weekend. My friend and Service Station owner near New Orleans was in town for a nephew's (twins, actually) high school graduation and he removed the shell and immediately spotted the culprit - the small plug had come completely loose from the board. Reinstalled and we ran her today and everything was fine.  ..except for the smoke. Somewhat disappointed there and have posted a new thread with a few questions.

Also there was a 'harness' with a larger plus coming from the side or beneath the board that was just 'sticking out in the air'. My friend doesn't work on MTH very much and didn't know what it could be and quickly buttoned her up before I could get a photo or two.  Any idea what that was?

Thanks again everyone who replied and offered suggestions.

Aux tether for a Water tender most likely.  G

Everyone loves a happy ending!