Help with my MTH Engine

@Train 64 posted:

Hi all,

I've used this forum as a resource many times reading different articles, however, this is my first time posting.

I have an MTH PS2 4-4-0. Tonight it was running perfectly and then just stopped and shut off. I tried to restart engine, but I only got a ticking sound from the speaker and the engine (smoke and headlight would not turn on). When I disconnected the tender cable from the engine the sound came on and when I reconnected it, it shut off again. Can anyone provide any guidance to diagnose?

Any guidance would be appreciative. Thanks

Sure sounds like a short in the engine, but maybe it's the load of the smoke and lights with a failing PS2 5V???

We need the product number 30-xxxxx-x or 20-xxxxx-x  because they made a bunch of these and there are PS2 5V variants vs PS2 3V variants.

Thanks Vernon. The number for the engine is 30-1256-1. Quick update now the tender does not make sound at all even when it is connected to the engine.

At a bare minimum, this means you probably should stop trying to run and power it, and check the state of the board in the tender.

One scenario is a blown or failing capacitor, if you catch it before it burns diodes and other stuff up could be the difference in a much costlier repair.

A 5V variant is seen by the 9V style battery in the tender and the round style charging jack- but this is the railking version and we still don't know the exact engine product number.  Premier versions, from what I can tell, earliest is 2005- making them PS2 3V time range which leads down a slightly different set of of failure scenarios.

VS PS2 3V Premier with a 2 pin charging jack and 2 cell battery pack

@Train 64 posted:

Thanks Vernon. The number for the engine is 30-1256-1. Quick update now the tender does not make sound at all even when it is connected to the engine.

OK I was making a long message while you replied.

That is for sure a 5V variant, and this could be the board dying.

You might need someone to look at it.

My engine does have the 9 volt style battery and barrel jack. I have a BCR in it. The number for the engine is 30-1256-1.

Just saw your response. Vernon. Thank you so much for your help. Can you still get boards for this engine? I've heard there is a technique of putting in a PS3 board but you download the correct soundfile for the engine?

@Train 64 posted:

Just saw your response. Vernon. Thank you so much for your help. Can you still get boards for this engine? I've heard there is a technique of putting in a PS3 board but you download the correct soundfile for the engine?

So, a PS32 Stacker board set with 5V style upper board connectors could be a fix. you also change out the speaker to 4Ohm when making that upgrade. Sadly, I don't know what exact speaker size that takes- 40mm, 50mm diameter?

This is great. Does the unprogrammed mean that I would have to have the software to download the sound file?

Yes, or pay MTH to do it

https://www.mthpartsandsales.com/

I hasten to add.  If you've never programmed a PS/3 board (including the PS32 board), there are a few pitfalls.  Also, if you're doing an upgrade to a different locomotive, or you're programming for something like a trolley, subway, small smoke unit, or electric locomotive with operating pantographs, you need to load a special chain file for the PS32 boards.

The old PS/2 sound files were pretty easy, the PS/3 family has thrown in a few curves.  Before you install, it's best to do a little research and know beforehand what is required for your situation.