Hello, is there a way to remove the computer boards on this unit and just allow it to function as a conventional motorized unit only? I would be using a zw Lionel power supply. I bought this yesterday at a train show real cheap. I was told it has a scrambled computer chip and also needs a special kind of battery. I’m not at all familiar with this kind of unit but the shell and price was good I figured it was worth a shot to salvage. Hope I didn’t make a mistake. Thanks for any help or ideas.
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The driver for the motor and the sound system are all integrated as one. No way to use what you have trying to separate it......it may be able to be repaired (an MTH tech would be able to tell you this) ....as far as gutting it, Dallee electronics sells an inexpensive electronic E unit that can be easily installed to make it run again.....this will give you forward, neutral, and reverse.....another option is to convert the engine to PS3 ...a lot more expensive, but this will give you great sounds, speed control and other cool features.....and on the far end on that spectrum, a .59 cent bridge rectifier can be wired in, but she’ll only run in one direction only.....that’s the super cheap option...😄.........Pat
The simplest way would be to gut the electronics and add a simple e-unit from Dallee electronics.
https://www.dallee.com/Electro...p-DC-Motors-Only-518
You can actually find older reverse units for peanuts if you want to go that route. A simple reverse unit only has four connections, two to track power and two to the motors.
Thanks for all the good info. When you say older reverse units you mean the ones with a lever that Lionel made? Are the Dalle difficult to install? I have soldering supplies and am a little knowledgeable with wiring. Thanks again.
Dallee is very easy to install and you can buy lighting kits from him also. Give him a call.
I thought there was a special box made by MTH that techs could use to unscramble a bad ps1 chipset and make it good again. Yes or no?
yes. I'd try that route first.
Hawkshaw posted:Thanks for all the good info. When you say older reverse units you mean the ones with a lever that Lionel made? Are the Dalle difficult to install? I have soldering supplies and am a little knowledgeable with wiring. Thanks again.
No - the electromechanical e-units were for AC motors. You, of course, are dealing with AC track/DC motor power. The modern e-unit/rev unit takes care of that for you.
The "older" rev units are electronic and are indeed all over - they are removed when a loco is upgraded to TMCC or PS-something. Probably some on e-Bay right now.
You could also convert it (easily) to ERR Cruise Commander, if you are into TMCC or Legacy operating systems.
All the new units come with instructions; the old ones install the same way, typically.
Does anyone know a tech that would be able to take a look at this unit with possibly restoring it to its original self? Sounds like from comments posted I should at least consider it. Perhaps it’s possible to mail it to a tech & and have him look at it.
Find your local MTH tech
the board is probably only scrambled memory issue ,and could be reset and change the battery which would most likely fix your train! then you would still have engine sounds and would work again in conventional ! David check your email!
Alan
Awesome. I will try that. I saw where someone is selling the correct battery for the unit. If I understand it correctly, I put the new battery in, do a reset with the throttle sequence and maybe......just maybe..... All Abooaard!
Im a newbie and had no idea what I was buying. I’m old... when I was a kid you just put engine on track, drop oil in smoke stack, plug in transformer and replace brushes every now and then. I had a shack that made the sounds.
They had to go and put computers in my toy trains.
You guys are the best. Your knowledge is very valuable.
Recommend a local tech requires that we know the area you live in. 
Alan Mancus posted:the board is probably only scrambled memory issue ,and could be reset and change the battery which would most likely fix your train! then you would still have engine sounds and would work again in conventional ! David check your email!
Alan
MTH used to sell a kit to unscramble the board. I used it on mine once. You pull the chip and put in one from the kit. Turn it on and it fixes it. Then you replace the chip. I sold my kit though... Here are the instructions.
https://mthtrains.com/sites/de...ction/50as18155i.pdf
Looks like they are still available if you search.
George
George, that kit is ONLY for the three clank ID lockout issue. It will not fix ANY other Protosound issue.
gunrunnerjohn posted:George, that kit is ONLY for the three clank ID lockout issue. It will not fix ANY other Protosound issue.
That’s right. I also remember Midge at MTH sending me new sound chips. Easier to just upgrade...
George
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