How to test/service MTH PS2 Engines

You'll need to attend an MTH repair seminar before you can obtain a PS2 or PS3 test fixture and service documentation.

In order to attend a seminar, you'll need to be sponsored by an authorized MTH dealer.

Also, pack your wallet, the two fixtures and the required boards are around $650 if you want PS/2 and PS/3 capability.   You need to do a lot of repairs to get payback on the test sets.

There is a lot of good information on service available for MTH techs, so if you're working for a dealer, it's a worthwhile investment.

John and Barry, the best source of MTH information available to us is the More Technician only section of the MTH website.  I use this often.  Having been through 4 MTH schools starting with Protosounds, PS2 and PS3 I managed to pick up a few pointers.  The original Protosounds test fixture I have has been modified to test boards (top and bottom) test chips and the many other features that came with the original tester.  The PS2 test fixture tests 5V and 3V boards as well as smoke units and all lighting.  The PS3 test fixture tests everything PS3 in O gauge and HO gauge. 

The technical documents that we got from the school are worth their weight in gold.  The contacts at MTH service and the networking with fellow school members are invaluable.  It is always great to be able to pick up the phone and call Barry, George (GGG) or Paul Strickland (AKA VA Golfer) to go over an issue.  Jeff Strank is always available for us to contact.

One last note.  If anyone for one minute thinks he/she can make any money doing repairs, he still believes in the Easter Bunny.  I attended these schools to be able to take care of and fix my own locomotives and those of my close friends.  I have a few locomotives and this has worked for me.

Everyone on the forum has a member who fixes boards and is very good at it.  For board problems, contact GGG.  George has fixed many boards for me that are otherwise junk.  George also does upgrades.

You members on the OGR forum can always get someone to help solve any problem or issue you are dealing with.  After time you will learn who to take information from.  Unfortunately we have a lot of people who heard something somewhere from somebody and want to be heard. 

I consider the OGR forum to be the best source of information on the internet.  I have learned very much reading posts from many of the credible members who post here.  The people from OGR run a good forum.

I never got the original PS/1 test fixture, and it sounds like you went a whole lot farther with yours.  I just have some cables and connectors that I flop on the bench to hook these up for testing.

How do you individually test boards, other than just putting them onto a known good matching board?

I have a known good top board and bottom board.  Plug in any board in question.  The test fixture is similar to the PS2  as it is basically an engine with motor, pot, speaker and lighting mounted on the board.  I have a known good set of boards for testing chips.  The test fixture has the 4 pin engine connection to plug into.  Works good.  PS1 locomotives will be with us for a long time to come. 

OK, I thought you had something really exotic.

I never saw the PS/1 test fixture, I do something similar.  I just connect the board up on the bench, I have leads with the connectors so I can plug it together.  I don't have a board with it all mounted, I did think of doing that someday.

Illwill;

I would look in the Manual that came with the engine for lubrication and service.

Most engines will never need more than that.

If you have an engine that is giving you problems, post the problem on the forum with as much detail as possible.

Someone here will help you fix it or point you out someone or some place that can fix it for you.

Marty;

Sage advice and a solid explanation.

John, everything is contained in one unit.  I hate wires everywhere.  Neat and functional.

Clearly, we need pictures.