I need some technical advice.......please

If you are using an MTh Z4000 it is very easy to reset that engine  If the sounds come on like that its locked in forward  There are a series of buttons to press on the transformer to unlock it  PS1 works great as long as you have a good battery or BCR in it  What transformer are you using?

Given the distance, I would insist that the locos be tested first before purchase.  There is a good MTH tech in Australia; he has been to the states a few times for training.  Will have to get his contact info.  The Lionel RS-1 will operate PS1 locos, but it is only rated at 50 watts, so with the smoke unit humming, it may tax it a bit.    With a horn and bell button, you should be able to do a reset 18.  Also, be aware that the 30-2114-1 is on the deselect list, so I would insist that it has an updated chip in it before purchase.

If the PS-1 does not work, that is a perfect excuse to install an ERR Cruise Commander.

Or a conventional reverse unit by Dallee.

@Jon G posted:

Given the distance, I would insist that the locos be tested first before purchase.  There is a good MTH tech in Australia; he has been to the states a few times for training.  Will have to get his contact info.  The Lionel RS-1 will operate PS1 locos, but it is only rated at 50 watts, so with the smoke unit humming, it may tax it a bit.    With a horn and bell button, you should be able to do a reset 18.  Also, be aware that the 30-2114-1 is on the deselect list, so I would insist that it has an updated chip in it before purchase.

I agree with Jon's recommendations 100% as you need to minimize/resolve as many issues as possible prior to shipment.

Actually you could have the seller set-up a Zoom video conference call to demonstrate the engine actually operating live to you.  This application is free of charge and very easy to download and use.   You'll be able to see the actual item, the seller and hear what the engine is doing on the test track or layout.    

With the technology we have at our fingertips today, we should take full advantage of it.   If the seller refuses, then he must have something to hide.  End of deal right there on the spot.   No need to transfer funds etc, etc, etc.

An honest dealer would want to help put your mind at ease especially since the time lag between delivery and you inspecting the item will be long. 

Wishing you much luck with your purchases and keep us up to date as to how it turned out.

For a PS1 locomotive, two clanks is normal at startup. You must set the voltage at less than 10 volts before pushing the direction button to take it out of reset.  If the voltage is less than 10 and you’re still getting the clanks, it is likely because you are using a cut-wave power supply that this particular PS1 locomotive doesn’t like.

Thanks guys for all of the info. I will keep you posted as to the outcome. To answer some of your questions etc, I have replied to each post.

Bluelinec4:   I am using a Lionel RS-1 transformer. It works well in getting all of my MTH RailKing loco's to run as they should.

Jon G:   It would be great if you could find contact info on the MTH technician who lives here in Australia. I would certainly appreciate it, as I have quite a few MTH RailKing diesel loco's.

How can I obtain an "updated chip", as I also have a MTH RailKing CSX SD60M (30-2116-1) with the same problematic circuit board? This loco is still running great, but as I said, I swapped out the original battery with a BCR as soon as I received it. 

Will I need to get one of these "updated chips" for this loco too, or should it be OK with the BCR??

Finally, none of my loco's have the "smoke" feature, so there is never any issue with the output of my Lionel RS-1 transformer.

RoyBoy:   Well outside my field of expertise, my friend!!!!. I can solder a couple of wires, grease gears, oil axles, pull body shells off chassis, and change traction tyres, but stepping into the mystical world of circuit boards, WiFi signals, and "black magic" transplants sends me into another state of shock. Sorry!!!

Allegheny:   You are talking to someone who is living well outside the realm of such modern technology. Should I ever want to go down that slippery slope, I have children who can be called on to make my entrance into cyberspace possible, but they don't seem to understand my obsession with O gauge model trains. Crazy kids!!!

Jim R:   Yeh, I have the start-up procedure pretty well down pat, and can get all of my MTH RailKing diesel loco's to run, complete with all of their different features. It was just me being unsure of whether or not to purchase this loco that seems to be stuck in "neutral/reset".

Guys, please watch thus space for further updates!!!

Peter (Buco Australia)

@Buco posted:

 

Allegheny:   You are talking to someone who is living well outside the realm of such modern technology. Should I ever want to go down that slippery slope, I have children who can be called on to make my entrance into cyberspace possible, but they don't seem to understand my obsession with O gauge model trains. Crazy kids!!!

 

Peter (Buco Australia)

Peter,

The Zoom application is very simple to use.  If I were to send you a link for a meeting, all you would need to do would be to click on it and for the first time it would download the application onto your PC.   The meeting would automatically open up.  You would be able to turn on your microphone and video camera.   

I chair an organization, and due to COVID, we've been hosting our meetings in this manner.  I have several 85+ year old gentlemen who use this application without issue.  The first few times were a little trying, but they got through it.   Now they are a whiz at running this application.

As I noted earlier, its an easy application to use.  Take your time and play with it a little and you'll be up and running in no time.

Another option, while not inexpensive, would be to have the seller send the engine for a check up to one of the forum members who does repairs.  They would then send it to you.  Cheaper than sending it back for repairs.

Jon G:   It would be great if you could find contact info on the MTH technician who lives here in Australia. I would certainly appreciate it, as I have quite a few MTH RailKing diesel loco's.

His name is Bill Veale.  I sent his contact info via my MTH email address.  As for the chip, they are still available.  You could order direct from MTH or piggy-back an order from Bill when he orders parts.  The problem is, even with the BCR, we don't know exactly what causes the board to do into deselect, so if it does it, you need a new chip to get it out of that mode for that specific sound set.  You could put a chip from another loco that is not on the list, and it will run, but when you put the suspect chip back in, it returns to the deselect mode.