Low cost, simple replacement for MTH PS1 system

Williams by Bachmann reverse board. Maybe a better idea would be to sell the locomotive you have now and pick up a new LionChief.

Gilly@N&W posted:

Williams by Bachmann reverse board.

Buy the circuit board from an online vendor like Train World or Mario's Trains. Williams Bachmann charges way too much on their website!!

Lee Fritz

A Protosound engine is a conventional engine with a sound board. There is a pot that turns the sounds off. If it smokes you can turn that off. A battery is generally good for 5 years. If you do not want to change it buy a BCR for $25. Horn whistle work via buttons on transformer. lights are wired directly to the track. 

If kids run it you can lock the engine in forward. 

Dallee might be good too?

I had this same trouble buying them a PS3 engine that the grandkids wrecked. I kept fixing stuff and now they're older. I really think they need to start with GeoTraxx and stay there for much longer.

The kids are good when they're at my house running my trains. When they're home, they fight and the trains get broke. I get yelled at, for getting them involved with trains! Then, I have to fix the trains because I'm the one who bought them?

Maybe get a DC pack, wire the engine directly and keep it simple?

I don't have the Lionchief but maybe that's better?

I agree with Gilly,  Sell the engine & buy a Lionel LionChief engine.  

A 2nd on the Dallee stuff.....good solid product......and goes from very basic to sounds. Check their site. 

John Sethian posted:

I am looking for a simple, low cost replacement for a PS-1 system.   This is for a train to run around the Christmas tree.   This will be for conventional transformer (MTH Z-1000) controlled operation only.   All I want is a working headlight, forward-reverse capability, and a horn.  Diesel sound and bell would be nice, but not necessary.    

There is nothing wrong with the existing PS-1 system, because I install a brand new 9V battery each December.  But its a challenge for kids under the age of five to run as They like to move the throttle and randomly push buttons.

Any suggestions?

 

A new board won't be any different in operating capabilities for transformer control. What exactly is the problem you are having with the PS-1 engine? How are you using it currently? 

I don't understand why everyone was making recommendations for changing this engine without understanding the problem. Jim C stated it clearly, the PS-1 engine should already do what you want.

George

I have an NW9 with PS1 that stopped working. I replaced with a Williams reverse board and TruBlast 2. It works great.

From what I understand about the OP's original concern, he wants kids under 5 to be able to run the train around the Christmas tree.  I am not a fan of LionChief for my own operations but I have several Thomas and Friends engines that are nearly bullet proof for kids, even for my 2 year old granddaughter. They have young kids versions of the LionChief remotes that can't be beat in my opinion.  I also have a Silver Bells set that is LionChief.  The kids can run that just as well.

I hate to say this but even an electronics upgrade wouldn't "simplify" operation.  And IMHO, you need to keep young children away from the transformer.  LionChief both simplifies operation with only a throttle and 3 buttons for sound and it keeps young kids away from the electricity.

The thing I don't like about the LionChief stuff is the power they come with.  The wall wart provides ludicrous speed.  When I run them on my regular layout, I turn the ZW down to 12 to 14 volts to keep Thomas from going crazy.

To the OP, if the recommendations here are not satisfying your concerns, please elaborate on exactly what you are looking for.  I agree with another post here that we are recommending you replace the engine without knowing exactly what you are looking for.  I read "simplification of operation" and I believe LionChief is the simplest thing going. 

Tony

George S posted:

What exactly is the problem you are having with the PS-1 engine? How are you using it currently?

 I'm guessing, and I understand his position, that with a PS(-1) engine and all of the random whistle button pushing, that the young'ins are constantly entering the PS menu, which can be a real bear to navigate through, & out of, with the engine running correctly or as desired... especially if the kids are doing it and you don't know where they left off.

It's been a while, but I think the easiest solution would be to pull the ProtoSounds board from the DCRU and replace it with a generic MTH horn board from a similar diesel.

ADCX Rob posted:

George S posted:

What exactly is the problem you are having with the PS-1 engine? How are you using it currently?

 I'm guessing, and I understand his position, that with a PS(-1) engine and all of the random whistle button pushing, that the young'ins are constantly entering the PS menu, which can be a real bear to navigate through, & out of, with the engine running correctly or as desired... especially if the kids are doing it and you don't know where they left off.

It's been a while, but I think the easiest solution would be to pull the ProtoSounds board from the DCRU and replace it with a generic MTH horn board from a similar diesel

ADCX Rob got it exactly right.    All their random button pushing (or movements of the throttle) results in getting deep into the PS1 menu, and its a mess to get out of it.  Sounds like he has been there!  

Thanks to everyone who replied.  Replacing the loco is not an option, as it has sentimental value to the family.  I do like ADCX Rob's suggestion, that is what I was looking for.

I have never ran a LionChief loco, and I have only once used my brother's PS/2 engine with the handheld after I fixed it for him. So I don't know squat. But I would think one would have to consider the combo of a PS/2 Railking engine, TIU, Wifi-TIU, and any smart phone. Yes it would cost more, but you could get so much more for a bit more $. Plus kids like things on smart phones.

John,

I have the same issue with my 4 year old grandson and 2 PS-1 engines I have.   They are both great engines but not so much for a 4 year old who likes turning the transformer handle on and off repeatedly.   Certainly not the fault of the engines, they were never intended for a 4 year old.  Actually sometimes I think I don't have the energy for a 4 yr old but that is another topic.

My grandson keeps getting into the menu which is a pain.  I would never think of changing anything out on the engines.  Fortunately I have other engines more suitable for my grandchild.

Since your engine has sentimental value which IMO is priceless then I would certainly do something like a Bachman reverse board.  After all these are toys meant to give pleasure to young and old.

Good luck

Ed

You can not do what Rob stated.  The PS-1 bottom board is not a DCRU and has no logic so if you remove the top board you will loose motion too.  Though it could be hardwired.  A DCRU and Horn board would work.  Of course you could teach the 5yo how to operate it correctly. 

Once out of Reset and moving, pushing buttons (whistle/horn) can only activate coupler or PSA function.  Not reprogramming.  Now at first start up and above 12V, yes they could start doing things like that.

I do have some Williams Reverse boards with Trueblast (Bell/horn) if you need one.  E-mail in profile.  G

There is still a lot of decent Marx out there! Your can't beat for a first train set!

For kids that young I just lock my locomotive into forward and let them play.  My PS-1 locomotives handle it just fine.

John,

I just went & checked my MTH Berk I converted to QSI QS-2, and while it has the DCRU, PS-1 Battery Charger, & QS-2 logic/sound boards, these three boards replaced the MTH standard issue reverse & whistle boards. The speaker is a different impedance, too.

I imagine you would be able to find the standard MTH reverse & horn board to put into your diesel without too much trouble as these were excessed  by many folks doing PS-1, PS-2, or PS-3 upgrades to older motive power. This would keep it all "MTH" and would be non-destructive / easily reversible if you want to go back to ProtoSounds later.

Rob, the QSI PS-1 BC is not just a battery charger, it is actually the Power Supply for the QSI top board.  The difference between a DCRU and the PS-1 bottom board are 2 main items.  The DCRU has logic circuit for conventional reverse unit, the PS-1 bottom board does not (takes motor control direction from top board).  The PS-1 bottom board has all the extra power supplies to run  a top board, the DCRU does not.   The whistle or Horn board only need an AC input from track, primarily.  G