Recently purchased 20-2718-1 ABA set from an auction. No DCS using ZW transformer. Out of the box the unit seemed to run okay. Allowed battery to recharge for approximately 30 minutes. Unit worked with sound, horn but no cab or marker lights. Sound soon stopped and now unit sits and buzzes with voltage approximately at 10-12 volts. No movement or sound. Should I assume board is blown and must be replaced? If so what is the recommended replacement. Any help is appreciated. Thanks
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This sounds like a GRJ question bad I would replace the battery before I do much more troubleshooting sorta sounds like a bad battery. Based on the product number it is from 2006 V2 that should make a 3 volt board base on information I have gotten from MTH the Premier line went to 3 volt boards in 2004.
I would not keep powering the board up if its repairable you might finish the board for good, then it could be beyond repair! have a ASC tech check out your board ,and then they can tell you what the engine needs, keeping powering the board up could KILL IT! permently !
Alan
I sing with the chorus, don't power it up anymore until you get the board checked out.
Remove the battery from the shell and check the voltage. 30 minutes is not long enough to charge a totally dead battery. In fact it may get the voltage only high enough to start causing problems. The manual's 15 minute test is assuming a good battery, or totally shot battery, not one of the partially degraded states a NiCad can wind up in.
NiCad batteries that have gone bad, but not totally dead, will either only take a partial charge and /or rapidly do an internal self discharge once voltage is removed.
I'd bought a 2-8-8-2 used and asked the seller if he knew if it was charged and he said it had been in the box for over a year. So I followed the manual's instructions for a full charge on the track and let it sit for 7 hours. Ran it fine, but checked the battery voltage the next day.
SO you should
1. Get a new battery
2. Have the board checked out to ensure it hasn't been damaged by trying to run with a bad battery.
3. Put a TVS diode and fuse on the output of the transformer if you'll be using it to run the loco in conventional mode.
Thanks all for the suggestions. Alan do you service these boards? If so how can I get it to you for diagnosis.
yes sometimes the ps 2 3 volt boards can be repaired! send me an email if you want to discuss it ok! which state do you live in ? you can mail me your board or whole engine n I'll check it out n let you know what it needs!
ALAN
I live in NYC. My email is gmhurley2254@gmail.com. Thanks Alan.
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