I have 2 dead MTH steam locos. One is an old proto 2, the other is a conventional engine. Is there any control unit, I can buy, to run these engines in the conventional mode. I looked at ERR, but don't know what I need.
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Almost any transformer should work (except perhaps some of the solid state ones from the 1990s like the Lionel MW and MRC stuff) in conventional mode. That said, if the locos are dead in command mode, they will likely need repair to work in conventional mode. If you want to change them from conventional and PS2, ERR is the path, but since this doesn't seem obvious to you, you might want to have someone else do the work.
It really depends on what functionality you want from the locomotives when you're done.
Agreed if you do not know, you are better off going to someone who does.
Example, let's say the one is a PS2 5V that died. Well one thing you can do is find a locosound board, because that can mate to the 5V wiring harness in some cases and operate the engine in conventional and still get puffing smoke and sounds. It's not the cheapest option, and maybe not the best, but again an option. Problem is, that's $100 part.
Since they are just can motors, a simple bridge rectifier that could be cut off the old damaged board would run the motor in forward only. If even more slick, the original PS2 5V linear frame mounted regulator may have survived and can be used with the bridge rectifier to power the lights since they were 6V. But smoke unit is typically another story and needs more power and control.
Obviously, there are simple reverse unit PCBs from Lionel, K-line, Williams, Dallee, and others. Problem again is cost, then slving the other wiring and lighting, and that's no sound yet.
If you gave product numbers for the engines, we might be able t give bette specific advice. If it's a Premier, then by all means worth a little more and thus the cost is better justified. If it's just a Railking, then sometimes you can find another engine for the cost of a full upgrade with sounds.
If you just want the locomotive to move back and forth you can get a E unit from Dallee electronics for $59.95. (4 amp unit)
How about the same from JCValue? $46.95 ea for 2; for a 10 amp unit, full-wave bridge not included.
Google it.
Mike
I have a board that might work for me. I have a picture. Could someone tell me how to wire it.
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The above post was made with my cell phone. I want to thank anyone in advance that could help me.
Macado 1,
Can you show us the bottom side?
Mike
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Thank you SO much, gunrunnerjohn! I got 2 of these boards from one of my train club members. (Lone Star Hi-Railers). I will try them out. Thanks again...
