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I recently acquired an MTH 2-8-0 Steam Engine (and Tender) with Loco-Sound. I believe this engine would be classified as "conventional" with respect to discussing it's control via various MTH transformers.

I was able to operate the engine with the DCS handheld as well as the Rail-King Z-Controller that came with my MTH R-T-R 2-8-0 Steam Freight train set (with PS-2 sound).

What I can not do is operate the engine with my DCS Commander using the button labeled "CONV"!

I thought that pressing the "CONV" button (as opposed to using the "DCS" button, would allow me to run the engine.

I haven't been successful.

When I advance the Commander's thumb wheel to the point where it shows approx. 6 volts, the engine doesn't move and sound comes from the tender that sound like noise when you turn a radio between stations, only higher pitched.

I tried using the "DIR" button to get it to respond but no luck.

The Horn and Bell don't work either.

I am now wondering if the DCS Commander, using "CONV" mode is only supposed to work with engines which DO NOT have ANY sound?

Any thoughts on what I'm experiencing?

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Loco-Sound did not pre-date PS1.  It came out at the same time as PS2.  It was basically watered down PS2 with less detailed sounds and no command control.  It did have speed control and puffing smoke (for steamers).  It was discontinued several years ago.  As GGG mentioned, it does not like DC current which is what your DCS Commander outputs to the track.

To all who replied to my post:

Thanks for your help.

I now realize what you've told me is the problem.

I sometimes forget that some engines use motors that require AC voltage while others use DC motors.

I suppose somewhere in some of the technical info I have for the DCS Commander, it will tell me the "CONV" mode is only good for engines using DC voltage?

At any rate, I'm in the process of upgrading the engine from the Loco-Sound to PS2, so the problem will go away.

I just couldn't abide the horrible sound that Loco-Sound produces, especially for the BELL.

The chuffing sound isn't too bad, but with PS2, I'll have decent sound all around.

Thanks again for the help.

Ray

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