MTH Orig PS issue, bad engine chip?

I think you diagnosed the problem. MTH introduced ProtoSounds by QSI[industries] in 1994. Boards and chips were upgraded each year.

A while ago I bought MTH Premier Southern Ps-4 No. 1401 in the Smithsonian (20-3006-1) from a Forumite. Made in 1994, her original ProtoSounds boards worked with my postwar ZW but not with newer transformers. I had suspected as much. After an exchange of emails, MTH Parts brought a board and a chip from a 1997 RailKing Ps-4. Wayne Renga of J and W Electronics  installed them. Now this Southern belle works with newer transformers, and I gained PSA (Passenger Station Announcements). They specify the train but not the locomotive number, so they fit.

I suggest contacting Wayne Renga and asking whether he has a chip that will fit those newer boards.

Thanks so much for the insights!  I've never run into a board / chip compatibility issue before but then again I've never started with such an old set of boards/chip.  I do know Wayne (have gotten boards & BCRs from him in the past) so great idea, I'll send him a note and see if he has any newer version F3 chips.

Thanks again,

S/F Mike

It is a software issue.  You can go with the older board, or you do need to get a newer F-3 chip.  I have some in stock if you need them and Wayne doesn't.  OR MTH can make the chip with newer software.   G

Thanks for the reply and I would like to take you up on your offer of a F3 chip!

Please send me the details to donovanmj2602@yahoo.com 

Thanks again,

S/F Mike