MTH Premier loco compatibility

I would suggest reading this post- along with the entire topic and the multiple replies. My post included a copy of the instructions and limitation of using it without modifications- but later in that topic- PS1 style master- slave tether wiring is ALSO discussed.

https://ogrforum.com/...6#177821131045672716

@Vernon Barry posted:

This is because one engine is a PS1 and the OTHER is a DCRU.

So follow the additional detailed instructions that came with the DCRU powered B unit.

https://mthtrains.com/sites/de...ction/20dl12727i.pdf

DCRU® REVERSE UNIT
As mentioned in the Basic Operating section, the engine is controlled by a
DCRU® reverse unit that contains the standard forward-neutral-reverse
states found on most reverse units. However, when power is first applied to
the track, the reverse unit begins in RESET or what seems like a neutral
state. Power must be interrupted again to get the locomotive to enter the
forward state. The system will enter RESET whenever power to the track is
off for three or more seconds. NEUTRAL should be referred to as the state
between Forward and Reverse.
Because the ProtoSound® system or DCRU® reverse unit found in your
powered MTH F-3 A unit is not directly connected to the DCRU® unit in
your powered F-3 B-Unit, you
must cycle the power on and off
slowly to maintain proper
synchronization between each
powered unit’s reverse unit. If
the units should become
unsynchronized, simply shut
down power for three or more
seconds. Upon repowering, each
unit should come up in RESET. If you choose to operate your existing F-3
A units in a “locked-out” state, a lockout switch on the powered F-3 B-Unit
has been provided so that you can manually “lock-out” the B-Unit in the
same direction the powered A Units are configured.

It looks like they don't even need to be tethered to work together if I am reading this correctly. Both PS1 and DCRU boards go through the same cycle, so I just need to make sure my power interrupts aren't too fast to keep them synced up. That is how I run my Williams and Weavers with multiple powered units. I wasn't sure if the two different set-ups in the MTH units would work together like that. Thanks for helping out.

@Mike D posted:

It looks like they don't even need to be tethered to work together if I am reading this correctly. Both PS1 and DCRU boards go through the same cycle, so I just need to make sure my power interrupts aren't too fast to keep them synced up. That is how I run my Williams and Weavers with multiple powered units. I wasn't sure if the two different set-ups in the MTH units would work together like that. Thanks for helping out.

Well, in theory they don't need to be connected to stay in sync, however reality is sometimes divorced from theory.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

however reality is sometimes divorced from theory.

I have come across many things at work that prove this.

I found some angle male headers on Amazon. Will these work in this application?

Here are the specs;

• Product Name : Pin Header;Pins : 40 Pin (1*40 Pin);Type of Row : Single Row
• Connector Style : Right Angle;Connectors : Male;Pin Length : 6mm/0.23"
• Pin Pitch : 2.54mm;Total Length : 100mm/4"
• Material : Plastic, Metal;Color : Black, Silver Tone
• Weight : 25g;Package Content : 10Pcs x Pin Headers

Yes, they are bog standard 2.54 pitch.

@Vernon Barry posted:

Yes, they are bog standard 2.54 pitch.

Thanks for your help with this topic.

I am going to run them without tethering to see how it works out. I already tucked the tethers into the shells to clean things up. If I don't like the way they run, I will rewire the tethers and mod the DCRU board to get them to work as master and slave units.