MTH Proto 2 making noise

Yeah it sounds terrible....Have you tried a feature reset or the adjusting the sounds under the sound menu?

Does it even  run?

almost sounds like it's just amplifying some interference? If a reset or a re-load of the sounds did not work, I would look at moving the wiring around inside the engine. Does it look like the shell was removed? Maybe someone routed the wires incorrectly?

Hi Guys, it does run, then the sound just starts up. It doesn't look like the shell has ever been removed. I don't know how to do a reset and do not have the cables to re-load sound files. I am really new to this and am just lost!

Sounds like a smoke unit on, On the remote button #1 smoke on/off

It comes on when I push the start up or the PTA buttons.

Its suppose to come on when you startup, next time you start this locomotive push smoke button, should come up on remote screen, smoke on or smoke off. button #4 is engine sound on/off

https://mthtrains.com/30-4204-1

2010 PS2 model

Hi guys, so I turned the smoke off, the sound on. But that poses a new problem, when the sound is on the engine will not move, the thumb wheel will not let me increase speed.

Hi Joe, I don't know if it came from a set or not. I can go out and get the box, I think I still have it and it might have more information needed.

Hi Joe, Its a Rail King F40 Diesel engine w/Proto-Sound 2.0 Item No. 30-4204-1E

I hope this helps!

So guys, I think I might have found the loose nut behind the wheel! ME! but I do have a question, is the engine spose to move when you have the PFA going?

Mike, I feel your pain. I bought a used PS2 set that has a strange screeching noise -from the speaker -  that rises & falls with track voltage.  I am  not buying anymore used DCS engines from unknown sellers. Hope you get it resolved, it is a nice looking engine.

Trestleking, thanks I bought it cause I already had a 5 car passenger set and need the engine and really like the looks of it and wanted DCS!

Did you try an engine reset? I forget how to do it, but it should be in the DCS instructions. Also, is the battery fully charged? If not, do that first before the engine reset.

I did have one engine where certain sound clips were corrupt, but that was PS3 and new. They were registered in the engine with the wrong bit-type indicator. I fixed them myself using SanDiegoMark's software program.

Also, you can try reinstalling the sound file through the DCS loader program.

If all else fails, contact GGG. He can fix almost any MTH engine.

George

Hi George, I don't think its an engine problem. This is my first DCS system and I think it me that is the problem, atleast I hope so!

Hey Mike... When you press the PSA, the engine does it's routine with each direction press and eventually after the  bell stops ringing you gain control of the engine again.

Lets say I don't want to listen to all that or only part of the announcements, press the psa again and  you now regain  engine control without having  to go through the whole sequence.  

Gregg, that is what it is doing, that's why I think it me not the engine! LOL

Mike,

   The PFA is a sequence that you help operate, you will need to read the instruction or get the OGR Video Guide to DCS and Rich Melvin explains the entire step by step function of the PFA.  Each group of engines has it's own PFA program, with different programmed steps.  The Engine 1st stops, starts to talk at the end of the talking you must initiate the next step, it goes thru all the steps and then automatically starts up again and you the engineer have control of the engine once again.  It's a way cool part of the DCS.  Educate your self on the PFA before you mess with it any further.

PCRR/Dave

Pine Creek Railroad posted:

Mike,

   ....and then automatically starts up again and you the engineer have control of the engine once again. ....

PCRR/Dave

well I might say that it resumes (returns) to whatever speed it was at before the PFA sequence was initiated.

Engineer-Joe,

   Absolutely resumes movement at the same speed the train was moving before the PFA Button was pushed and the operator then has control again.

PCRR/Dave

Thanks guys! I guess I am going to have to get the video, as I have a hard time understanding some of it as I read it. I do have Barry's book, I just have to take my time! 

Dave quick side question, I can wire 2 tracks off of fixed 1 correct? If so do I just run it into a block then to the 2 different tracks? or do I have to use  fixed 2 for the second track?

So did the sound go away with smoke off?  You have 2 methods hear. You can test conventional and use the pots/switch to control volume and smoke.  Turn volume down and smoke on and see if sound remains?  If so reverse and turn sounds on and smoke off?  If goes away, lubricate smoke fan motor shaft at impeller side with a drop of oil.  G

Hi G, the sound went away after I turned off the smoke and turned on the sound. I haven't had a chance to try it again today but hope to in about an hour! I will let you know what happens. I know it should have smoke, but don't see where to add it and don't have a manual for it. Thanks for checking in, I know your one of the best in the game here.

quick side question, I can wire 2 tracks off of fixed 1 correct? If so do I just run it into a block then to the 2 different tracks? or do I have to use  fixed 2 for the second track?

You can certainly try it... Yes run the output to a terminal block and then from the terminal block to each / track  loop. You should be just fine providing the loops aren't tooo big.

Or you can use the same power supply and jumper fixed 1 IN over to fixed 2 in and then out to each loop.... This would almost  guarantee a good dcs signal... lots of options.

Gregg, Thanks for the information, as you can tell I am all new to this DCS thing!

Big Mike G,

   You can wire your layout either way, it all depend on what you want to due.  I use the Terminal Blocks to run a few different FasTrack layouts from each TIU channel.  You can however run just one train/track from each TIU channel, if you like. As you wire your new layout, just remember to run in Blocks with no more than 10 - 13 Track joins to each Block, as you add your wire drops. I suggest using Toggle switches on your sidings to help limit the power going to them, especially if you have a lot of lighted passenger Cars sitting on your sidings.  Keeping your Engines & lighted rolling stock on those tracks shut down, when not in use, then opening the Toggle Switch when you decide to run the Train on that siding.  

The old ZW's with their 4 different independently Controllable Channels are great for running DCS, I have several of them, just remember to place 10 Amp Resettable Breakers between the old ZW Transformers on every Red (hot) line gong to your TIU, the ZW's have old type slow breakers in them, that can damage your DCS & Legacy Engines.  If you can afford a couple Z4K's with their 2 channels I highly recommend them also, great power for DCS Layouts, especially with the side receivers that open up many different running options.  I own 3 Z4K's all have their own side receivers.  I do not believe in using Bricks, they limit being able to increase and decrease power delivery as needed for my layouts.  Other guys who engineer in a different manner love them however.  If you want to mortgage your home the new ZW-L is fantastic also.

One further recommendation, I use the Etekcity  Remote Control Programmable Switches on all the power to my layouts, instant on/off safety for your layouts at the push of a button.  They work perfectly, actually I have to credit Barry B for finding them on line, I was using the older Stanley's RM units and Barry researched and found these better units.

Always over power your layouts for expansion and best running results.

Scotty we need more power!

PCRR/Dave

Note the 10 Amp Resettable Breaker Bank almost out of the picture, just to the right of the DCS HHRC, mounted just below the TIU.  I even use them with the Z4K's.

Thanks Dave, I did search that company for the 10 breakers and they don't list them on there website!

Mike,

   Call the company directly, many items in their inventory are not on the Web any more.

Train Electrics LLC - Phone number (231) 631-0447

PCRR/Dave

Will do Dave! Thanks again!