MTH PROTO ONE OPERATIONAL QUESTIONS

Proto-1 systems are designed for pure sine waves - postwar Lionel transformers. A transformer with "chopped" sine waves can cause erratic operation.

Also make sure you power up at less than 10 volts, wait for it to exit reset, then you can move and power up more.

I am currently using a MRC Dual power 027 unit with the remotes to run conventional.

is this the problem?  Thank you, Jon

The only other transformers I have available in a couple Lionel CW80's.  I believe they are a problem also with PROTO One?

Thank you, Jon

I own 5 PS1 locomotives, and they all work 100% fine with my Lionel CW-80s.  My MTH Z1000 has given me more issues with the PS1 locos than the CW-80 has.  It's teh PS2 locomotives that can't work with the CW-80.

 

Have you made sure that you are not exceeding 10 volts when you apply track power?  This keeps getting me on my Z1000 because it doesn't take much to turn it's handle past that point.

I do not know how many volts I am applying.  I will try only going half throttle and see how it works.  I will also try the cw80's and see how they work.  Thank you all for the help.

 

Jon

I have an MTH Z-1000 that I use with my PS-1 engine and it works very well.

From my experience, I suggest using an MTH transformer with any MTH engine.

 

The CW-80 probably may not work with PS-1 that well either. You may have to buy a different transformer for your PS-1 engine to run with.

I tried a PS-2 engine one time with a CW-80 and it's sound was a night mare and would not run, it tried to find the direction to go in but could not.

 

Lee Fritz

I bought a Z1000 for use powering the freight yard.

The QSI and PS1 both had major operating issues with this transformer.

I understand that these PS1 operating problems may exist with only

early models of the Z1000.

 

Current Z1000 are probably O K with the PS1, QSI locomotives. 

I am running several MTH PS1 locomotives with the MRC Dual Power 027, with twin walkaround controllers. I have had no issues. The only problem I've ever had with that power supply is it's kinda flaky running two tracks with the one controller. But with both hooked up it works great. Try just turning up the voltage just to where the sound starts. My doc's say the reset mode is supposed to exit in 5 seconds. Then try depressing your direction switch and then advance the throttle. With the MTH ones that I have I have noticed I have to hold the direction switch longer before releasing than I do with my Lionel engines. Look in the back of the manual, or download the manual for a list of MTH approved transformers. If the problem persists try to find someone close to you with a transformer on the list and try it on that one. According to a protosound document only the boards made in 1995 and 1996 were effected by this, suposedly the problem was cured with the protosound 1 boards produced starting in 1997. I may have later ps1 boards.

 

 

Yeah, MRC Dual Power 027. Have one. Maybe good for lighting or accessories. Maybe ancient locos.

I like the Dual Power transformer.  I do agree about the remotes, I have the two separate remotes.  It runs my Lionel and Williams engine just fine.

The Mth engine in question is from about 1998 I think.  It is part of the set with the four phase 3 Superliner cars.  I am trying to give the engine a chance before convert it to a Williams board.  So far the engine is great when I can get it to go.  The features are nice.  The only other MTH item I currently have is a bump and go trolley and it is nice.

Thank you,  Jon

I tried less voltage with no diffrence. then i tried the Cw80 and it was worse.  I am now charging the battery to see if it helps.

i appreciate all the helpful information and tips.  Jon

Shep, I had issues trying to use my CW-80s with my RMT and PS locos, then I found an old ZW and those issues are gone...now I have newer issues- but they're not transformer related at least!

Maybe a close forum member can lend you a hand....

I think I have figured it out.  I found a bad connection at the battery so I replaced the 9 volt plug end.  Then I tried the engine with a old lionel 1025 45 watt transformer and it worked fine but slow (low wattage).  So next I tried the MRC Dual poer 027 transformer and it had the same problem as before.  Next I tried a Lionel CW80 and it worked fine.  In my case the engine does not like the MRC transformer.  A friend at work I going to loan me a older ZW so I will try that next.  Thank You,  Jon

Those PS1 units work best with pure-wave transformers like the MRC Pure Power series, MTH Z4000 and postwar Lionel models. They're hit-and-miss with modified-wave types, like the CW80 and Dual Power O27.