MTH PS1 Loco runs but makes no sounds

Since the engine is operating forward and backwards in a conventional manner...

I would be inclined to check the volume control/ potentiometer...cycling in clockwise and counterclockwise. If that doesn't help...you will need to trouble shoot the speaker to see if it is functional.

I had that symptom with an MTH PCC car.  Turned out to be a bad speaker.  Good luck.

Thanks for the tips.

I cycled the volume control screw, and that didnt solve the problem.

I checked the speaker with a multimeter. I get no ohm readings across the speaker terminals other than a "1".  The continuity indicator also reads "1".

The meter is OK I checked it out with some other speakers I have on hand - where I was measuring both continuity and resistance.

The speaker is in a really tough location, and I suppose it wont be that easy to replace.

When you did the reset, did you hear the correct combination of clinks and clanks to indicate successful completion?  (I don't recall the exact details, but it's in the manual.)  The reset procedure is challenging, and if you make the slightest mistake you have to start all over again.

@Mallard4468 posted:

When you did the reset, did you hear the correct combination of clinks and clanks to indicate successful completion?  (I don't recall the exact details, but it's in the manual.)  The reset procedure is challenging, and if you make the slightest mistake you have to start all over again.

No clicks or clanks. Absolutely no sounds at all.

@Mossback Mike posted:

No clicks or clanks. Absolutely no sounds at all.

Kind of a catch-22 - no sound, so no way to know.  I've done a few PS-1 resets, and I don't think I've ever done it right on the first try.  Or the second...

It's especially challenging with the Z-1000, since it's hard to tell if you're hitting the right voltage range (IIRC, 6 to 10 volts).  I used a multimeter to find the various spots on the dial and used a black marker to record where they are.

Thanks Mallard - I'm on my twelfth try. I have done the reset procedure exactly as the manual indicated, but still no sound.

The locomotive is a Santa Fe  EMD F3 AA diesel set with protosound, item # 30-2131-1

The speaker is a "pancake" style. It is totally buried under the circuit boards, and I'll have to completely remove the motors, trucks, and circuit boards to get to the speakers. I cant read the speaker specs on the back of the speaker - so I'll have to remove it first before I can determine what to replace it with.

@Mallard4468 posted:

Kind of a catch-22 - no sound, so no way to know.  I've done a few PS-1 resets, and I don't think I've ever done it right on the first try.  Or the second...

It's especially challenging with the Z-1000, since it's hard to tell if you're hitting the right voltage range (IIRC, 6 to 10 volts).  I used a multimeter to find the various spots on the dial and used a black marker to record where they are.

I did as you suggested - used my voltmeter to determine where 6 and 10 volts are on the Z-1000 dial, then throttled it between 6 and 10 volts 18 times. I did this in neutral poised for forward. Still no sound.

Replace the speaker!  Your ohmmeter indication says it's open!

You might try running the stock number of the engine in the MTH Parts section ...a breakdown may exist ...and clue you in on the speaker rating and or availability.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Replace the speaker!  Your ohmmeter indication says it's open!

Thanks John

I suppose MTH can help me figure out which speaker I need. I hope MTH will be at the Amherst Train Show in Springfield MA at the end of this month. I'd like to chat with them about this.

By the way - I took your advice, and upgraded two of my ERR railsounds equipped locomotives (a steamer and a diesel) with YLBs in lieu of 9V batteries. The installation was pretty easy. I am really happy with the results.

Mike

Looks like the stock 8 ohm 2" speaker, I have tons of them.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Looks like the stock 8 ohm 2" speaker, I have tons of them.

John

At their website, the MTH parts breakout shows 8 different PS1 speakers, all with slight differences in ratings and dimensions.

My speaker is just under 2" in diameter, and it's about 1/4" high, or 6.4 mm high.  It kind of looks like this, from the MTH parts breakout:

BF4500013 SPEAKER / 8 OHM 0.9W / 45mm DIAM. / PANCAKE / UNISON U4508BSR

I am not sure if this the right part - but it is out of stock from MTH.

Mike