MTH Sound Board

You can replace the 5V board set with a 3V board set.  I believe GGG noted that you can actually pull the connector bases off the 3V board pins and slide on the base for the 5V board on to make the connectors compatible.  Then it's a matter of replacing the speaker and battery pack, and also the charging jack if it has one.

Another path is to look around for a used 5V board set.  Those boards are difficult to impossible to separate, so they're not easily repaired.

FWIW, I think GGG does replace the audio amplifier on the 5V boards, that's a common source of the no sound problem with PS/2.  You might send him a PM and see what he thinks about fixing these.

E-mail sent.  G

Or GGG could send you an email.

The MTH Premier Southern Ps-4 (1401; 20-3006-1; made in 1994) that I purchased from a Forumite worked with my ZW but not with other transformers. After a number of emails, MTH Parts brought a board and a chip from a RailKing Ps-4 (30-1125-1; made in 1997) to the York Meet. Wayne Renga of J and W electronics installed them.

Wayne said he had other circuit boards. Maybe one will fit a 2001 Premier GP40. Email Wayne (jandwelectronics@yahoo.com) and ask.

GGG had a board of mine that was the same symptoms as yours, he replaced the sound amplifier, in less than 2 weeks after the board was sent, I had it back and the loco was working properly. Very impressive!

All that is wrong with your board it needs a new audio amp.  Call MTH for an RA number and they will fix it for you and return it.  A better way to get it done is to contact George (GGG) as he also offers this service.  This is assuming your repair person is correct on the sound board (amp) being dead.

MTH also makes a new 3V board with 5V connecters and is a direct replacement. Your symptoms are simple,

1- could be as simple as the speaker

2- The volume pot may be bad

3- broken wire somewhere in the harness

4- You need to perform a factory reset

5- replace the battery so the factory reset will take.

6- maybe the audio amp is bad.

You can call me at the store and I can walk you through the reset.

304-232-0714

Pat

Thanks to all of you.  You have been most helpful.  George (GGG) sent me an email and I am going to ship the board to him.  Lets keep our fingures and toes crossed.  Thanks again, guys!

Luke, I got it 16Dec and mailed it back on 17Dec:-)  2 days not 2 weeks:-)