MTH Steam engine lights not working-Help!

Look under advanced on the initial menu and do a factory reset.

 

Sunrise

Are you running in command or conventional?

 

If command:

 

MENU / ADVANCED / RESET ENGINE / FEATURE RESET

 

If conventional:

 

1 whistle + 5 bells

Dave, just curious, why not a factory reset?  That's what I normally do when I see a problem like this.

I realize that Ben, but when one of these starts acting up, I've found that a factory reset and just adding the locomotive back into the remote usually cures it.  I guess the problem is, there is no clear definition of what is a "feature" and what would not be affected by a feature reset.   I kinda' use the factory reset as a "one size fits all" solution since it's not hard to just add it back in.

 

 

John,

why not a factory reset?

One cannot do a Factory Reset from a transformer. A transformer reset is a Feature Reset.

 

Further, as Ben indicates, the two are identical except for two things. A Factory Reset removes any Custom Name for the engine and also resets the DCS ID# to it's Factory value, which is not zero. (For a DCS ID# explanation, refer to the Appendices in The DCS O Gauge Companion, "The Truth About DCS ID Numbers".)

 

This and a whole lot more is all in "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!

Thanks for the explanation Barry, I'll try the feature resets in the future.  Always learning about this DCS stuff.

 

I assumed from the previous posts that it was a command environment, but it appears the feature reset is the better choice anyway.

I'm using the mth z-4000, no remote. I did the 1 whistle/5 bell combo but still no change. The loco runs, makes chuffing/steam noise but crew sounds and lights not working. Any other suggestions?

Hi Santa Fe VA,

 

The feature reset with the whistle and bell should have done the trick.  When you pressed the whistle/bell sequence did you get a short whistle blast at the end?  If not, try the sequence again.  You need to be very deliberate with your button presses with about one press every 1/2 second.  When you are successful you should hear a short whistle blast following the final bell press.

 

If that doesn't do it you may need to find a dealer or individual with DCS and ask them to turn on the lighting features and crew sounds.  

Dave.....no whistle at the end of the sequence.  Maybe you can walk me through the exact process after turning on the z-4000.  Do I let the engine warm up, do I need to put it at 10-11 amps/volts, do I hit the program button before hitting the whistle key, or something else? 

 

Thanks!

Sure SF VA.  Make sure the Mohawk is the only engine on a powered track.  Turn on the Z-4000 and set the voltage anywhere from 12 to 18 volts.  Press the whistle button once just to make sure it is working.  Then turn the bell on and of to make sure that button is working.  If they both work, proceed to the 1&5 sequence.  Make each press quick but firm.  If you don't get a short whistle blast at the end try again until you do.  Usually people go a little too slow, so if you don't get the proper response try pressing the sequence a little fast until you do.

 

 

Do NOT use the "program" button.  That only applies to PS1 engines. 

Thanks Dave.  I will try it tonight! 

Dave....I did as you instructed.  Did not work the first time, but 2nd time was a success.  Got the whistle and all 3 lights working.  Now I just need to work on getting it to smoke.

 

Thanks for helping out!

Cool!  The smoke is controlled with a trim pot (same as the volume adjustment).  If you turn the volume adjustment down you'll be able to hear the smoke unit fan running.  If the fan is running that means smoke is turned on.  You then need to add fluid (start with no more than 10 drops).  If you still don't get smoke turn the smoke trim pot to increase smoke volume.  If the smoke doesn't drive you out of the room, the unit probably has a charred wick.  That's not too difficult to replace and it won't do any harm running the engine until it's fixed.

If the enigne came with a manual, you will find a discussion of the timing for the W and H button, and also several other features you can activate.  Coupler, PSA, Locking engine in a specific direction.  If no manual, download from the MTH web site.

 

Once you get the hang of the sequence, it is pretty easy.  The same sequence for any PS-2 engine.

 

If the fan or smoke still doesn't work after testing.  I would turn them off while you run the engine, until you are ready to fix the smoke unit.  G