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I recently picked up an MTH WP F-3 w/PS1 (30-2008-1  https://mthtrains.com/30-2008-1 ) that was still in the original box and looked to be in very good shape, but it doesn't work.

The light comes on but it doesn't move and there is only a couple of clicks heard as I increase the voltage. I've verified that the motors are working by disconnecting them and then connecting them to a variable DC transformer.

I emailed info@mthpartsandsales.com and was told that I probably need a new PROM IC (part# AE4500036) as I may have a software issue they called "deselect". They said it might also need a reset using a ProtoSound 1 Reset kit.

The problem with all that is that the PROM IC is $30 and the Reset kit another $30 and they can only say it may work. And of course, I can't return either one if it doesn't.

First, does anyone have any other suggestion of what I could do to restore functionality?

Second, if not, is there someone in the Chicago area that has the ProtoSound 1 Reset kit that I could use? I may be willing to take a $30 flyer on the PROM IC, but it sounds somewhat iffy and I really don't want to spend $60 without a reasonably probability of not wasting it.

Thanks,

David

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David,

Your model is definitely one of them that has the deselect issue, from the list from MTH of models known to have this problem:

There is apparently no guarantee that it doesn't also have the reset problem, but may not.  In addition most PS1's are finicky, with respect to the transformer you use, as well as how you apply power when you power them up.

Also make sure that the battery is not the white colored one.  That's also known to be an issue, because of advanced age it's very likely to be bad.  A bad battery would easily lead to the scrambling that would require a reset chip to fix.

Chasing things down one at a time, at a minimum I would change the PROM and then see where things are afterward.  This locomotive will likely get stuck in the future because of deselect, if it isn't already, so this is the place to start.

Mike

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Last edited by Mellow Hudson Mike

Thanks for the information.

I'm basically involved in Post-War, so I use a ZW transformer. This engine was stored without a battery, probably for years. I have been using a standard 9-volt just for testing.

So it seems like investing in the Prom upgrade is sensible.

Is there anyone out there that will let me use their reset kit?

Thanks,

David

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