I have an MTH #20-3024-1 N&W J class locomotive and cannot get it out of neutral. I had problems before and had to send it in to a dealer to fix it. Now it is just giving me three clanks and sits there. I have a Z4000 transformer and thought you could program such an engine via that mode, but I see no instructions for that, only powering up and down as a conventional mode. Wish I could just get it upgraded to Proto 2 and be done with it. Any suggestions for now and in the future? Thanks,
Jeff
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Go to page 24 of this manual it has the directions for factory reset. Make sure you have a fully charged battery before you start:
https://mthtrains.com/sites/de...ction/20st14265i.pdf
Scott Smith
You likely powered up your locomotive with a low or dead 8.4v battery. Repeated attempts causes to processor to not shut down properly, hence the 3-clanks of death. You need to order this kit, install a charged battery (don't count on the one in the kit to be fully charged) and follow the instruction provided with it. It includes a reset chip, chip puller and new 8.4v battery. If using a BCR, it must charge for 30-45 seconds before attempting operate the locomotive.
Ok thanks, would this be a smart move, or should I do an upgrade? I know the upgrade would be more money, just wondering, since I noted a "J" on ebay that was upgraded.
Thanks.
Jeff
Instead of a battery, use a BCR [Battery Component Replacement]. Apply 10 volts for 1 minute and a locomotive is ready to run. Click on this link: www.jandwelectronics.com
I think he has a scrambled chip. The upgrade would be a nice way of going.
Scott Smith
Have used the BCR battery on several MTH doodlebugs I bought that were dead and it brought them right back on line.
OK, I ordered the kit mentioned above, from MTH. I just hope I know how to use the kit. What's a chip puller and what's a reset chip? Thanks,
Jeff
its very easy you just remove the chip in your engine and install the reset chip make sure u have a good batrery in engine, then power it up and it should reset then power it down and replace the original chip and it should work. only thing be care when removing your original chip and when removing reset chip the legs of the IC chip can be damaged or broken off very easily also make sure you align the triangle corner correct if you install it incorrectly you can damage the ic's when you power it up ok!
p.s. use the chip puller that comes with the reset kit!!!! so no damage is done to the chips as you remove them!
Alan
Sounds scary, but I'll give it a go when my order from MTH arrives. Thanks!
youll be ok just be careful and make sure you push the chip in all at the same time do not cock it but push straight down all at ounce ok!
OK thanks. I'll re-read your notes when my kit arrives.
Kit has instructions so no problem. The J is a good candidate for PS-3 upgrade too. You can get the PS-3 Sound File with quillable whistle. I have done several upgrades.
PS. Even with a BCR you can run into trouble if you do not let PS-1 engine startup fully and also let BCR charge fully. To quick with a direction change before BCR is charged and it looks the same as a dead battery. G
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
