I have bought a PS2 (5 volt 20-2252-1) engine at a swap meet today and it runs eradic. It starts up fine at idle then when I increase the speed it will go to set speed and then it will go full speed for about 10 to 15 seconds go back for a short time then back to full speed. I did a factory reset but no help. Is this the board or the speed sensor on the rear motor. I took the shell off and did not see anything that stood out.
Thanks Henry
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It's a 22 year old engine (2001) and electronics, built of a design and timeframe known to have a higher failure rate and specifically capacitors known to fail. Add on to that, a 9V rechargeable battery that unless replaced, likely could contribute to the problem if it's internally shorted, dead, dying, or other problems.
So yes my first suspect is a board that might/likely has a failing or maybe even multiple capacitors failing. And that unstable and now highly noisy DC bus voltage, might wreak havoc on something like speed control.
And then lest we forget- speakers also possibly with crumbling magnet structures that can short the voice coil to frame AC, again causing issues.
So I'd highly suggest those inspection points on ANY PS2 5V engine, before powering again.
If I had a dollar each for the number of topics where a PS2 5V ran away, and then later let out the magic smoke typically a loud bang as a capacitor explodes, I might afford that new Triplex.
Vernon thanks for your reply. The engine has a BCR and speaker is ok as well. I will look at the caps tomorrow. I looked at the caps and did not see anything abnormal but will give second look. I did not give much for this engine and I have a couple of boards that I could replace it with.
@c6usa posted:Vernon thanks for your reply. The engine has a BCR and speaker is ok as well. I will look a the caps tomorrow. I looked at the caps and did not see anything abnormal but will give second look. I did not give much for this engine and I have a couple of boards that I could replace it with.
Most 5V locomotives I’ve come across fall into 2 categories, …..dead or alive …..do inspect the points that Vernon suggests, and also look at the tach sensor. Make sure the spacing looks good, and or it hasn’t rubbed up against the tach markings on the flywheel,….yes, 5V boards have known suicidal tendencies, but I still have quite a few that haven’t soiled the bed….
Pat
problem solved, It was the tach sensor. all I had to do was just shim it a little. not a bad find for $120
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