PS2 Upgrade N&W J Premier trouble

Just dawned on me - forward, reverse are the first two pins on the left side of the cab.

They might not be making proper contact. 

This doesn't sound like the tach reader, at least to me.

Are you testing in conventional or command mode?

Sounds like the tether is not going in all the way.  You might have to open the opening on the back of the locomotive a bit.  I have done many of those and they are not a problem.  Before you get into changing things, try it with the cab off to confirm what I mentioned.  It sounds like you have done things the right way.

I second what Marty says.  That PCB should mount fine on the engine.  I always do a plug test with shell on to make sure it fully engages, but test the features with shell off.

I will also tell you it will not run right with speed control unless you close up the gap.  You need to manufacturer a spacer to lower the tach reader as this model has a smaller flywheel despite having a Pittman motor.  G

George, I tell everyone who does upgrades to keep all three tach readers on hand.  They are not a lot of money and will stop a job if you do not have the correct one.  I just did a 3rd Rail FL-9 for a friend.  I was glad to have an assortment of readers.

Marty, I do the same, including the individual tach reader and PCB so I can make one.  I also just bought some Brass stock and Plastic stock 1/4 width that I can use to shim a reader down when working on brass models.  G

Problem Solved -  it was operator error.  I took the instruction manual as True to Form, applied 12 volts to activate the PS2 boards.  Well -  12 V only gets you over the threshold, it is not enough voltage to signal the boards and turn the motor ( massive motor).  Applied 14-15 volts - motor turns in both directions every click of the direction button.  Evidently things begin to come alive at 12 volts and that is it.  Carefully placed the tender shell in place, screws installed - fine.  Next is to install engine shell then upload software.

Point being - 12 volts is not enough to turn some motors and really active the boards functions.

Merry Christmas - ya all!

I would make sure your drive train is not binding and well lubricated.  I have that model in PS-1 and it runs at 7-8VAC extremely well with the PS-1 boards.  Normally 12V should turn that fine in PS-2.

Did you close up your tach gap?  G

The problem you first stated has nothing to do with 12 volts.  From the time you first posted I would bet you may have removed the tether and reinstalled it.  I have 142 upgrades under my belt and have seen many situations.  I am glad to hear you are operating.  The fact that your backup light did not come on at first goes back to a tether issue and not voltage.

Yes, I also took the 10 pin connector loose on the engine and inserted the tether solidly in it.  Will lubricate and grease the gear box.  After that I will use a small piece of plastic, as suggested, to shim the tach reader closer to the tape.  Will also make sure there is enough room for the tether after installing the 10 pin connector beneath the cab.

Thanks all for the help.  This forum is awesome!