Rocky Road Please Read

GGG

The battery is fresh, fully charged, even under load...also used a fully charged regular 9 volt battery. Only sounds I get are a clicking sound as though it's trying to reset and produce a sound but can't. No forward or reverse function.

Is this a cae of a "fried board"...in other words, beyond being un-scrambled???

Hard to say, the techs (I am one) have chips to reset the software.  The fact that you get initial sounds tells me the boards are not fried, but you seem to have a software conflict.  Again, I would let it start up at about 16V and listen to the sounds.  If you get two dings but no idle sounds and no response, then I would try to reset the software with the MTH Tech chips.

I was trying to ensure it wasn't something you could handle with proper voltage levels or a reset.  Sometimes the procedure for resetting isn't followed correctly.  G

GGG

As an option, if I can't get it to operate, could I take the ProtoSounds electronics out and replace them with a Williams reverse unit and a LocoSounds board with the existing speaker.  Would the Williams reverse and the LocoSounds operate independently of each other?

You could use a williams reverse unit   LocoSounds is a complete sound and reverse unit system, so you wouldn't need the Williams reverse unit.  You do need to add the tach bracket for mounting the tach reader if you use Locosounds.   G

GGG

I was looking at a parts diagram for a RS3 LocoSounds and it doesn't show the sensor bracket available as a part that can be ordered. Appears the bracket slips just under the motor flywheel. I have a source for a couple of LocoSounds boards...but the hang up is the brackets.  I have an MTH RS3 LS, so I will take the shell off and see what it looks like (bracket).

I followed the directions, a number of times, trying to get the ProtoSounds to respond to the default 18 process...so I am thinking there is something very wrong with the boards...the ZW Lionel really must have done a job on them.

You could probably just use double-sided sticky foam to mount the boards unless there's some specific reason for an exact orientation.

The upgrade kits include a snap on mount and you also will need a tach tape for the flywheel.  Parts are available if you need them.  G

Would replacing the ProtoSounds chip, A1-0000037, possibly correct what ever is blocking the no-sound, no forward/reverse problem? I currently get a clicking sound instead of the clank and click sounds that the MTH video and Make PS instruction sheet indicates I should get.

Guess I'm coming to the end-of-the-line here. Sending it to a service station only to find out the boards are shot would cost more than the unit is worth.

Have you considered shopping for a set of PS/1 boards?  They're typically available for $30-40, certainly cheaper than send them off.  Just a thought of a different way to go.