Scratchy sound at shutdown.

Bill,

If it's only the Shut Down sounds, there's most likely nothing wrong except for that clip in the engine's sound file. You could contact MTH (call 410-381-2540) to find out if there's a replacement sound file available for your engine.

Bill, It still could be a speaker going bad.  If this is the 16ohm 5W see if the metal band on magnet is deteriorating (flaking).  At Shutdown, many of the other frequencies/sounds are off and you are hearing some scratchiness from the remaining played frequencies that are muffled.

If this never did this before, then I would look at speaker first.  Then make sure the battery is holding a full charge loaded.  If this is older battery it could be weak and effecting power levels.  Then you could try to reload sound file.  After that, I would suspect some electronics may be going bad, and there is not much you can do about that on the old PS-2 5V boards.  Again, this advice is based on this engine never had this symptom before, which would rule out that the original sound file was defective, maybe corrupted, but not bad from start.  G

Had this problem with QSI and TMCC [conventional] due to low battery charge, mentioned by GGG above.

Guys,

His only issue is "the engine sound fades away and then becomes very scratchy". This is symptomatic of any number of sound files in PS2/PS3 engines. It's the sound file, not a hardware or battery problem.

Please, let's not encourage opening up a perfectly fine engine to muck about near the speaker, and possibly wind up with a shorted audio amp.

Barry, I guess you should have been more clear in your first post:-)

I still stand by my response that if this is a new symptom not previously occurring, then there could be an issue as I addressed.  G

What a load of Bullhockey. Watched both videos, printed out the instructions, searched 3 different sites for some bogus downloader software, found a list of stuff I have to buy, not including $$$$ to MTH for some software program I'll most likely never use again. Jeez, for all this nonsense, I'll put up with the scratchiness. Thank's anyway guys.

I have heard a few locomotives make that sound - scratchy or muffled popping - when shutting down. As long as everything is working OK, I would let things alone.

I'm having a problem understanding what is your problem.  

searched 3 different sites for some bogus downloader software

All you need is the DCS Loader Program from www.protosound2.com.

found a list of stuff I have to buy

If you're referring to just swapping sound files around, all you need is a serial cable (about $15) and a telephone handset cable (about $10), both of which are available from Radio Shack, CompUSA or most any of the larger office supplies store.

not including $$$$ to MTH for some software program I'll most likely never use again.

There isn't any software program to buy. Yes, you add it to MTH's shopping cart, however, it's completely free.

Barry, I think I saw the steam coming from you ears all the way here in PA!

As usual though your response was very tactful.

- walt