Williams True-Blast problem

It may be transformer related, I'd try a different transformer on his layout.  It seems that the TB-II is not permanently damaged.

Has he considered using a separate whistle/bell control to test it?

The Z-1000 works horns and bells BETTER than any transformer I have. I am sure that is not your problem.

Rob

Depending which version there is a Voltage regulator chip that is square and raised off the board.  If it touches chassis ground it can short out.  I fixed a GP that would not work right, and it turned out the way the mounted the TB horn board was with the regulator too close/touching chassis.

Since you messed with the board and wiring and it worked, I would take a look at how the board is mounted and if the wiring is ok.  G

I've never had a problem using True-Blast II sounds on either of my Z-1000's.

In the worst case, new True Blast Horn (board and speaker assemblies) can be purchased from Bachmann for about $35.00. You can also buy their reversing boards and can motors. This is possible because Kader-Bachmann-Williams owns their own factories and controls the process all the way from beginning to end.

 While I have no confidence that todays Chinese train electronics will be long lasting; credit Williams for making their electronics available. While the electronics are simple on Williams products and you don't have push button control,  the good news is that you can always fix a Williams engine. 

I am using a Z-1000 and all of my Williams horns and bells work.

My problem with every WBB diesel I own is that the horn will not work with my Postwar TW transformer. It just bleats a little. Sounds like a common problem.

Some of  the newer WBB engines seem to have bad circuit boards, make sure you can confirm it is a bad board and contact Bachmann as soon as possible for a replacement TB-2 unit.

With all my older Williams engines that have TB-2 there was never any problem with the TB-2 units, press the whistle or bell button for three seconds and then release, press the bell button again for three seconds to turn off the bell. It doesn't matter what transformer I use either with the True Blast 2 horn units.

Lee F.

I don't know much about the TW, but the ZW and KW whistles are actually two position.  The DC voltage in the first position triggers the relay, and the second position adds power to run the whistle motor.  If I move the whistle arm slowly, the whistles on my Williams engines will just give a barely audible bleat.  If I move the whistle arm rapidly through the first position into the second position, my Williams whistles sound normal. 

There are no detents to let you know which position you are in.  When you see the train speed up, you are in the second position.

Give it a try.

Earl