MTH Proto 1 Woes

[Anonymous]

Wow ! Spankybird, I didn't even get coffee yet, and you are up and at 'em...After posting my last I gave this old vet a good looking over... The battery terminal ( oO) was FUBAR apparently the original owner (he returned it to the hobby shop) mashed in the collar on the negative post . So it was VERY loose, not making good contact at all. I doubt if it ever could get a good charge, esspecially rocking and rolling while in motion. So I found a new terminal to clip on battery and am replacing it also. I rigged up the AC charger to the old battery on my desk, and it is going to get a good charge for about 12 hours. Since I think the shop owner told me he had an MTH shop go over the unit. (I spoke to the repairman) and it got a new battery then I'm guessing this one is only about 6month to a year old. I'll see if it charges, If not it's off to the replacement option.

Diesel Bill

[spankybird]

HI Bill

Here is an alternate to the batteries

www.jandwelectronics.com

Try using electrical contact cleaner. You may also wi***o consider replacing the wicks.

If you are planning on the upgrade yourself, its not a bad deal. If you are not a member of MTH RR Club, maybe join, as you get a discount on the PS2 upgrade. It almost pays for the member ship.

tom

[Anonymous]

I changed the battery temporarily with a regular 9V , and cranked it up. Everything works fine, so now I need to find out was it sears who had the NiMh batteries that work well with these old dogs? I think there was a post a while back, I'm going to go look for.

My thanks to spankybird and RAK402 for your quick and effective help.
This unit is an old I believe 1995 issue Conrail 6097 , the sentimental attachment is it is ex EL unit, so that was my reason for saying it is a prime candidate for upgrade. My understanding is to upgrade to PS2 you basically wipe it clean and are left with the motors and smoke unit. I only have $200 in it, and for around 150-180 I can do the install here at home. So I'm pretty much at what a "new unit" would be, but If I re-build I have a NEW unit for all practical purposes and I get rid of the only P1 which is a obsolete unit in the way now.

So what do you think, rebuild or sell and do the new unit thing? (If they even have a Conrail P2 out there yet in P2.

BTW upon examination, everything under the hood was like new, except I will be installing a new wick, as whoever had this before me had heated it up a few times to the point of some black spots. What can I clean the black residue off the two heating coils with ( a toothbrush and what type solvent?)

Diesel Bill

[spankybird]

If your not getting any sound, you may have scrabbled the chip, which would require replacing it.

PS2 upgrade for steam is about $180.00 for parts and about $150.00 for installing it.

If this engine has been already made with PS2, you may be able to pick it up for around $365.00 new.

tom

[Anonymous]

No sound whatsoever, Ihad left the unit in neutral ro "charge" and first noticed that it would no go into motion when I interupted the power. Then I noted no sounds, only lights came on, that's when I suspected a bad battery. I'm going to try that first thing in morning.

Diesel Bill

PS will let you know how I make out. I am thinking it's a good candidate for a P2 upgrade ASAP.

[spankybird]

Hi Weib3

After replacing the battery, you should not need to reset the engine. Feature 18 is correct. If you do need to reset it, increase the throttle to 16 to 18 volts and decrease it to 6 volts. Repeat this 18 times then use the whistle button to save the setting.


tom

[Anonymous]

Diesel Bill,

There is no "command mode" for Proto 1 (unless it has been modified to TMCC with an Equalizer Board.

You are absolutley correct in changing the battery first.

Do you hear any sound at all when you power up? Did you, at any point, hear three "clanks"?

With DCS, try using the Proto 1 programming mode on one of the two variable channels of the TIU. If memory serves, Feature 18 is a complete reset. This would be a good place to start. The MPG softkey is for programming PS-1. It will raise and lower the throttle as appropriate for the feature selected.

Make sure that the new battery is fully charged and tested with a load. It should read 8.4 volts minimum with a load. Also Nimh batteries seem to work better for most in the PS-1 environment.

[Anonymous]

I have one Proto 1 diesel (CR SD45) . Currently locked in Neutral. First I am going to install a new battery.

After that is it possible to reset to factory defaults using the DCS Handheld, and the TIU in command mode? I use a 275W ZW (1955 vers) and have never got it to respond correctly using throttle & whistle method...
Any help will be appreciated

Diesel Bill