MTH Subway/PS2

[lynbrookyankee]

I just got the MTH Lo V subway set with PS2. This is my first experience with PS2 so I am looking for some advice. I am using a Lionel Cab 1 with a powermaster. The whistle works when I press the button as do the announcements when I press the bell button. I am having trouble activating the automatic process - if I press the bell button quickly I get a loud buzzing sound that only stops when I cut off the power (the whistle still works when this happens). If I press the bell more slowly, followed by 2 whistles and the direction button the train stops, makes the appropriate sounds/announcements and starts again but I cant get it to cycle this automatically - once the train starts I have to do it again. I charged the battery per instructions for over 6 hours so I dont know if that is the source of problem (the sounds are clear and loud at all times). The instructions indicate that the timing may take practice, but am I doing something wrong or is this something you cannot do with the Cab 1?

[nblum]

It's the combination of the cab-1 and the Powermaster that is the problem, as PS1 and PS2 were designed in such a way that the cab-1's interval between button pushes is not compatible, nor is the output of the Powermaster.  One thing that can help and is cheap is using a non-polar capacitor device across the output which works, which Ed Carter developed:

 http://hometown.aol.com/trainman9/myhomepage/business.html

Ed, aka [e-mail]  may still sell these.

 

A more expensive alternative is the TPC 300/400 or new ZW which will work with PS1 and PS2 in conventional mode.

 

Obviously the most expensive but best fix is using PS2 in command mode with DCS. 

[phillyreading]

The cheap route may get you some or most of the sounds but won't work every feature of the PS-2(Proto Sounds) system by MTH, only a DCS base will work everything related to PS-2.  The TPC 300 or ZW will only get a few more features of the PS-2, may not work with command control for speed issues.

That is one of the problems of combining Lionel & MTH products as far as command control goes. Got to buy both systems to run both types of locomotives.

Lionel has licensed several companies to use TMCC in their locomotives.  MTH is the only one licensed for DCS or PS-1 & PS-2.  MTH sells a cable to use with DCS and TMCC, goes between both base units, so you will need to buy both TMCC and DCS command control to run both.  This is to the best of my knowledge!

Lee F.

[lynbrookyankee]

Neil/Lee,

 Thanks for the replies - at least I know I am not doing something wrong or there is a problem with the engine. I think I will live with the limited abilities - I really like the set and was considering it for a long time (I remember riding these cars when I was a little kid).

[nblum]

I'd definitely consider trying the Soundmaster capacitor, which is less than $10.

[chuck]

You can use a pair of sound activation buttons wired back to back to generate the appropriate dc spikes to trigger any sounds or features you can get on a standard conventional transformer.

[lynbrookyankee]

I will check out the soundmaster system - according to the link there was an article in CTT in December 1998. I will have to pull that issue out & read it tonight. Thanks again.

[phillyreading]

lynbrookyankee,

Do not mix and match PS-1 & PS-2 system locomotives, use only PS-1 with PS-1, basically what I am advising against is using a PS-1 steam engine with a PS-2 tender because according to MTH some damage will result to the circuit boards. The PS-1 & PS-2 systems are differant from each other, can use PS-1 and PS-2 locomotives on the same track just not mix & match so to speak. Also do not mix TMCC locomotives with DCS locomotives, may be able to run TMCC and DCS locomotives on the same track but don't double head with two differant brands.

Lee F.