F-7 aba set 20-20264-1 not starting

Why do you have the Z4000  at 22 volts?  Read your instruction manual.  If you do not have the instruction manual you can obtain it on the MTH web site,  enter the product number, click enter, go to the support section for that engine and select the manual.  You can then follow the instructions.  Another way is to run it in conventional mode and start adding power by moving the throttle  to 8-10 volts and listen for a 'click' sound.  Then advance the throttle to about 12 volts and run it.  When you push the direction button, push it in and momentarily hold it down before releasing it. 

What happened?

Bruce

With the switches in DCS and 3 rail it should run in conventional or DCS. Did you purchase this locomotive new or used? Did it experience a short circuit recently?

Thanks for the tips. The z4000 was at full throttle giving 22 volts. Is there a way to adjust power down? I will look up manual for the set and read through it. I will see what happens.

It was purchased used with no guarantee that it worked. I have been able to muddle my way through and get several of the items into running condition. Just not this set. This proto 3 and micro boards are above my pay grade.

Hi if you're running it in conventional the throttle controls the speed if in DCS always set voltage to 18.00 volts no more! when powering up in conventual start volt set to 10.00 volts and wait as super cap has to charge for approximately 30 seconds to a minute sound should come up and then press red direction button as Bruce suggested it will change direction! never put the voltage much over 12 volts if running in conventional!

also if the engine draws no power either the ps 3 board is blown or your center roller is not sending voltage threw the red wire from center rail! these ps 3 boards blow very easily any minor short circuit's usually damage the board!!!!

Alan

Are these boards replaceable by mere mortals or do I need to seek professional help? Can I find the boards I need at mth.com or elsewhere? Is it a generic ps3 board for all most ps3?

Do both A units have this board? If one is blown is the other likely blown as well?

Can only the lead A unit be operated by itself or is it possible to communicate with the trailing A via dcs?

Thanks for all the info. Might just become a beautiful display piece.

@bruce benzie posted:

Why do you have the Z4000 at 22 volts? Read your instruction manual. If you do not have the instruction manual you can obtain it on the MTH web site, enter the product number, click enter, go to the support section for that engine and select the manual. You can then follow the instructions. Another way is to run it in conventional mode and start adding power by moving the throttle to 8-10 volts and listen for a 'click' sound. Then advance the throttle to about 12 volts and run it. When you push the direction button, push it in and momentarily hold it down before releasing it.

What happened?

Bruce

Nothing happened. No click. No power to engine. Track light-on lit but no response. Thanks for your help.

Early PS-3 slave unit used a PS-3 slave board.  Lead can run by self, but Slave must have good Lead to operate.  So first think is getting your lead working.  Those 2 open connectors are for a light feature your F-7 does not have so no worry on that.  Sometimes there are issues with Track power getting to the board due to ground connection usually or a power switch if the unit has it.  Or it can be a board failure.  If you want to test board.  Find the Yellow or Gray wire nuts that have the Red and Black track power wires connected.  Remove wire nuts and use alligator clip leads to connect those to track power.  Be careful not to have them touch board or each other.  Apply 12V and see if the engine starts up.  If not, probable board issue.  PS-3 diesel boards not in stock.  If you don't want to do this you can contact me via profile and I can test it.  G

@Alan Mancus posted:

... these ps 3 boards blow very easily any minor short circuit's usually damage the board!!!!

Alan,

Are you sure about this?

If it's true why should any of us buy anything with PS3 in it?

Mike

Thanks for all the tips and helps. I knew there is a wealth of information on this site from experts. Tried the power jump through the red and black as ggg mentioned. No go. Bad board then, correct?

What are my options then? Gut them off boards and make them conventional runners? Or enjoy the beauty as they gather dust? Sell them for parts?

yes your board is blown! sometimes board can be repaired but generally not if there has been a derailment or track short!!

Alan