MTH Proto Sounds Life expectancy

I've never seen posted any data on Mean Tine Between Failure or Mean Time To Failure on any MTH electronics, not sure if they are required to have it or share it if they do.

A single component can last 10s of thousands of hours, but when combined into a complex system the failure rate increases.

Add to that the arcing/sparking and rough handling 3-rail trains get I'm surprised they last as long as they do.

IOW...I don't know

Hi Bob, I didn't think anyone had collected or compiled any life expectancy data, however I thought maybe some of the guys that are good with the electronics and working on repairs and upgrades may have some anecdotal information like they are replacing a lot of the old proto sound systems due to failure or had seen a lot of failures in the past.  I'd hate to buy something for a reasonable price only to have to spend  significant $ on upgrades or repairs if I'm not aware of an issue that exists.  Kinda like the old Lionel steamer, it escapes me right now, that had the bad bushings.  An easy enough fix for some but for others it could be a costly unexpected repair for a common problem.

There was a list of Protosound units which had issues with scrambling chips (FP45 and GP20 off the top of my head), which could be repaired with a chip reset kit.

The cheapest conventional repair for a fried Protosound is installing a Williams Electronic reverse unit.

Yeah the Lacawanna Northerns had the bad motor bushings but a fix was devised to correct the problem.Most repair depots know how to fix the issue.

They can last a very long time, and many of the component failures can be fixed without replacing boards.  Also, there are lots of people that have batches of PS/1 boards in boxes from upgrades, so spare parts are easy to come by.  Also, I believe that MTH still stocks new PS/1 boards, and you can get the sound chips as well from MTH.

I have a few engines equipped with protosound, with some from the mid to lates 90's and still running. The key is to run them and keep up on battery replacement or install BCR's

Out of all the PS-1 locomotives I've had, I've only had one that was bad, and I bought it knowing it was bad because of how easy they are to fix due to the boards still being available.  And upon investigation I found out why it went bad, it was user error.  They mucked with the wires to the motor in an attempt to make it start off in reverse so they could double head them.  Instead of just swapping the yellow and white motor connectors on the drive board, they tried soldering the wire leads in reverse and in so doing they shorted it out to the motor case.  Once I put the wires back and cleaned up the bad solder job it has run great.  So I'd say as long as it hasn't been run with an old battery, and you replace it as soon as you get it before running it, PS-1 locomotives are great buys.  I still have several on my watch list in an auction site I'm planning on getting.

I re-entered O gauge model railroading in 1997 and began buying MTH Premier PS1 locomotives, several of which have been run a lot over the years. None has ever required mechanical or electronic repair - just normal lubrication and infrequent replacement of traction tires. Installing a BCR eliminates concerns about the battery or replacement thereof, although some people prefer to keep the battery. PS1s are some of my favorite and best-running engines. When well broken-in, they run very smoothly, even at low speeds. I don't use smoke but, for me, PS1 sounds are satisfactory. My PS2 and PS3 locomotives have also been trouble free.

MELGAR

I understand your concern but I personally would not let older electronics stop me from buying engines that I were interested in it. Especially if the price is right. It could actually help in your negotiations. All of my PS1 problems have been self induced, (as in dead batteries)..

Jeff

Proto Sounds is a good system.  If you pay attention to the battery, only time will tell how long the system will last.    I am sitting on many complete sets from doing upgrades.  Many members do not realize that new Proto Sounds boards can still be purchased from MTH.

Be careful when buying from someone you do not know.  

Thank you all for your replies.  It seems the only thing I have to fear is the "clanks of death" due dead battery.  So if I install a BCR and charge it up before running I should be okay.

Correct Joe.  It is a good move to buy a new BCR if you choose to go that way.