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My son just got a new to us MTH Southern Pacific 4-8-4 with ProtoSound with Digital Reverse.  The sound card doesn't work and the loco only goes forward.  I can't make it go in reverse, even following the directions in the manual so we're looking to do another conversion to TMCC.  I'm assuming either the AC Commander or Cruise Commander is the way to go.  If I want to add sound, do I have to spend another $95 to get sound?

Thanks

Roger

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I replaced my Proto1 engines with PS3 and I had 3 Kline TMCC converted to Proto2 and two standard (SMR) engines with one converted to Proto 2 and one to ERR TMCC. With MTH going out of business I might not go the MTH system route; however, I have mentioned them to show that I think there will be electronics available to upgrade any engine for some time.

My son just got a new to us MTH Southern Pacific 4-8-4 with ProtoSound with Digital Reverse.  The sound card doesn't work and the loco only goes forward.  I can't make it go in reverse, even following the directions in the manual so we're....

Thanks

Roger

Have you made sure the battery holds a charge? If it's still the white battery it came with, it's probably shot. What's the model #?

These engines can be locked into a direction. You have to unlock them. You'll need a good battery inside to do it.

Have you made sure the battery holds a charge? If it's still the white battery it came with, it's probably shot. What's the model #?

These engines can be locked into a direction. You have to unlock them. You'll need a good battery inside to do it.

Thanks for the reply!  There appear to be two black boxes that are soldered to the board.  Otherwise no battery that's obvious.  I'll have to see what model board I have.

Roger

 

Have you made sure the battery holds a charge? If it's still the white battery it came with, it's probably shot. What's the model #?

These engines can be locked into a direction. You have to unlock them. You'll need a good battery inside to do it.


I go with Joe on the " what's the model  #  ? "  to get more helpful advice for your engine issue. 🤔

 

 

 



 

So the manual says the board is a Protosound DCRU or rather it has Digital Control Reverse Unit in addition to sound and whistle functions.  The manual has no publication date and the box has no date on it either the model number is 30-1119-0.  There is a QSI tag on the board as you can see in the photo.  When I place the loco on the track there is no sound except for clicking when I start it.  I have a Lionel Trainmaster transformer.

@GGG posted:

Basic Reverse unit. SHould have a switch on tender that is the lockout switch.  Must be in the ON position for full function.  Otherwise it is locked in a set direction.  G

Doesn't work regardless of which way I have the switch thrown.  I suspect the board is shot unless there's something I'm not seeing in the manual or if there's some incompatibility with the power supply.

Roger

I'm still not sure it has full sound? It should have a #1 at the end not a zero.

Some only came with horn and bell. (xx-xxxx-0)

What is the power supply you are using?

Hi Joe

I'm not sure about full sound either.  I think the manual is kind of generic for the full-featured board.  The two black boxes on the board I think are the whistle and there is a speaker.  My power supply is a refurbished Lionel Trainmaster (no model number on it or anything specific). Has an A and a B lever and a 14volt constant supply with direction buttons.

In your manual, skip the protosounds section. I don't think you have it. The manual is for both models!

 So go to page 25.

https://mthtrains.com/sites/de...ction/30st10711i.pdf

do the reset for unlocking engine (direction).

Hi Joe,

I followed your instructions and the whistle lever does not produce a sound BUT I did get it to go back and forth.  There was no whistle or horn but the engine will now respond to the direction button.  I will probably go ahead with a TMCC chip depending on what my son wants to do.

@GGG posted:

No full sounds with the basic DCRU.  Need the PS-1 bottom board to support full sounds, unless it is the QSI type with 3 boards.  MTH did not use that standard.  Plus your board looks like a simple whistle board.

DCRUs can be fixed or replaced, but the ERR upgrade will be much better.  G

Does that mean no whistle or horn?  My board appears to be two boards only.

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