MTH Y6b PS2 short circuit

Something on the board shorted.

What's the exact model?  Rich is probably right, the smell of cooking electronics is almost universally bad.

Disconnect the power plug from the side of the board.  It should have 2 larger gauge red and 2 black wires.  If the short goes away, the board is the problem.  5v boards using the 8.4 volt battery are basically non-repairable.  The 3 volt boards with separate power and processor boards can sometimes be repaired.

Dave - post up the model number from the box, it will help others chime in with  specific suggestions.

MIKE

Hi everyone and thanks for all the help. Gunnerjohn, the model is 30-1438-1. Rich, you're absolutely right - I followed Jon's advice and disconnected the main power feed and the circuit didn't trip. So, looks like I need a new board for this loco - has anyone out there got a good working one for a reasonable price?? Regards, David

My advice is to bite the bullet and go for a retrofit PS32 board, they're made to replace failed PS/2 boards.  While I have some of the older 5V PS/2 boards, I am loathe to sell them as they have a propensity to die for no apparent reason, and I just figure the bad feelings aren't worth the risk.

If you can come up with a working 3V board set, they're fairly simple to retrofit, you do have to replace the speaker and charging port/battery.  I trust the 3V boards, I just don't trust the 5V board sets.

Getting a PS-2 5V for your engine is even more complicated as it would have to be factory flashed for Articulate.  I have PS-2 3V boards, or you can go with the PS-32 to do this repair.  G

Thanks again for the advice from Gunrunnerjohn and GGG. Is PS3/2 a plug in and play upgrade, or are there any modifications necessary? Is there an online guide available? Over here in the UK technical support is very thin on the ground! Having said that, I am in regular contact with a couple of fellow forum members locally. Regards, David

The PS32 board is around 90% PnP.  It has the same connectors as the board you're replacing, but sometimes the harnesses don't reach as the connectors are not in the same relative positions on the package. The physical mounting is different, so there will be a little mechanical work to tie it down.

You will also have to swap out the speaker for a 4 ohm speaker.

And remove the battery if PS-32.  Is the board in the tender?  If so the fit should be easy.  You need the PS-32 with 5V connectors and the IC-27 hardware kit which has the speaker and the Heat sink and bracket.  Picture is an example of install in tender.

Thanks again - at least I've now got some options. The main board by the way is in the tender. Regards, David

I meant the main board is in the loco - must have had a very 'senior' moment!!!

Usually the tender boards are easier to retrofit as the harness isn't as tight as a rule.  Many of them in the locomotive have no slack in the wires and you have to extend some wiring to make things fit.

Yes, the wiring is very tight in the boiler!