older locomotive with the original protosound

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mikeanddara

New Member
I have A MTH Z1000 transformer with the proto-sound 2. I recently got an older locomotive with the original protosound. In the instructions, it is telling me to get it out of the reset state. I can get sound and smoke, but the train wont move. Does anyone know how to get it out of neutral and make it so this older train can run on the newer system? thanks for your help
 
The MTH Z1000 are not compatible with the first generation Protosound 1 engines. Protosound 1 QS2 and QS2 plus will sometimes work. It is an issue with the Z1000 AC line current on the transformers output. It is hit or miss with the Z1000 I don't know if they changed any of the internal components, but I have seen a few of the older (7-8 year old) Z1000 work with the original Protosound. I would recommend a Z4000 or finding and older Lionel transformer to run the train. The only issue with the Lionel is you won't have all the features available especially if it doesn't have a bell button. MTH did not make Z750's or Z1000's when the original Protosound engines where on the market, all they had was the Z4000.
 
One other thought, make sure you charge or replace the battery in the engine especially if it has been sitting awhile. You can get a replacement battery at Radio Shack or local hobby store.
 


I operate three Proto Sound engines and use two Z-1000 transformers. All my PS-1 engines operate normally and respond to all the features listed in the engines' manual. One thing you must understand is that at start up the voltage to the track is to be kept at a minimum, the manual states that minimum but it is not handy at this time. With minimum voltage give the engine enough time to cycle thru its start up procedures, you are in reset at start up, after a brief start-up it is then safe to cycle to forward with the direction button and resume normal operation.
 
Yes most of the newer ProtoSound 1 engine will work such as QS1 and QS1 plus, however the very first original Protosound engines manufacutred in late 1995 and though 1996 will not work on the Z1000 or Z750. I spoke with MTH when I first encountered this problem years ago and it is an issue with the sign waves and the type on AC signal it puts out.
 
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