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Found 11 results

  1. *Update 12/31/15* I now have PS3 upgrade boards available for those who want to upgrade their PS2 engines to PS3. Please visit my website and send me an email if interested. Feature/Enhancements list for new MTH Protosound 3 boards: PS3: (Factory pre-installed in MTH Engines) - Can use both original PS2(3v) or new PS3 sound files. - Increased memory capacity for sound files (higher quality sound) - Higher quality audio amplifier (vs PS2) for crystal clear sound reproduction - All LED lighting instead of Incandescent. (saves power and longer bulb life) - If power is temporarily lost to engine, LED lights stay lit, powered by on-board capacitors. - Auto 'Rule 17' lighting of the headlight (auto dims when idle for a period of time and brightens back up when commanded to move) - Eliminates the need for a polarity switch on the engine - Has significantly improved communication signal processor for better track signal. - You will get improved signal strength with all TIU versions. Best results with Rev L TIU or newer. - Eliminated the rechargeable battery pack (uses built in capacitors for backup power) - Can be run and controlled in a DCC environment (DCC power and control) with the flip of a switch on engine/tender. See the below link for more info on DCC PS3: - www.rayman4449.com/DCS_Overview_Videos.htm#Operating_PS3_Under_DCC - Engines now no longer take off running if they miss the TIU initial power up signal. (An issue when running under DC power) If an engine misses the signal it will power up lights and sound but stay put and not move. - Because of the improved signal processor, missed TIU startup signals will be eliminated or greatly reduced. PS32: ("PS32" Upgrade board for PS2 to PS3 upgrades) ** Different from Factory PS3 board - Can use both original PS2(3v) or new PS3 sound files. - Increased memory capacity for sound files (higher quality sound) - Higher quality audio amplifier (vs PS2) for crystal clear sound reproduction - **All connectors same as the PS2(3v) board to simplify upgrade. - **Drives original Incandescent lights to simply upgrade from PS2 to PS3. - **Does not currently have Auto 'Rule 17' lighting of the headlight (auto-dimming when idle for a period of time and brightens back up when commanded to move) - May be made functional in later PS3 board firmware versions. - Eliminates the need for a polarity switch on the engine. - Has significantly improved communication signal processor for better track signal. - You will get improved signal strength with all TIU versions. Best results with Rev L TIU or newer. - Eliminated the rechargeable battery pack (uses built in capacitors for backup power) - Can be run and controlled in a DCC environment (DCC power and control) with the flip of a switch on engine/tender. See the below link for more info on DCC PS3: - www.rayman4449.com/DCS_Overview_Videos.htm#Operating_PS3_Under_DCC - Engines now no longer take off running if they miss the TIU initial power up signal. (An issue when running under DC power) If an engine misses the signal it will power up lights and sound but stay put and not move. - Because of the improved signal processor, missed TIU startup signals will be eliminated or greatly reduced. Other notes: - PS3 engines are fully backward compatible with all existing TIUs and Remotes. - PS3 boards use chips and components that are more easily sourced on the market which will ensure there are never supplier constraints in the future. (i.e. should never be issues with getting PS3 board / upgrade kits in the future once they start making them) - All current production MTH engines are being made with PS3 installed. - PS3 is available for HO, O, One Gauge and S. (Boards for HO are different from O/One Gauge and are designed to accommodate the reduced space and amperage requirements of HO.) - All current production MTH One Gauge engines (2013 Catalog and newer) will come with PS3 pre-installed. - The O gauge PS3 and PS32 boards were made with the One Gauge line in mind so no special provisions should be required for One Gauge. To recap the key benefits for G scale/One Gauge: - Significantly improved signal processor on the engine board. (If you have had signal/communication issues in the past on your layout, this should resolve it or significantly reduce any issues. Best results, run PS3 with Rev L TIU) - This is relevant for G scale because of the much larger size of the layouts and conditions faced outdoors. - Improved audio amplifier for higher sound quality - PS3 sound samples used: Have greatly enhanced sound quality. - No more missed TIU start up signals: Engines stay put and will not start running/moving unintended in analog mode if they miss the TIU startup signal on initial power up. (Applies to DC power operation) If you had engines missing the signal in the past moving to PS3 should eliminate or greatly reduce this happening. - Eliminates the need for the polarity switch on the engine as the PS3 board is no longer polarity sensitive. - Eliminates the need for the on-board rechargeable battery pack (the only maintenance item you had on the engine) - Can now run under DCS or DCC.
  2. Ray's Electric Trainworks is a fully authorized MTH Dealer and Service and Repair center and can offer assistance with anyone that needs help with their MTH trains in any scale (And also non-MTH). Pricing and stock page posted for the One Gauge line including control system components etc: http://www.rayman4449.com/MTH/MTH_OneGauge.htm For other scales please email or call for pricing information. This includes all current MTH stock, future catalog orders (including the current 2013 catalog) along with old stock/used items currently avail for sale. Raymond
  3. Continuing the photo posting, here is set of pics of the MTH Triplex - Erie (black boiler) version (One Gauge). For more info see the following pages: Additional Photos and Product information page: http://www.rayman4449.com/MTH_Triplex.htm Repairs/Modifications page: http://www.rayman4449.com/MTH_Triplex_mods.htm
  4. Photos of the MTH Big Boy in 1:32 scale. These are probably my most favorite engines to run in my collection. For more info see the following pages: Additional Photos and Product information page: http://www.rayman4449.com/MTH_Big_Boy.htm Repairs/Modifications page: http://www.rayman4449.com/MTH_Big_Boy_mods.htm These pages are accessible off my home page at: www.rayman4449.com (Click the photo to enlarge) NEW PHOTOS (09/27/2014)
  5. Just completed this install of MTH Protosound 3 in a Bachmann G scale Thomas the Tank engine. Added timed Smoke, speaker, front and reverse lights.
  6. Wanted to share for those that have been wondering, MTH just indicated to me that PS3 upgrade kits are targeted for 2014.
  7. For those who may not have seen, wanted to post links and info on the overview video series and page I have setup to educate on what the system is and how it operates. Main page: www.rayman4449.com/DCS_Overview_Videos.htm (Full page with all detail information) Overview of Remote and menus: www.rayman4449.com/DCS_Overview_Videos.htm#DCS_Remote_Photo_Overview Overview videos: www.rayman4449.com/DCS_Overview_Videos.htm#Overview_Videos Part 1 of 5: Part 2 of 5: Part 3 of 5: Part 4 of 5: Part 5 of 5: (1 of 2) Part 5 of 5: (2 of 2)
  8. Took some time to take photos of the MTH Dash-8 to share with everyone: (Note: This engine has the pilot with wide open slot for if the user decides to attach the coupler to the motor block as opposed to the frame. The engine comes from the factory with smaller opening pilots that screw in place. For more info see the following pages: Additional Photos and Product information page: http://www.rayman4449.com/MTH_Dash-8.htm Repairs/Modifications page: http://www.rayman4449.com/MTH_Dash-8_mods.htm These pages are accessible off my home page at: www.rayman4449.com (Click the photo to enlarge)
  9. Just wanted to share that an updated version of the DCS Consumer Loader v2.34 has just been released. This is the PC software (free) for your computer to upload firmware to your TIU/Remote or upload/download sound files to MTH Protosound 2/3 engines. You can download the current version from: - MTH: http://www.mthtrains.com/dcs/downloads/dcsconsumerloader_v234/input - Rayman4449.com: http://www.rayman4449.com/DCS_Tips.htm#DCS_Software List of enhancements for this version: http://www.protosound2.com/service/loader234.htm Ps3 DCS Loader Program - Version 2.34 What’s New in version 2.34? This latest version of the DCS Consumer Loader software is used to program the DCS system components (Remote, TIU), Load sound files (in Proto-Sound 2.0 and 3.0 locomotives) and backup and restore the DCS Remote handheld. Among the many changes to the loader, the list below represents the most significant from previous 2.X DCS Consumer Loader software versions. Increased wait time on power cycle after loading Consume Package File. This accommodates the changed method of relaying information back to the user from the engine. The engines now use a Morse code audio response to indicate lading of software rather than lights. This is due to the software that supports Proto 3/2 engines Re-enabled Get Sound File From Engine. This can take in excess of an hour for the large PS3 sound files Added compatibility check for PS2 5V files attempting to be loaded into PS3 engines. The Loader no longer allows this due to major differences in the 5V sound files compared to the PS3 memory structure Increased reliability on Original HO PS3 Steam sound file loading Loads Code Chain Files (DSP Firmware, FPGA, CV Data). This is the zip file that allows any Proto-Sound 3.0 locomotive (except existing HO steam engines) to be updated to run expanded DCC features. Removed the Get Sound File From Engine icon. Previously this function of the Loader allowed users to retrieve a copy of the sound file from their engines. This proved to be very time consuming for customers. All of the latest sound files can be obtained from our website at www.mthtrains.com The Loader now remembers the last folder you explored to. This is especially handy if you keep all your MTH files in the same folder (for example, the MY MTH Files folder that gets created when you install the Loader program. Improves the sound file and code chain file loading by automatically adjusting the data rate for files that contain more than 50% zeros. The progress sub-bar will turn yellow to indicate a temporary data rate adjustment. Previously the Loader would try at the highest data rate, determine that an error occurred in the data transfer, then try the whole sector over again. In essence, the Loader is now much, much faster. Improved communication to support USB-to-Serial adapters. Improved speed. Improved error recovery (that means you can retry mid-stream on a sound file load without having to restart everything from the beginning). Runs on Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7 Enhanced display features show DSP Code version (Service Center/Dealer Loader only), Sound file size (1MB/2MB), Engine Type (5V/3V/HO), Engine Board Memory Size (1MB/2MB), and Engine AddressYou'll find complete instructions for installing and using the DCS Consumer Loader by clicking Here. NOTE: Please uninstall any previous versions of the Consumer Loader prior to installing Version 2.3. WARNING: 2.20, 2.30 & 2.34 are the ONLY DCS Consumer Loader software versions you can use to program Proto-Sound 3.0 Locomotives. Using any previous version of the DCS Consumer Loader to program a Proto-Sound 3.0 equipped locomotive will disable the Proto-Sound 3.0 electronics and require the locomotive be returned to M.T.H. for repair. You can learn more about the issues with this warning by clicking HERE. To Use This Loader You Will Need: A standard RS 232 cable, USB-Serial adapter, or a type A-B USB (for Rev L TIU only) cable. (These are available here *Click to buy*) A STEREO mini-to-mini 1/8†audio cable available from MTH or here *Click to buy* An AC or DC Transformer. A PC running at least Windows XP. Mac users may find that running a Windows emulator might work.The below information details how the cables are to be used. Cable Types Reprogramming The Remote In order to reprogram the remote, a tether cable that connects the remote to the TIU is required. The tether cable MUST be a 4-conductor handset cord from any standard telephone. This is the cable that connects the handset to the base of the phone. (These are available here *Click to buy*)Reprogramming The TIU In order to reprogram the TIU, a standard RS 232 cable is required. This cable is to be connected between the TIU's PC Connection Port and a COM port on a PC. If your computer does not have a 9 pin RS232 Com port, but only USB ports adapter cables are available here *Click to buy* The updated Loader program also will support USB-Serial adapters from most manufacturers. For those users that own the Rev L TIU’s (released in December 2010) you can use a type A-B USB cable. This cable will also supply power to the TIU’s processor so that you don’t heave to bring along a transformer to power the TIU when you load TIU or Remote code. NOTE – The USB cable does NOT supply power to ANY of the TIU’s outputs. The mini-to-mini cable MUST BE A STEREO model. You MUST NOT use any cables that have adapters. M.T.H. p/n 50-1009 or *Click to buy*. Making Cable Connections Follow the instructions below for hooking up the cables. The DCS Loader Program will prompt you step-by-step for each of the loading options as you select them. TIU (Remote Input) Ensure the 4 conductors in the bottom of the Remote are all parallel and NOT touching one another. IF they do when you go to load the remote code your remote will power on. TIU (Proto-Cast and Proto-Dispatch Audio Jacks) The Stereo mini-to-mini cable should be fully plugged into the Proto-Dispatch and Proto-Cast audio jacks on the TIU. When power is applied to the TIU, look at the red LED. It should NOT blink or flicker at all. It MUST remain on constant. This indicates that the TIU is in Program Mode. If the LED blinks then it means your mini-to-mini cable is not stereo, you have some other adapters on the cable, or you do not have the cable plugged in fully at one or both of the jacks. NOTE: When loading the remote code and prompted by the Loader program to hold down the power button on the remote, you should notice that your remote LCD remains blank. Your remote should not power up. If it does check the handset cord cable to ensure it has 4 conductors or inspect the jacks on the TIU and the remote to ensure no pins are touching or bent over. Also, you must remove the mini-to-mini audio cable PRIOR TO loading the remote code. You must also be sure to remove power from the TIU AFTER you have loaded TIU code. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
  10. See this thread for most current DCS Remote and TIU firmware versions: www.gscaletrainforum.com/index.php?/topic/693-mth-dcs-remote-tiu-firmware-v500-current-version/ ***************************************************************** **OUTDATED as of 1/1/2016 Wanted to share that the latest version of the DCS remote and TIU firmware is now available. (Updates as always are free of charge.) (As Joe noted below if you have Lash-ups you may want to recreate them after upgrading if you want to gain access to the new Softkeys created) You can download direct from MTH here: www.protosound2.com OR You can download the .Zip file here: DCS v4.30.zip (**Note: You do not need to change or upload anything to your engines. This is software only for the Remote and TIU.**)) For instructions on how to upgrade the TIU and Remote software see below or my website: http://www.rayman4449.com/DCS_Tips.htm#DCS_Software_and_Upgrade_TIU_Remote (also see my website for info and photos for needed cables, additional information and troubleshooting.) Step 1: Updating the TIU **When updating to a different version of DCS software in your TIU and remote, you should always start by updating the TIU first.** Connect your TIU to the computer using either the 9 pin serial or USB cable (Your computer can already be booted up) Plug the 3.5mm stereo audio cable ends into the TIU's "Proto-Dispatch" & "Proto-cast" ports Connect the power supply to the Fixed 1 input port OR connect the Aux power supply to the Aux power port on the TIU Start the DCS Loader program Close out of any unnecessary programs or applications and do not use the computer while the update is in progress Click the load software to TIU Icon Carefully follow the instructions on the screen. (it will instruct you to connect the serial cable and 3.5mm audio cables) Then select the "*.tiu" (example: "Tiu4p30.tiu") file The update process should start and will tell you when you are finished Step 2: Updating the Remote Once you have updated the TIU software to the version you are wanting to use, then update the remote. Connect your TIU to the computer using either the 9 pin serial or USB cable (Your computer can already be booted up) BE SURE TO REMOVE the 3.5mm stereo audio cable ends from the TIU's "Proto-Dispatch" & "Proto-cast" ports Connect the power supply to the Fixed 1 input port OR connect the Aux power supply to the Aux power port on the TIU Start the DCS Loader 2.xx program Close out of any unnecessary programs or applications and do not use the computer while the update is in progress Ensure your remote has good batteries and test it by turning it on. Ensure the remote is off before you get started Connect the remote to the TIU with the 4-pin narrow phone cable. (Be sure to plug the remote into the Remote input port NOT the AIU port!!!) Click the load software to Remote Icon Carefully follow the instructions on the screen. (it will instruct you to connect the serial cable and remote cord)NOTE: When instructed to press the power button on the remote, the remote should remain off. If the remote powers up, it's not detecting it's plugged into the TIU. See below steps for troubleshooting. Then select the "*.rem" (example: "remote4p30.rem") file Follow the instructions on the screen The update process should start and will tell you when you are finished. *********************************************************************************************************************************** Version 4.30 New Features The following new features have been added into DCS 4.30: · The management of lashup settings has been completely rewritten to allow accurate and repeatable retention of settings. A new soft key, “FSVâ€, has been added as the first lashup soft key. This allows lashup settings to be changed and then retained from the time a lashup is created, through its operation, shutdown, and subsequent startups. · When adding an engine that's already in the remote, the message "Engine in Remote" appears, the remote returns to the engine screen and displays the engine with which a conflict was found. A new TR screen soft key, “MSVâ€, allows setting a starting and ending voltage for "ALL TIU Tracks" just like individual TIU tracks. By default, "ALL TIU Tracks" start at 1 volt. Additionally, individual TIU tracks also start at 1. volt instead of the 5 volts as previously. This allows for more effective conventional engine control layout-wide. A new TR screen soft key, “MSVâ€, allows setting a starting and ending voltage for "ALL Z4K Tracks" just like individual Z4K tracks. By default, "ALL Z4K Tracks" start at 5 volts, witch is the lowest voltage available from a Z4000 transformer. This allows for more effective conventional engine control layout-wide. The following lists now also support direct access to entries by keying the item’s 1, 2 or 3-digit DCS ID#: TR List, Track Setup Edit/Delete, Accessory Setup Edit/Delete and Switch Setup Edit/Delete Version 4.30 Resolved Issues The following issues have been resolved in DCS 4.30: Previously, if a PS2 or PS3 engine, when operating in a Super TIU environment, is made Inactive and is then attempted to be made Active, it would not come out of the Inactive Engine list unless it was on a track connected to the TIU with which it was last associated. The workarounds were either to perform a READ; delete and re-add the engine; or physically move the engine to a track connected to its associated TIU.This issue has been corrected. The engine now is able to be moved out of the Inactive Engine List and also to be made active. Previously, â€ENGINE ERROR" would result when attempting to add an engine that had the same DCS ID# as a lashup that was already in the remote.This issue has been corrected. The engine now is able to be successfully added with the DCS Remote. Previously, when operating in a Super TIU environment, increasing or decreasing speed by turning the thumbwheel faster than very slowly could cause speed to go change in the wrong direction or not at all.This issue has been very much improved. Previously, the time that “Out of Range†and “Engine Not On Track†messages were displayed was long, as was the time that the remote locked-up while displaying these messages.The time that these messages are displayed have been considerably shortened. Previously, when editing a scene’s accessories or changing a Scene’s name, one could not scroll to the second Scene to select it if there was more than 1 Scene in the remote. It was necessary to select the Scene by keying its DCS number in the Scene list.This issue has been corrected. One may now successfully scroll to any item in the list of Scenes or, alternatively, still access an entry by keying its number in the list. Previously, if TIU #1 was in Super Mode, all TIUs were in Super Mode and if TIU #1 was in Normal Mode, all TIUs were in Normal Mode.This issue has been corrected. Any engine that was added to a TIU that is placed into Super TIU mode will operate on all of the TIUs that are in the DCS Remote, regardless of whether a TIU is in Super TIU mode or Normal TIU mode. However, any engine that was added to a TIU that is not in Super TIU mode, will only operate on tracks connected to the TIU to which it was added. Previously, sometimes, when attempting to select the System menu, a different menu was selected instead.This issue has been corrected.
  11. Wanted to provide my pricing schedule for anyone looking to order any MTH One Gauge product from the 2013 catalog. The price list includes a number of items from prior catalogs. http://www.rayman4449.com/MTH/MTH_OneGauge.htm Please email me if you have questions or would like to order. Raymond
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