Disclaimer:
This flyer has been included for
reference and is a linear way of formatting the information
layed out in other sections of the STR web site, and which has been dramatically expanded on the site.
All prices are subject to change. The ones shown in this flyer are obsolete and do not reflect 2009 pricing.
STR Service Flyer Synopsis Aug. 2008
Note: § #'s refer to the Section in the STR Service Flyer.
1) The ProtoSounds1 Sound System can be stabilized so as to eliminate memory scrambling next time the battery goes dead. This is the Power Supply Update. $15. §4.
2) Any loco with ProtoSounds1 can operate 1 coil coupler, just by adding the coupler. $15. Usually a Rail King upgrade.
Operation in Lionel TMCC conventional is possible and practical:
3) All ProtoSounds1 sound systems can be upgraded to operate with the Lionel TMCC set to Conventional, as well as all new Lionel electronic transformers. This requires an upgrade to QS-2P, $50; or QS-3000, $119. §7.
A) Lowest cost to upgrade ProtoSounds1 is available for all locos produced from mid '95 to '00. They can be upgraded to QS-2P by installing a new chip, $50. (Chip & re-initialization. § 7.
B) [Not in the flyer] '94 to mid '95 can now be upgraded to QS-2P with the change out of the 233 to a 237 micro processor, a new QS-2P sound chip and Updated Power Supply. $75.
C) Any ProtoSounds1 equipped loco can be upgraded to a QS-3000. $119. § 7.
For any of these upgrades, the Power Supply Update must be/have been done. $15.
Automatic Battery Shutdown:
4) Any '94 loco can have the bottom board upgraded to provide automatic battery shutdown, eliminating the need for the battery off-on switch. $35. § 15.
Independent coil coupler op.
5) Once any 2 coil coupler loco has either a QS-2P or QS-3000 sound board, the bottom board can be upgraded to have independent transformer operation of 2 coil couplers. No more coupler selector switch. 2nd coil coupler driver installed on the bottom board, $32. § 12.
Items 4 & 5 are possible because QSI planned for them. MTH chose not to implement them, although that changed in '95 for the battery as a result of all the customer complaints in '94.
Motor Current:
6) Any MTH motor is capable of drawing as much as 3 Amps, maximum load before slipping. For a 2 motored unit that is 6 Amps, which might be used when pulling a long string of cars, which some people do.
The design of the ProtoSounds1 is limited to 2.5 amps of motor current solely because of the heat buildup of the 4 diodes on top of the rectifier. This works just fine with short trains 4-6 cars.
The rectifier and relays are capable of handling 6 Amps. However, under heavy loads, (currents above 2.5 Amps) the diodes roasting on top will bake the board, causing roasting of the flux from honey color to black, melting of the solder, melted diode plastic and eventually destruction of the rectifier and finally the board.
The solution to this is to have the Hi Current upgrade installed. It replaces the diodes on top with chassis mounted rectifiers, which dissipates the heat to the chassis. $36.
The only 2 MTH locos have been observed with the Hi I option installed at the factory are the Veranda Turbine and the Challenger.
Hi current option, $36. § 16.
The loaded motor-current test, easily performed with a Z-4000:
1) Run the complete train at speed and note the current and Voltage readings.
2) Stop the train and readjust the Voltage, if necessary, to return to the same Voltage reading as during running and note the neutral current.
3) The difference between the neutral current and the running current is the loaded motor current.
Note the 3 requirements to validate the QSI & STR warranties:
A) Good Battery, either yours or STR's, $10.
B) The power Supply board must have the Power Supply Update installed, $15. § 4.
C) The loco must be operated with either a QSI Power Guard, $86, or Power Programmer, $99, one connected to each transformer output powering trains with electronics in them.
The above prices do not include the following:
1) Any board set arriving on a chassis: add $5.00.
2) Any board mounted on a diesel chassis: add an additional $5.00.
3) Any locos or tenders with the cabs on, add an additional $5.00.
4) Return shipping and handling.
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