Now operators can enjoy Proto-Sound 3.0 in older M.T.H. locomotives outfitted with M.T.H.'s original Proto-Sound or Proto-Sound 2.0. Other manufacturer's O Gauge and G Gauge locomotives may also be candidates for a Proto-Sound 3.0 upgrade kit (see the FAQ Section to determine if non-M.T.H. locomotives are upgrade candidates).
Each kit consists of a Proto-Sound 3.0 circuit board, a coil wound Proto-Coupler, various wire harnesses, new speaker, new mounting brackets, and headlight and backup light bulbs. The kits are warranted for 90 days when installed by a participating M.T.H. Authorized Service Center. Each kit will require programming of a sound set prior to operation. The sound sets can be downloaded from the M.T.H. website at no charge but will require the DCS system in order to be uploaded into the upgraded locomotive.
Virtually all features found in factory equipped Proto-Sound 3.0 locomotives are included in the Proto-Sound 3.0 Upgrade Kit. These include conventional and command mode Proto Speed Control, full Ps3 digital sound effects, DCS command features, conventional and command mode Proto-Coupler operation, conventional and command mode synchronized puffing smoke on locomotives equipped with fan driven M.T.H. smoke units, battery-less backup power and operating headlight control.
M.T.H. strongly encourages consumers to utilize the nationwide network of M.T.H. Authorized Service Centers for installation of the Proto-Sound 3.0 upgrade kit. Upgrading a locomotive to Proto-Sound 3.0 may require significant rewiring of the locomotive, installation of new mounting brackets, soldering and careful wire management to prevent pinched wires that could damage the circuit boards. Consult a participating M.T.H. Authorized Service Center for installation costs. Cost are estimated to range from $99 to $200 depending on the locomotive.
A 90 Day Limited Warranty will be offered on each upgrade kit provided the kit is installed by an M.T.H. Authorized Service Center participating in the Proto-Sound 3.0 Conversion Program. Consumers ordering the kit online from M.T.H. will be asked to accept their understanding of the warranty when proceeding through the online checkout. The kit itself will feature packages containing the Proto-Sound 3.0 circuit board sealed with large, brightly colored labels warning the user that only an ASC installer should open the package to ensure that the warranty remain valid.
