Mth 3/2 stacker board no smoke

Inspect the smoke heat FET, also when you loaded chain files- small VS large smoke unit???? The sound file is mostly just the sound file and some settings. Chain files are the lower level firmware and how the board stack functions.

Chain files matter greatly.

https://mthtrains.com/chainfiles

FYI, the lower PS3 board of a stacker is the same layout and functions as the PS3 Diesel board- just interfacing connectors for the upper stacker board. So this topic is possibly related.

PS3 diesel board, smoke unit circuit failure. https://ogrforum.com/...unit-circuit-failure

Thanks to @Lou1985 who posted this failure picture in that topic.

Also, important note:

In the typical starter steam engine 2-8-0 or many PS2 based Railking engines- PV- a voltage rail that specifically powers smoke heater and headlight requires that the motor connector be plugged in an functional as well as 2 diodes either on the tether PCB or sometimes there on the motor leads.

In other words- the FAN uses a different source (PS5V) but the Heater and Headlight use the positive voltage (PV) - and while it may not be obvious- that comes from the motor wiring through diodes in many engines. Just saying, a path of a few extra and even seemingly non related components (main drive motor wiring) that could confuse someone when testing and troubleshooting.

Picture from this topic where a the diodes failed. https://ogrforum.com/...t-number-help-needed

Burned diodes removed in this picture but symbol of where they go is there.

Before you go to all that trouble, make SURE you loaded the correct chain file for the smoke unit you're using.  Also, note that you can ONLY use the PS32 chain files, do not try to use the plain PS/3 chain files.

Finally, try power cycling a couple of times, I've noticed that it takes several power cycles to get it's mind right at times.  If all else fails, try reloading the chain and sound files.

Agree with above, if you did not load the appropriate chain file, you’ll get these kinds of issues,…..also, does your smoke unit go through an on/off switch, ….check and make sure the switch is on, and the path is good,….

Pat

If you have a test set you can validate the board is the issue and not the engine.  Make sure no adapter pins bent that connect to the stacker.  Make sure adapter pressed in firmly to seat the 40 pin connector completely.  G

I have a test set but I never got the  golden boards when I purchased  it from MTH I now they don't have any. I did do all of the above that you suggested. eventually I unplugged everything going to smoke unit and fan and rechecked continuity and found a wire w/heat shrink that had a bad solder joint replaced that wire and now it works.  My Thanks go to all you guys for the help.

Glad it was a positive outcome.   Note that the PS32 board requires no "golden boards", they're only for PS/3 steam testing.

Thanks for the tip.

I am experiencing the same issue and similar situation. Did an install of the PS3/2 board into a PS2 engine to upgrade it. I’ve done the process plenty of times before with no issues. I did a full test with the pre-installed sounds and Smoke unit worked great. Loaded up a new sound file, no smoke. The fan is running, but the heating elements are not receiving any power. 0 voltage. I double checked the wires. No kinks or breaks l. I have a complete circuit. Reloaded the default sound file, smoke unit works. I also tried another ps3/2 board just to confirm, same situation. Also, brand new smoke unit. Any ideas or suggestions?

There may be a problem with the sound or chain files, it's not unheard of for them to have the wrong smoke unit configured.  The PS/2 engines with a 5V board seem to have issues more often, perhaps the conversion of the 5V file to 3V format explains it.  What specific sound file are you using, and what chain file did you load for the PS32 board?

I started out using the Reading T1 PS3 sound file to start. Than I tried using a Reading Crusader sound file. Both were PS3 files one. II’ll be trying a diesel sound file today, and another steam engine file. Maybe I should try a 3V ps2 sound file as well?

First off, you MUST use the PS32 chain file that matches your configuration, you can NOT use the PS/3 chain files.  I suspect that's the biggest issue.

Hmmm, that would make a lot of sense. Though I can say I’ve never run into the issue before with any other upgrades I’ve done. I have the PS32 files for steam, but never loaded them into an engine. Would it be like sending sound files to the engine? I know when you uncompress it there are 4 files.

@tf4k4 posted:

Hmmm, that would make a lot of sense. Though I can say I’ve never run into the issue before with any other upgrades I’ve done. I have the PS32 files for steam, but never loaded them into an engine. Would it be like sending sound files to the engine? I know when you uncompress it there are 4 files.

No Need to uncompress the ZIP file. The Consumer Loader will do that for you when you upload a chain file to the engine.

Ok, that got it working. I’m curious, if I wanted to use a PS3 sound file on the PS32 stacker board, would you simply flash it with the PS3 chain file?

@tf4k4 posted:

Ok, that got it working. I’m curious, if I wanted to use a PS3 sound file on the PS32 stacker board, would you simply flash it with the PS3 chain file?

No, you only ever use stacker versions of chain files on a stacker board set. https://mthtrains.com/chainfiles

The sound file (.mth) is the only file from the PS3 source engine files you use.

Like I said before, you MUST use the PS32 specific chain files for the PS32 board.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

First off, you MUST use the PS32 chain file that matches your configuration, you can NOT use the PS/3 chain files.  I suspect that's the biggest issue.