cool things about PS3

That's great, I don't like the way the ditch lights work on my PS2 locomotive, the Legacy does what you describe, which is the correct prototype operation.

Actually, when the engine is at rest, the Ditch Lights are off and the interior lights are on. As soon as the engine starts to move in either direction, the interior lights go off and the Ditch Lights, for that direction (if present) come on.

PS3 engines, unlike PS2 engines, can have functional Ditch Lights at both ends.

I think that's exactly what he said Barry, unless I'm reading his comment wrong. That's how they should work, but I haven't seen a PS2 locomotive work correctly.  My CAT SD-45 I can get them to either flash, be on continuously, or be off, but not operate dependent on the engine state.

Yes, for Legacy the interior lights come on when the engine is stopped, and turn off then it starts moving.  The ditch lights are off when the engine is stopped, on when it's moving, and oscillate when the horn blows.

I'd be delighted if you can tell me how to get the PS2 locomotive to act the same way.

 I'm not happy with my Lionel engine's responses. Of course, it maybe because I'm running them under TMCC. I still will convert the important ones to PS as I feel it's superior if we're going to speak of prototypical operation in consists. I also prefer the more realistic sounds and the abilities to work with them.

I noticed that, too with the GEVO Hybrid. I like it. Also, the flash rate is more realistic and the locomotive is fully compatible with a Proto-2 engine in a consist. I've been test running them at the club, but they've been finding bad spots where the track has settled unevenly (I'm still on the fence about getting hi-rail wheels for them.)

Just got my Blue Goose and did some testing last night at the club. Interestingly enough, despite the longer wheelbase of the drivers compared to the 6-axle diesels' truck wheelbases, it seemed to have an easier time with the layout -- even the hidden 36" Radius (O-72) curve.

If you're running Legacy locomotives with TMCC, try Legacy before you start spending tons of money converting them!

Not sure what you're talking about as far as sounds, I think the Legacy sounds are top notch.

John,

I'd be delighted if you can tell me how to get the PS2 locomotive to act the same way.

You can't. What makes you think that you can? My whole discussion has been regarding PS3 engines.

Well, really nothing made me think I could, just figured if anyone knew a way it would be you.   After all, it's clearly possible with programming, since they can operate the lights under program control.

 Nope, it's a older 3rd rail Allegheny that seems to run a bit rough. Although my TMCC diesels are a bit jumpy too? The sounds are a bit off. They sounded better on Utube? Some of the horns sound fake. Some sounds, like air let off, is very good. In Legacy do the follower diesel's sounds and lights get changed like DCS? A friend said he would bring his Legacy over to show me the improvements. Do RS4 boards behave better?

John,

After all, it's clearly possible with programming, since they can operate the lights under program control.

As I understand from R&D, it just isn't possible.

Each Ditch Light bulb requires its own FET and It could be that there aren't 2 additional FET's available on the PS2 board for the second pair of Ditch Lights.

Barry, since the remote configuration has options for the ditch lights on, off, or auto, and they oscillate in auto, they have all the control they need to make them operate in prototypical fashion, right?  I'm not talking talking about two sets of ditch lights, just one.  I'd be happy if the front ones worked properly.

There is no comparison between RS4 and RS5 sounds.  The Legacy sounds are way better than the old RS4 TMCC locomotive sounds!

John,

 I'd be happy if the front ones worked properly.

As regards Ditch LKights on PS2 engiens, you have several choices. From The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition, page 36:

• The EDIT DITCH LIGHTS screen will display the engine name and four soft keys

Pressing soft key S1 (OFF) turns the engine's Ditch Lights off

Pressing soft key S2 (AUTO) sets the engine's Ditch Lights to be off when the engine is moving forward, off when the engine is moving in reverse and flashing when the engine's horn is activated while the engine is moving forward

Pressing soft key S3 (ON) sets the engine's Ditch Lights to be on when the engine is moving forward, off when moving in reverse, and flashing when the horn is sounded while moving forward

Pressing soft key S4 (FLS) sets the engine's Ditch Lights to be flashing when the engine is moving forward and off all other times

A PS3 engine's Ditch Lights may be more prototypical, however, it is what it is.

This and a whole lot more is all in "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!

All that is correct, however they should be off when the locomotive is stationary, that's what I was trying to accomplish.

I guess I'll have to wait for a nice PS3 locomotive.

 Before I tear apart some crappy designs by Lionel, I have to ask what this has to do with my post?

  I want to enlighten people to the features of PS3. Now if you want to say my banana is bigger than yours, let's go. I just don't get where this is going so Thank You!! ??

 Maybe I should have posted this under the Lionel side?

 Again and I'm seriously asking:

"In Legacy do the follower diesel's sounds and lights get changed like DCS? A friend said he would bring his Legacy over to show me the improvements. Do RS4 boards behave better?" 

I love my 4-6-0 ps3 steamer and realy like the new PS3 system. I found that in conventional the lights stay on while changing directions. The rule 17 lighting is cool to. The best feature of all is basically no maintenance except oiling and greasing. No lights to change, no battery to change. Best of all no bulky tether 

Yes, if you have two (or more) locomotives in a consist, the lights all work correctly as you'd expect.  The prime mover sounds also react as you'd expect.  Is that what you're asking?

RS4 is the older TMCC RailSounds boards from up to 10 years ago, they're not nearly as refined as the RS5 and Legacy sounds.

You're right Joe as PS3 is great!

With QSI coming out with the Titan we can now run QSI & PS3 equipped engines on the same DCC controlled layout..that leaves Lionel out in the cold..guess that's to be expected when your dealing with a closed source propietary system.

So did you ever get TMCC to work reliably with DCS on your DC powered layout?

 Well I did get some results. It worked but seem to weaken signal in some areas. To report fairly, first I should add chokes to all the older tmcc equipment. Trouble was, they were not on the track?

 I tried a loop of 3 rail tied to the same channel as the layout. It still weakened signal. I then believe it would need it's own channel for strength.

 The reason I mention RS4 is that's all thats whats in my 3rd rail. It would be cool if I could get my hands on a Legacy board to compare. It's frustrating to put out all the cash. They don't do 2 rail, they don't sell Legacy boards, etc. I like the vids of the Lionel Legacy steamers. The price matches.

 So back to the subject. So far I like the PS3 new features and benefits. 

Joe,

I tried a loop of 3 rail tied to the same channel as the layout. It still weakened signal. I then believe it would need it's own channel for strength.

Were you running AC and DC through the same TIU? If so, that could account for some issues with PS2 engines running on AC.

 I always wondered that Barry. I never tried it for risk of damage? My O scale is two rail AC still. I need to fire up the extra MTH brick to see if that cures it or I need another TIU.

 I did buy a Bridgewerks DC pack for outside G scale (thanks Chuck) and I'm running the one I got from Tank as well. That now has it's own TIU to save effort.

  overall everythings great.  I'm building a three rail upper loop for guests. That will have the tmcc attached to dcs. I will work it out when its completed. I imagine that someday I will have many more tiu channels in use.

Coolest things about PS3?  No tether, no battery, and LED lighting.

My new mantra for all future MTH purchases:  If it isn't PS3, it isn't for me!