Differences Between a PS2 Sound File and a PS2 Upgrade Sound File?

The PS/2 upgrade files are intended for use with the PS/2 upgrade kits.  It's never been crystal clear to me why there are separate sound files for upgrades.

This is just a guess, perhaps the upgrade kit files enable more options like markers, ditch lights, etc., since they don't know what type of locomotive they'll be installed into.

Bob,

The PS2 upgrade sound files are exactly the same as all other 3 volt PS2 sound files. The only difference is that some of the former may not have been made for actual MTH 3 volt PS2 engines.

Barry, since we have your attention.

Are you saying that I can load any 3V PS2 file into the upgrade?  Also, do all the sound files enable all the lighting features?  I was under the impression that some sound files didn't enable all the lighting.

John,

Are you saying that I can load any 3V PS2 file into the upgrade?

Yes, as long as the 3 volt board has enough RAM for the sound file.

do all the sound files enable all the lighting features?

No, the production ties typically only have the lighting features enabled for their specific engines.

I was under the impression that some sound files didn't enable all the lighting.

That's correct.

Thanks guys!

I've been playing around with different files for my recently upgraded RK 2-8-0 (from RTR set 30-4088-0 ).  I had added a steam generator to the engine when I made my modifications to it and the first file (an upgrade file) I downloaded didn't have the generator spooling sound.  The next 2 production files I tried did have the generator sounds.

The problem I'm having now is the chuff isn't quite synchronized with the revolutions of the drivers (62 inch).  The flywheel/tach wheel is 30mm diameter (I kept the original tach tape on it).  The tach reader gap is approx .045", within the specs.

Speaking of the tach tape, what should we use to clean it if needed, Q-tip dampened with water?

Bob,

Your issue with the chuffing is most likely because the sound file has a different driver size than does your engine. To correct it, you'll need to find a sound file that has both the same size drivers as your engine, plus the specific sound effects you desire.

You'll most likely also find that the engine's speed varies slightly from standard, due to the different driver size. However, that can be corrected with a custom tach tape, as per Dave Hikel.

Barry,

The upgrade file I first used seem to have the correct speed, although the sequence was a tad off.

With the file I'm now using (p051pf3_h9_3r__wm_050322afin.mth), when I push the button to "measure route" it reads 0.6 miles.  All 3 of my older engines read it as 0.3 miles and the 2-8-0 seems to be running at about 1/2 the speed on the readout.  If I set the handheld to 30mph for the 2-8-0 and then start up the RK Imperial 0-6-0, the 0-6-0 catches up to the 2-8-0 quickly.  If I dial down the 0-6-0 to about 16 mph it start to lose ground to the 2-8-0.

I think I'll re-load the upgrade file to see if the speed changes back.  If it does, what could that possibly mean?

Prototypically, the PRR H9 and H10 class Consolidations had 62" drivers, so if the MTH H9-H10 models are correct, they should have the same driver diameters as my RK 2-8-0.

Thanks for the info Barry, it confirms what I thought I knew.

What would happen If I downloaded a 2-rail file into this 3-rail engine?

Bob,

What would happen If I downloaded a 2-rail file into this 3-rail engine?

If I were to guess, my guess would be that, all other things being equal, it would work.

Barry,

I hope you're right, one of the files I tried was a 2-rail file and I didn't catch it until just a few minutes ago.

Downloading a file into an engine is easy once all the hardware is set up at my downstairs computer, so for now I'll play around a bit more.

Part of the reason for the upgrade file listing is to distinguish it from original files when posted on the web.  Many of the upgrade files where PS-2 5V files converted to the PS-2 3V format.  So an engine that originally was a PS-2 5V may have a PS-2 3V upgrade also listed.  Since 5V boards are no ionger available, a 3V file is needed.  So both may be listed on the web.

Some times an upgrade file is listed on an original PS-2 3V engine.  Usually it is the same, but it could be a newer version based on a change.

The use also allow sorting, once the web site for PS is back up.

For many of the newer upgrades files it was directed to have all the lights turned on.

Look for a newer version of your engine and that sound file is usually the latest and greatest and may have the options you desire enabled.

Bob, you RTR Rail King will need a RK sound file to have the accuracy you maybe after.  You where using the Premier files that have scale wheels.  G

Bob, you RTR Rail King will need a RK sound file to have the accuracy you maybe after.  You where using the Premier files that have scale wheels.

G,

I think that's it.  I noticed some RK files but never bothered with them, I'll take another look.

G...You da Man!

I downloaded the file for RailKing engine 30-4185-1 and all is well.

No generator spooling, but I can live with that.  The speed now matches up with my RK Imperial 0-6-0, that tells me the files for the Premier engines definitely have some differences in basic functions from the RK files.

The whistle has a great sound to it and easy to control short and long blasts with the button.

The differences between the old Locosounds and PS2 sounds are so dramatically better it was worth the price of the upgrade.

The only problem now is, after seeing this engine and the 0-6-0 side-by-side, I'm asking myself if I want to do even more modifications to the 2-8-0 to bring it up to par.  Separate details, chains on the tender trucks, and numberboard lights are only some of the alterations I can think of.

Next on my list is the RK RS3