Diffrence between ps 2 ps 3

 If you're running three rail that's maybe the biggest. No more polarity switch, led drivers and DCC also. More capable 4mg and other features too.

No more wire between engine and tender is huge to me. Never liked the wire. 

Hi Jimmy,

In addition to what Joe and Jeff have mentioned, the PS3 boards also have improved DCS signal processing (better signal strength) especially with Rev. L TIU's, smaller overall circuit board size, and rule 17 lighting.

One wonders why folks are complaining about signal strength issues with PS/3 if it's supposed to be better.  Has there ever been a definitive solution to that issue?

Dave stated,

the PS3 boards also have improved DCS signal processing (better signal strength)

John,

There's been reports of problems with PS3 engine on other threads. Any of these might be the problem instead of the PS3 board. Time will tell.

1. Ground screws coating that needed to be ground off.

2. Wires that had to be rerouted that where to close to the donut coil.

3. Wire ends not crimped on properly at the DCS/DCC switch.

Hi John,

As Joe indicated there have been some QC issues that have lead to the reported problems.  Those issues seem pretty well defined and isolated at this point.

Back when the Rev. L TIU was under development the other beta testers and myself were given software to test the signal strength.  This software returns much finer resolution than the normal 0-10 signal test in the locomotives.  I think at the time I was the only beta tester who also had HO PS3 engines.  The HO engines will actually function on ScaleTrax running on an outside rail and the center rail.  That allowed me to test the performance of PS2 and PS3 engines on the exact same track with the exact same wiring.  Running PS2 engines with a Rev. L TIU or PS3 engines with a non-Rev. L TIU returns a 15-30% improvement in signal strength.  Running PS3 engines with a Rev. L nearly doubles signal strength.  Earlier this year when I received my first O gauge PS3 engine I repeated the testing and the results were roughly the same.

I've yet to get a PS/3 locomotive, it'll be interesting when I get my first.

 I ran my train around with the signal test going on a consist with a PS3 in the lead. I got tens with only slight variation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwMsgxqVSHM

I couldn't get the camera to focus on the remote well while running.