Dumb Question - PS3 Upgrade kits

Dagnabbit.  I thought I could get a laugh by seeing a dumb question.  And all I found was a sensible one.  And I don't know the answer on a PS3 

Well, you "could" load it with a steam file, you'd have to load the chain files as well.  However, the wiring would certainly be not optimized for a steamer as it's configured for a diesel with all the wiring in one body.

"However, the wiring would certainly be not optimized for a steamer as it's configured for a diesel with all the wiring in one body."

Actually, that is why I am asking.  Long story short.  I ordered a steam kit and installed it in my standard gauge locomotive - did not install the board in the tender - everything in the locomotive.  But I have all of this extra wire tether to deal with.   Well, I must have fried the sound board when installing it - no sound. (A another discussion thread).  So I am debating if I want to try again, but would consider ordering the diesel kit - provided I could install the steam file.

not sure I really want to spend another $200.

pat

Pat, do not assume that you fried the Board to the extent that you need another kit.  GGG can repair sound issues, at reasonable prices.  I have done PS3 steam upgrades, but never a PS3 diesel.  I have not heard many kind words about working with the PS3 diesel board; the steam board is little different than the PS2 steam upgrade.

Carefully check all wiring, being on the lookout for pinhole piercing of the insualtion.  Then contact GGG.

Top suspect is the audio amplifier.  The PS/3 board uses the WM9081G audio amplifier, it's a 4mm x 4mm 28-pin part with legs on all sides, the lead spacing is .45mm (‪0.0177").  It's going to be a lot of fun to solder this one on without better equipment that we typically have in a home workshop.

The PS/3 boards are really not configured for field repairs, at least chips like that one.

Thanks.  I will contact George to see if he is interested.

You had a board that would do what you want, but would want PS-2 diesel harness to use it in a standard gauge.  Is this a steam standard gauge with everything in the engine including speaker and battery?  Tender is empty?

If this was not a PS-2 engine to begin with  you need to be careful as light can be track wired and will causes issues too. 

PS-3 diesel wont work.  You can load the sound file but it will not work as desired since the steam sound file is trying to communicate with boiler board for engine lighting, smoke and motor function.  These types of repairs or upgrades are custom and the PS-32 board is the board to use.  Modified harness is what is required.  G

Good point on the diesel vs steam for PS/3, I've never really thought of doing this, glad I didn't try.

Why doesn't the PS3 steam upgrade kits contain the boiler board, if the PS3 sound file require it for light and smoke function?

The PS/3 steam kit is a special board with a special chain file.  It's made to emulate a PS/2 board, and AAMOF the PS/3 Steam upgrade is really a PS/2 steam upgrade kit with the PS32 board instead of a PS/2 board. 

I had a PS32 board fail in an upgrade, I just popped a PS/2 3V board in place of it, added a super-CAP for the battery and it went out the door.  All the connectors matched, and it worked just like the PS32 board.

Thanks John. My guess then is that if a purchased PS3 steam engine's board cooked, a PS3 upgrade kit board, would not be a drop in replacement.

You are correct, the steam board is different than the diesel or the upgrade kit board.  They are not interchangeable.

Thanks everyone for the replies.... I am learning a lot.

i sent the board off to GGG this morning for him to look at it.   Hopefully, it's something simple, but I doubt it.  

If it's toast then I will need to decide if I want to try again or cut my losses.  I really like the engine.   Wait and see what GGG has to say.

Assuming GGG can fix it, don't just pop it back in without finding the cause.

I agree.   I have tested every connection and everything looks OK.   The board is insulated from the chassis (with the exception of the heat sink.)

No smoke unit or lights, so it should be a fairly straightforward install.

Obviously, something is wrong.  

Will wait to hear from GGG.

LV4TRAINS, you mentioned you installed this in a standard gauge engine. I am assuming it has a tin boiler. I would also make sure the board didn't come in contact with anything in the shell and maybe line it with some insulating tape to play it safe. Make sure all added detail's tabs and hand rails are bent over all the way so they lay flush to the shell. I know you have plenty of room in a standard gauge engine, but if the board is not centered well it may have touched something.

Dave:  good points.  When I fabricated the mounting plate, I was sure to leave sufficient clearance so the board was centered and did not come into contact with anything. 

It would be fun to have a 3D printer to fabricated some of these pieces.  

Check speaker and make sure it is 4 ohms, not shorted, and also no continuity to the frame of the speaker from either terminal.  Sometimes to large a solder joint, or stray wire strands, or the coil wire itself is in contact or too close to the frame of the speaker. G