MTH PS2 vs PS3

Not a whole lot, and it would depend on the specifics of which exact models we're talking about.

PS2 engines include a rechargeable battery. PS3 engines do not but, instead, have a capacitor that charges when power is applied to the track. In conventional operation, the biggest difference is in the way they start up. With PS2, applying track power (I use less than ten volts) causes the lights and sounds to activate immediately and you can begin to move forward by pressing the direction button or briefly interrupting the power (reduce transformer throttle to "off" and then increasing again to set locomotive in motion). With PS3, after applying track power (I also use 10 volts), it takes about fifteen seconds until the capacitor becomes charged and the lights and sounds activate. At that point, press the direction button (or briefly retard transformer throttle) to set locomotive in motion.

MELGAR

@Chessie posted:

What should I expect that is different between two MTH Premier engines where one is PS2 and the other is PS3?

This is NOT a discussion about 3-rail traditional toy trains rather it clearly is talking about MTH PS2 and 3 ... so I move it to the appropriate MTH category.

Thank you.  Sorry I posted in the wrong forum.

Another difference is that PS3 locos support DCC and DCS, while PS2 only supports DCS.  Not an issue for most 3-rail operators, but might be of some distinction years in the future.  Also, the circuit board in PS3 locomotives typically has more memory and supports higher quality sound files. 

@rplst8 posted:

Also, the circuit board in PS3 locomotives typically has more memory and supports higher quality sound files.

Not that MTH ever did anything significant with that capability.

As John said, it depends on the specific model.  If its an older PS2, it may have a 5V board which has a bad reputation for failures.  It may also not support the SXS (crossing signal) softkey.

Most significant difference between PS-3 and PS-2 is the inclusion of DCC in PS-3. For most OGaugers, currently not that important. Also, the MTH version of DCC is a bit different from generic DCC. As time progresses, interest in OGauge DCC will most likely grow, but hard to predict at what rate. For MTH, PS-3 is a way to hedge your bet.

PS2 has a battery whereas PS3 has a capacitor or for lack of a better term a BCR.

PS3's have LEDs.  Most PS2s do not.

Not trying to steer you clear of PS2... But if you have a choice, PS3 might be a better option.

Ron

Well, unless you're buying used, PS/3 is all you will find.  If you're buying used, it's a moot point, you get what you get.  I was just pointing out that operationally, obviously running DCS or conventional, there isn't much difference.  PS/3 has a few features like Rule-17 lighting, automatic cab lights, etc., but most of the running attributes are very similar to PS/2.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Not that MTH ever did anything significant with that capability.

Some are better than others.  The whistle and crew talk on my Pennsy M1b is pretty nice and it has the quillable whistle too.  

The great thing about DCS/PS3 is that combined with the work of Mr. Mark DiVecchio, we can roll our own sound files and reprogram them.  

Thanks to all who replied.  You guys (and gals) are a great source of information!

Seems to me that PS2 is a bit more stable than PS3.  Occasionally an event happens on my layout that causes the PS3 to sort of "lock up" and it must be left unpowered for awhile to become accessible.  All my PS2s have supercaps in place of batteries.

While I would not go back to batteries, I do note that one disadvantage of supercaps is that if you start running before the supercap has charged up and the power shuts down immediately (as when a grandchild left a derailment for GPa to fix), the loco can get garbled, requiring deletion and re-addition.  Rare, but it has happened.