There may be other memory use by the software. That's just speculation on my part having been a software designer for much of my working life.
Originally Posted by stan2004:
G,
I think we are still all on the same page. The processor on the 3V board you received for the Redbird / PCC repairs obviously supported station stop features. I don't know what a "regular" board is. I do know that it takes a 3V board with a Flash processor on it to support some of the unusual/interesting engine types.
I understand your point about the harness being the basic difference between steam and diesel kits. However, I'm suggesting that IF PS2 kits could support station stop features by loading an appropriate soundfile, then MTH ought to advertise this to all the non-PS2 trolleys and subways out there. I'd think you might even be able to use the diesel kit's harness maybe with some wires stripped out?
Stan, By regular I mean the AE-10 processor (3V) or AE-16 (3V with 5V connectors). The AE-10 is the standard processor for non flashed engines. The Upgrade kits have this.
The AE-14 or 18 is the Flash Processor used to support QW, Pantographs, Smoking whistle for #1 gauge, maybe a few others. You specify the sound file needed when ordering, and MTH provides the flash code and sound file.
I went back and checked the MTH invoice on a PCC with station stops repair. MTH invoiced the AE-16 processor which is the non flash version with 5V connectors for that repair. Since the invoice is also part of the parts inventory accounting, I don't believe it is a clerical error. Plus I am pretty firm that I was told it is not needed because of the expanded memory on the 3V boards.
So I think other then features requiring more code, a flash board isn't needed.
As you mentioned this becomes moot for the PS-3 since operators can flash the code and load the sound file with the programmer. G
Yes, you will need a AE-0000018, but it needs to be loaded by MTH with a stock file. No custom Budd car or Doodlebug as far as I know.
I was correct. I opened a new diesel upgrade kit and loaded a 3V PCC file and the trolley mode was available. No need to order a AE-18 board for this.
As I mentioned, MTH told me the regular AE-10 boards can support Articulated Steam and Station Stops. 2 features with the old 5V boards that required special flash boards.
Because of the expanded memory, the new AE-10 boards come preloaded with the Steam, Diesel, Articulate Steam, and Station Stop DSP Code.
Some of the new AE-10 processor boards have the flash processor installed, but that is not required to have station stop or the articulate steam. Since the cost is the same, MTH is transitioning to having the Flash processor on the AE-10s.
So the only time you have to order the AE-18 is for more advanced features not already loaded on the AE-10.
Here are some of the features that require a flash board to be ordered:
Units with small single element smoke units such as S-2, V-1000, some small steam units. Otherwise the programming will put too much power to the element and burn it up.
Pantographs, Coors, units with operating steam blow off vice smoke, UP-9000 (6 chuff), AEM-7/ALP-44 which have bi-directional ditch lights.
#1 gauge GG-1 and triplex with smoking whistle. G
G
You beat me to it but I had same results.
Hugh
Yes this was a good exercise . I never paid much attention to the main processor chips since there is nothing you can do with them to help an issue.
The new upgrade kits I have come with the Flash processors, I also noticed that the new battery is a 2/3 AA so it is shorted then the old ones. G
I just got a couple upgrade kits, they must have broken the log-jam back at MTH. I wonder if mine have the new processors? I'll have to open one and check. 
I am happy to have authored this stimulating conversation having input from all of our most knowlegable members. I learned much from your comments, thanks.
