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Ok so I do not mean to step on toes here but I am going to convert a dead PS-2 steamer to DCC on my 2 rail layout.  No sense to upgrade to PS 2/3 since I am shifting to DCC and have very few DCS models any longer plus I can get a wonderful decoder from TCS that cranks out a max of 5 amps and drives two speakers and a smoke unit for a little more than half the price of the PS 2/3 upgrade.  Lastly, with MTH's future completely unknown I want to repair any of me dead locomotives with items and technology that will still be available in the near future.

Are most of the PS-2 boards the same, meaning is there a generic wiring diagram as to what goes where?  I am converting a MTH Russian Decapod if that helps? 

Thanks!

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You could use the wiring chart in the PS2 upgrade manual for the engines basic wiring.

You really need to go by the new decoder's diagram as that will determine what goes where. I don't think you even need to look at the MTH diagram?

Physically tracing wires inside the engine is best. Some steam wiring is limited by the tether.

Obviously, being a PS2 engine (and when it was produced?), there are probably light bulbs in most places that run on 6 volts. Just the markers are LEDs.

So you may have to change them, or set the new decoder to the correct output voltage (resistors needed?).

I would swap everything to LEDs at this time and add resistors where needed.

Last edited by Engineer-Joe

In my experience, over the years MTH wiring changed. That's why it is recommended not to swap out tenders!

So unless you get the exact wiring for that model in that year, I still recommend tracing any wire before connecting. I realize that tethers add to the issue. I had an engine that had the wiring run thru a tether, and a tether adapter, confusing the heck out of me. When I used a meter, I got false responses because of the board was still connected. The wiring uses some wires for double duty.

If you can't physically trace a wire fully, use a meter but make sure the wire is disconnected at both ends first.

I don't believe that wiring diagrams are available for each model to regular users? An email to a tech might be in order if you run into a specific problem.

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