PS3 upgrade information.

George,

The PS-3 chainfile most likely has different light pin outputs and it would cause issues.  Some have already seen that.

That's why I specified using the PS32 Hardware Table from the PS32 Chain File. That could resolve some lighting irregularities.

Thanks for all the replies to my question gentlemen, you have been most helpful in helping me figure this out. Will there be a book or dvd on installing PS-3?

I did some experimenting with using a PS-3 Steam flash code on a PS-32 board from a steam kit.  After installing the flash code, none of the bulb lights on the test set would light up.  The motor ran, had sounds, smoke, couplers, but no lights.

When I changed direction into reverse I did get the forward light to come on with rule 17 when in reverse. 

So I loaded the PS-32 hardware table and all the lights functioned correctly, with a PS-3 sound file for the unit I was working on (but mileage may vary for other sound files), but without Rule 17 since PS-32 code does not have that.

It struck me when I was looking at the files inside that flash zip file...

The reason you can't use the steam PS-3 flash files is that the there are two file effecting light controls.  One is the Boiler board and the other is the tender board.  The tender board is equivalent to the PS-32 board, but without all the pin outs and it does not control the light functions of the engine.  The boiler board does.

So when using PS-32 steam upgrade boards, keep the PS-32 flash code and only load a PS-3 sound file if you want.  If the features/speed control are not compatible, load the PS-2 sound file.

Trying to load the full PS-3 flash and sound file will not work.   G

I'm glad you tried that George, I was curious as to what would happen if you tried that.

Just curious. It was my understanding that PS2 upgrade kits could be used for either steam or diesel. The difference being steam kits came with a tether and diesel kits came with a second coupler. Could a PS3 steam kit be used with a diesel and diesel sounds installed without doing all this flash code stuff?

Steam kits are readily available from dealers even though Midge tells me I have to pre order them if I want one from MTH???

Pete

I haven't tried it, but since the PS-32 boards are used for both steam and diesel PS/2 5V board replacements, my guess would be that it would not be a problem. 

Pete, PS-2 3V boards are the same board, and the code in PS-2 board is Diesel/Steam/Trolley/Articulate.  Hence they work in any model, other than those that need a special flash code such as Operating Pantograph, Quill Whistle, small smoke, Coors, etc....

For PS-3 kits you have two issues.  First PS-3 steam is a 2 board set, so the flash code and sound files for steam are different then there Diesel counter parts.  PS-3 Diesel is a single board.

The actual upgrade kits are board different too.  So a PS-3 Diesel board for Diesel kit, and Daughter board for the Steam kit that uses bulbs.

The actual PS-3 diesel board has more light outputs and effects then a PS-2 3V or PS-32 can handle.  I am pretty sure PS-32 would operate the lights if you used a PS-3 flash file, but you might not have the desired effect on the engine.

You have to find out what lights function is controlled by the PS-3 code versus the original PS-2.  For example ditch lights may be flashing with PS-3 code, but the PS-2 used ditch lights constant on for number boards, etc....   G 

G, I appreciate the explanation. I was just curious. No urgent need for Diesel kits right now.

Pete