I found the steam on the MTH site, but the diesel instructions are nowhere in sight. That may be one of the things holding them up as they're pretty much all new for the PS/3. The steam instructions were really a rewrite of a sections to highlight the differences, but most of the manual is the same or very similar.
John, the lady at MTH made a comment about waiting for the harnesses.
I know, but the fact that the diesel manual hasn't made it to the site suggests it's not ready either. 
An ASC note went about some that shipped with marked up instructions. The new one are posted. G
I just completed a PS32 upgrade (using the kit) and loaded a 3V sound file. When initially putting voltage to the track, there is a loud beeping tone produced. This happens each time power is applied to the track and after power is removed, I assume this is indication the unit has charged the capacitor enough to run. Is this normal? Is there a way to reduce the volume of the tone?
Once the beeping completes its cycle, the engine can be started in the normal fashion from the remote and runs and responds from the remote like any other PS2 engine.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
This is not normal. There's a recent thread, with video, that addresses this. Boards incorrectly programmed at MTH. Only MTH can fix, apparently, and is aware that it's their fault.
I think this is the thread RJR is referring to: PS-3 Upgrade headache
I just read it the other day and I believe it was a very odd and obscure problem.
Thanks, rtr12.
I must have guessed correctly. 
You are most welcome.
I talked to MTH today and they sent me a steam chain file (very nice on the phone by the way). After loading it, problem gone. I am not sure why the upgrade manual would not mention the need for both the chain file and a sound file. A bit different then the PS2 upgrades I have done in the past.
I am sure there are several threads already addressing this very issue, but I really do not think I should have to read a thread for this, it should be mentioned in the manual. Regardless, really appreciate RJR pointing me in the right direction.
Glad to have helped. Real credit goes to VA Golfer, for posting the issue he encountered.
Over the years, on a few occasions I've spoken to MTH techs, and they have always been great.
Hump Yard Mike posted:I talked to MTH today and they sent me a steam chain file (very nice on the phone by the way). After loading it, problem gone. I am not sure why the upgrade manual would not mention the need for both the chain file and a sound file. A bit different then the PS2 upgrades I have done in the past.
I am sure there are several threads already addressing this very issue, but I really do not think I should have to read a thread for this, it should be mentioned in the manual. Regardless, really appreciate RJR pointing me in the right direction.
Mike, Normally you do not need to do that as the PS-3 Steam kit should have the proper flash code installed before shipping. When loading new code the boards will beep until next power up indicating the processor is being updated. Once the code is installed and sound file loaded, those beeps should not occur anymore. If they do, it means a section of the EIS memory (controls the processor) as been corrupted during the load. Some are recoverable with a new flash code load, others require factory reprogramming with factory fixture. This has been discussed before, but I am sure will continue to occur. G
Can the average person get the steam chain file as i am not an MTH tech?
Yes, just download the PS/3 sound file of your choice, you'll see that it's a ZIP file. Inside you find two files, the sound file and the ZIP file containing the chain files. Don't unpack the second ZIP, the loader will process the chain files from the ZIP file as it is. You upload them as two separate operations to the PS/3 locomotive.
gunrunnerjohn posted:Yes, just download the PS/3 sound file of your choice, you'll see that it's a ZIP file. Inside you find two files, the sound file and the ZIP file containing the chain files. Don't unpack the second ZIP, the loader will process the chain files from the ZIP file as it is. You upload them as two separate operations to the PS/3 locomotive.
Thanks John. I have never done an upgrade yet as i am still researching what i am getting myself into.
feet posted:gunrunnerjohn posted:Yes, just download the PS/3 sound file of your choice, you'll see that it's a ZIP file. Inside you find two files, the sound file and the ZIP file containing the chain files. Don't unpack the second ZIP, the loader will process the chain files from the ZIP file as it is. You upload them as two separate operations to the PS/3 locomotive.
Thanks John. I have never done an upgrade yet as i am still researching what i am getting myself into.
I'm with you Feet! I have never done an upgrade, but have two Premier PS1 diesel sets I would like to upgrade some day. Putting all the new features on a couple of great looking engines is a great opportunity!
gunrunnerjohn posted:Yes, just download the PS/3 sound file of your choice, you'll see that it's a ZIP file. Inside you find two files, the sound file and the ZIP file containing the chain files. Don't unpack the second ZIP, the loader will process the chain files from the ZIP file as it is. You upload them as two separate operations to the PS/3 locomotive.
John, This is not correct for a PS-32 Upgrade Steam file. MTH is suppose to post the chain file on their web for PS-32 steam and diesel. It is different than a Pure PS-3 chain file in a PS-3 engine. The good news is the PS-32 Steam upgrade kits come preloaded with PS-32 Steam flash code.
For the customers, if you want to learn more start at the beginning of this thread and read the differences. When upgrading a steam engine with a PS-32 steam kit you are suppose to load a PS-2 3V file. You maybe able to load a PS-3 Sound file only, but performance may vary. YOU CAN NOT LOAD A PS-3 STEAM Chain FILE into a PS-32 board set. It won't work and you will loose all light function. G
Good point, I wasn't thinking of the upgrade kit, but rather standard PS/3 boards. I've yet to deal with the PS/3 upgrade.
Ignore my previous message folks! 
I hope Jim Barret makes a dvd for the PS-32 upgrade kits. Sure liked the one he did on PS-2 upgrade kits.
It really is the same for PS-3 Steam upgrade. The harness and hardware are all the same, less the battery and battery harness. Follow the video and just stick to loading a PS-2 3V upgrade or PS-2 3V factory file for the engine you are upgrading and you should not have any problems.
People get into trouble trying to load PS-3 files. It wasn't really meant for that. It has been explained above. What works and what doesn't, and even why. G.
