PS3 Upgrade Mars Light

what did you connect it to?

Some sound sets configure the lights differently. Sometimes you need to change out the chain files. Talk to G first. Some boards are best left alone. I'm pretty sure the diesel upgrade board, comes loaded with a SD70MAC chain file????

The Mars light did not work with the preloaded file either. I have also tested all light connections to no avail.

I just want to make sure you know the difference between sound file and chain file. I never know what level of user is posting at first glance of posts like these.

It has been a long time since I have performed an upgrade so you may be onto something. I did not pay attention to the file type, assuming only the correct type of file would load.

ScottM posted:

I am in the final stages of performing a PS3 upgrade on a Lionel PA and all is perfect minus the Mars light.  It will light but not flash. I downloaded a sound file for a SP PA 20-20843 and it features a Mars light per the catalog description.  The rear Mars light also does not work.

Should I try a different sound file?

I still have the original Lionel board that powered the Mars light, so this will be the back up plan if the PS3 feature refuses to work.

As always, thanks in advance for any advice.

Scott

I just went through this last week upgrading my SF El Capitan.  I downloaded a MTH Premier protosound and chain file for on of the ones I found dong a search for SF F-3.  Mars light blinked to rapidly for me.  I then downloaded the Super Chief for the E-8.  No mars light.  You are on the right track.  The downloaded file will effect the mars.  Try doing a different file.  I know that one of them will allow the Mars light.  In the meantime, no mars is better than fast blinking.  I will get back to it when I have more time.

Based on Engineer-Joe's feedback, I realize I did not download the chain file, which I will do tonight.

I am very familiar with PS2 upgrades, PS3 not so much.  Reference on p.164 in Barry's book is also a big help (if all else fails - read the instructions!).

If you can't get it working with the PS/3 files, a great MARS simulator is from www.ngineering.com.  I use this in upgrades, they are very good looking.

Bottom line,  Downloaded sound and chain files can effect mars operation.  Just download 1 or 2 until you get the light.  Go from there.  Do not touch wiring at this point. Leave the shell on. I think you will be headed away from an easy solution.  Look at my post from last week regarding PS-3 upgrades.  It was all centered around that stupid Mars light.  There were helpful replies regarding the stupid mars light.  I took it to the end.  Probably different ways to skin the cat.  This was my experience.

Scott, please let me know what you eventually download.  The problem with the Super Chief download is that startup starts 2 diesel engines.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

If you can't get it working with the PS/3 files, a great MARS simulator is from www.ngineering.com.  I use this in upgrades, they are very good looking.

Gunner John.  Is the output to the led from the PS3 board DC.  If yes, will this type board go after the output of the PS3 mars plug and take the board output directly to the Mars led?  I am sold on the add on because the Mars is very important to top off the lighting.

I don't know if the output from the PS/3 board would work, I honestly haven't put a 'scope on it to see if it's PWM or constant DC.  I haven't used these with PS/3, however I did install a couple in PS/2 locomotives, that was pretty simple as I just filtered the headlight output voltage to power the simulator board.

If there is no mars light softkey you can open the soundfile with the ADPCM editor and turn the softkey on..then reload the soundfile. Sometimes that will work.

Casey Jones2 posted:

If there is no mars light softkey you can open the soundfile with the ADPCM editor and turn the softkey on..then reload the soundfile. Sometimes that will work.

I tried the soft key and it did not work.  What is the ADPCM editor?  Sorry for the uninformed question.  Never heard of ADPCM.

Bryant, this is the link to the ADPCM Editor: http://www.silogic.com/trains/ADPCM.html

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Bryant, this is the link to the ADPCM Editor: http://www.silogic.com/trains/ADPCM.html

Wow.  I just looked at it.  Pretty robust.  It looks like it can be quite useful.

I loaded the proper chain file and all is well.  Lesson learned is to review the forum or Barry's book when you haven't performed such a task in a long time.

All said, the Mars light Gunrunnerjohn provided a link to is outstanding. It would be great if that could tie into the PS3 board!

ScottM posted:

I loaded the proper chain file and all is well.  Lesson learned is to review the forum or Barry's book when you haven't performed such a task in a long time.

All said, the Mars light Gunrunnerjohn provided a link to is outstanding. It would be great if that could tie into the PS3 board!

Scott,

What MTH item # did you get the download from?  I am running the E-8 and get no light with that one.

Bryant,

I just emailed the files to you.  

Please let me know if it helps.

Scott

Oh, forgot to mention that sometimes doing a factory reset after a soundfile change is needed to restore all lights.