why is factory reset of PS-3 different using remote reset vs. conventional reset?

There is no explanation that I know of that details the difference between the conventional reset and the DCS reset.  However, I know for a fact they are different.

I've had a couple of cases where things don't work 100% until both are done.  The most recent one was with a trolley, the trolley stops would not annunciate no matter what I did in DCS command mode.  After a conventional factory reset, all was well.

I find one reference in Barry's latest DCS Companion that states the conventional reset is a feature reset and not a factory reset. 

Note that most of the User's Manuals for PS/2 and PS/3 locomotives call the conventional reset a Factory Reset, some conflicting information there.

For PS-3 certain control functions stored in different areas of the memory, and the Conventional reset and Factory reset don't cover all the same areas of memory reset.  Why, not fully sure.

BUT....  most of this has been related to motion for "factory" PS-3 engines.  Not specifically lighting features as far as I am aware.

Now PS-32 were some older converted PS-2 5V sound files are loaded, some lighting features like marker do require a conventional reset to turn on, but that is only when using in a conventional mode.  For what ever reason some of those files had markers default off.  If using DCS they would come on.

Just some little quirks, but tech were told to do a factory reset and follow with a conventional reset before returning to customer.  This ensure all reset and useable with the remote cdr with factory reset ID of 1. 

I do think with PS-3 steam you can get the boiler board out of sync with tender board if data line not fully connected.  But I was unaware a feature or factory reset would not reset light.  But it could be a programming issue with how flash code talks to sound file to address what features a unit should and should not have, so I guess anything is possible.  G

wow, 2 very interesting comments from 2 well-respected and knowledgeable  tech guys.  Looks like I better sharpen up my whistle/bell timing!!!

I'm disappointed in myself in a way: I've been using DCS ever since it came out but yet I was unaware of this particular reset anomaly until I read John's comment about it in another thread.

As always, thanks - walt

Don't feel bad Walt, I never heard of it until it bit me.   The first time was motor control, then the trolley sound issues, now I'm a believer.