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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

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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.

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.

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.

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