DCC vrs Proto Sound 3 running DCC.

Thought Newer MTH locomotives were DCC ready out of the box just had to flick a switch 

About 4 years ago I upgraded a scale wheel PS2 locomotive to PS3. I wanted to keep the MTH sounds and smoke. It was a CNJ Pacific. I remember it being a really easy install. If I remember correctly I didn’t have to do anything to the locomotive but there was some minor changes in the tender. I was also able to reuse the original electronics in a friends Railking locomotive to bring that back to life. I have yet to install a TSU so I cannot compare the two. 

trainbob posted:

Thought Newer MTH locomotives were DCC ready out of the box just had to flick a switch 

They are. Just as long as they are PS3. PS2 does not have DCC compatibility. 

Thanks for the clarification Hudson j1e. Could you tell me if I a ps3 locomotive in dcc mode be run with an Airwire transmitter 

Did some research and I think a converter board from Airwire would have to be installed. My next question would be ac or dc power

Phil: Do  you remember what you did in the tender to put the PS3 board into it? I have a PS3 board from another engine that I can install. I assume the PS3 plugs into the wire harness. 

Rob

PS-3 is a two board system for steam.  So you need a boiler board and a tender board.  All the associated harness, tach reader and then a method to connect the tender and boiler via 6 wire harness at least.  So you also need the schematic for wiring to get it all right.  Can be done, but this is an advance project.  G

If your goal, is DCC operation. Buy a PS-3 Steam kit.  This will have a PS-32 board which is DCC capable.  Just wire in a switch to the correct 2 pin connector for DSC/DCC operation.  G

Rob, I used the PS-3 Steam kit that GGG is talking about. Like I said I did nothing in the locomotive. I would have to take the tender apart and I am sure I will remember what I did but it wasn't hard. I do recall that I removed the PS-2 batteries. I might have wired a DCS/DCC switch in it. All of my trains are still in storage. I am trying not to take them out so that I can focus on building a layout but I will see if I can find time to take a look at it. 

If you're fine with DCC, look at the ESU LokSound decoders.  They have great sounds and there is a forum member with posts about using the smoke units and remote couplers with them.  I'm converting most of my conventional locomotives to LokSound.  One thing I like is you can make custom sounds.  So for one I'm going to try to record the sounds from the locomotive and then put them in the decoder.

Also, as for powering with AC or DC, that depends on the boosters you have.  I know NCE sells an AC transformer for their 10 amp booster, so I use my Lionel 180W brick to power the one I have.

GGG, Hey, do you guys do the MTH PS3 conversions and scale wheel conversions? How do I contact you?

Bob

I do, but not sure what you mean by scale wheel conversion.  Diesel can be changed on some models.  Steam no.  E-mail is in my profile.  Click the ggg.  G

I give MTH huge props for providing DCC 'off the shelf' in their PS3 locomotives. It works really well, and probably half my roster is MTH PS3/DCC engines. I am very happy with them.

Having said that - if you are looking at converting a PS2 (or any other) engine for DCC use, look no further than the Loksound L. The sounds and speed control really are that much better, and the options for customizing, tweaking, etc. are nearly endless.

I have posted a number of threads in the DCC forum on decoder installations, including ways to retain smoke and couplers, so head over there if you're interested.