FT trailing unit PS 3 upgrade

Is it possible to save all files from a PS 2.0 locomotive? Chain and sound.

I don’t see an FT ABA set in PS3.0, I searched MTH. I did find F-3 ABA which from the mp3 file, sounds the same, or at least similar

There are no chain files for a PS/2 locomotive.

You can use the Get Sound File From Engine function to fetch a sound file from the PS/2 locomotive.  I have no idea if this works for all the chain files for a PS/3 locomotive, never tried it.

Are sound files different than chain files? I’m not quite sure I understand the difference.

Yes, for PS/2 sound files had much of the functionality, but internal and not user programmable firmware also defined basic functionality.  For PS/3, that firmware that used to be inaccessible by the end user was incorporated into loadable "chain files", while the sound files still remained largely the same.  So, for PS/3, there are actually two types of files to load, the sound file, and the chain files.

Ok, since there is not a PS 3.0 FT zip file available from the MTH website, how can I get the correct chain file?

So I get this right, the chain files are for basic locomotive functions, horn, bell, front and rear couplers, lighting on and off.

the sound files are the actual locomotive engine sounds, start up acceleration, engine idle, de acceleration , freight yard or passenger sounds

It's a little more complicated than that, and the division differs with different models.

I kinda figured it wasn’t so simple, was hoping though.

what chain file would I need for this FT ?

It's a bit of a science project, but you can start with the chain file for a PS/3 FT.  Personally, I'd find a PS/3 FT and load that set of files, sound and chain.  You know that's going to work.

I’ll do some more looking and try to find the FT files.

So I was successful finding FT PS3 files I also found upgrade files for PS2 but the locomotive I am working with 20-2563-1, does not have the upgrade file option

@Harlee62 posted:

So I was successful finding FT PS3 files I also found upgrade files for PS2 but the locomotive I am working with 20-2563-1, does not have the upgrade file option

That's because that is a 3V board set in that engine, the "upgrade" file is the existing file.  The only time the "upgrade" file appears is for 5V board engines.

So theoretically I should be able to install a PS3.0 chain file and install the original PS2 sound file, right?

Theoretically.   You may get some odd results with some operations.  In a true PS/3 board, I normally just go with PS/3 files.  For the PS32 repair board, I've used both PS/2 and PS/3 files, depending on which one fits the application.

I would like to keep the PS2 sound file if possible so all the Harley Davidson related sounds remain.

Give it a try and see if it works out.

I will definitely try, if it work normally all is ok if not then PS3 it is.

is it ok to power up the first time without the sound or chain files just to test that the lights work and movement is ok?

The board should have something loaded.  You have to power it up anyway to load files!

Makes sense. I assume lights couplers and motion can be tested with the new PS3 preloaded files.

apologies if these sound redundant, I want to be sure and cover all bases.

What comes on the board should be a fully functioning load.  With different lights than what is loaded, you may see some odd behavior or some of the lights won't work, but motion and sound and basic stuff like headlights should work fine.