PS-1 conversion to PS-2 or not?

[DMUinCT]

CSX "G Gauge" ----

[Wabashbud]

Don:  This just won't make the curves on my O gauge.  A GP38-2 owned by a CSX executive that needed completion.  A friend of mine is Manager of the Mechanical Dept. and was asked by the Exec. to complete the model for display.  My friend didn't have the time so he assigned it to me.  Great fun but way too big.

 

 

[DMUinCT]

Wabashbud

 Wow, Don - that's just what I needed.  After perusing the manual I agree that it looks like fun.  However, for me that would have been 10 or 15 years ago.  Not steady enough, don't see that well and little patience.  I sure envy you for doing the conversions so many times.  Thanks for the great guidance.

 

Bud

I collect "O" gauge and have been in the Train Collectors Association since 1973.    I run "G" gauge and wanted all the benefits of MTH/DCS in my non-MTH locomotives.   Yes, I do know how to wire and work with electronics, but also, I'm retired and at 75 years old still playing with trains.  Remember, you can see "G Gauge" without your Bi-Focals.

[Wabashbud]

 Wow, Don - that's just what I needed.  After perusing the manual I agree that it looks like fun.  However, for me that would have been 10 or 15 years ago.  Not steady enough, don't see that well and little patience.  I sure envy you for doing the conversions so many times.  Thanks for the great guidance.

 

Bud

[DMUinCT]

Wabashbud

 DMUinCT:  Once the conversion is done is DCS required to load the sound file into the loco?

 

Bud

Yes, before you decide, go to www.protosound2.com/  , you will see the links for upgrade software, you choose the engine that closest matches your engine in order to get the wheel size and gear ratio right.

BUT FIRST, click on "PS2 Upgrades" in the upper left hand corner.  That will open a window that has the copy of the complete "Upgrade Manual' in Adobe format. Download, print and read it, it will let you know if you want to tackle an upgrade, if not, at least you will know how PS2 works. 

If an Upgrade Kit is on back order, they have come through fast for me. 

To some people this is fun, to others it's a chore best left to others.

[Wabashbud]

 DMUinCT:  Once the conversion is done is DCS required to load the sound file into the loco?

 

Bud

[Wabashbud]

 I am an old Amateur Radio Operator and have built radios in the past, but that was when I was a lot younger and steadier.  I'm not real confident I could do it now, but something I would love to try.  Something to consider.

 

Bud

[DMUinCT]

MTH sells a complete PS-2 upgade kit, PC boards, lights, wires (most plug-in), batteries, speaker, and a 40 page manual.  Retail is $189 (MTH Club members $149).  They have a Diesel version and a Steam version.

If you can do it yourself it could take a days work, the sound and control software of your choice will need to be downloaded from the MTH Web Site (free).  Can you follow instructions, drill 3 or 4 holes, and download files with a computer?

I've done five so far including non MTH "G Gauge" locomotives. 

[phillyreading]

From the cost estimate I got about two years ago, it would be more economic to gut the PS-1 and go with Williams by Bachmann circuit board and True Blast-2 horn by Bachmann. Total cost less than $110.00.

To install PS-2 or up-grade, because you don't have the same system as PS-2(PS-1 and PS-2 are two totally differant systems) you will have to start from scratch on building the PS-2 system. You will be looking at $350.00 or better for parts. PS-1 is just a glorified sound system for those that don't know what it is, with NO electronics or cables that can be used for any up-grades(even to TMCC), sorry!

Even to up-grade to TMCC the cost will be about the same as you have to buy all the wiring and motor balance weights and/or sensors.

Lee F.

[Taranwanderer]

You can also spend about $80 and convert it to basic conventional control (boring, I know!) using a Williams 6-amp reverse board and a Tru-Blast sound board. It will run better than it did in PS-1 mode, it just won't have all the cool sounds it did (but PS-1 was basically conventional control with added sounds, so you're not losing that much in terms of run-ability.) You basically rip out everything that looks like a circuit board (should be two, one stacked on top of the other,) and replace with the Williams pieces. Hardest part is figuring out how to mount the Williams components, and rewiring the speaker. Good luck!

[Seayakbill]

Depends a lot on the locomotive. I have the MTH PS-1 Northern Pacific Mallet that I have been contemplating to convert to PS-2. No issues with the PS-1 Mallet, it has run great for 12 or 13 years, put a BCR in it at around the 5 year mark. But the conventional mallet just is not as fun to operate as if it was a PS-2 command control locomotive. I have looked at converting the mallet to TMCC but for me TMCC is boring compared to the all the operating functions that PS-2 has to offer.

[rtraincollector]

another option is convert it to TMCC from electric railroad yes it can be done chief has done a few. I also believe with some cables you can get it to run from your dcs controller if I understand right ( not completely up on this but there are a few in here who are.)

I believe it would be about 1/2 of what your looking at now to switch to PS-2. maybe a little more.  

[willpick]

You would have to balance the cost of conversion versus the cost of a newer PS2 version of the same (or similar) Santa Fe Northern.  From the cost you quoted, I would be inclined to have it upgraded. New RK Northerns are approx. 350-450--

[Wabashbud]

 I have a MTH RK Sante Fe Northern with PS-1 with a problem board.  The question is, considering a cost of about $250.00, is it worth it to convert to PS-2?  The way it is now it's useless and to fix the PS-1 we could be talking $150 to $189.  I think I would spend the extra $100 and get PS-2 before taking a chance on PS-1 and perhaps see additional problems in the future.  I l love this engine, its a great runner and looks super.