M.T.H. Alco S-2 User manual

Alco S-2
Diesel Engine
Compatibility
This engine will operate on any traditional
O-31 Gauge track system, including
M.T.H.’s RealTrax® or ScaleTrax™ or
traditional tubular track. It is also
compatible with most standard AC
transformers. (See page 21 for a complete
list of compatible transformers and
wiring instructions.) Freight Yard Sound
PLEASE READ BEFORE USE AND SAVE
OPERATOR’S MANUAL (3V PS-2)

Table of Contents
Set Up Checklist...........................................................................................................
Lubrication.......................................................................................................
Checking the Battery.......................................................................................
Priming the Smoke Unit.................................................................................
Basic Operation.............................................................................................................
Activating Features...........................................................................................
Volume Control...............................................................................................
Proto-Sound 2.0 Operating Instructions................................................................
Activating Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional Mode Features........................
Freight Yard Sounds (FYS)/ Passenger Station Announcements (PSA)..
Proto-Coupler® Operation............................................................................
Speed Control...................................................................................................
Locking Locomotive Into A Direction.........................................................
Reset To Factory Default.................................................................................
Automatic Sound Effects.................................................................................
Maintenance...................................................................................................................
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions.........................................................
Cleaning The Wheels, Tires and Track.........................................................
Traction Tire Replacement Instructions.......................................................
Headlight Replacement Instructions.............................................................
Self Charging Battery Back-Up......................................................................
ProtoSmoke Unit Operation...........................................................................
Troubleshooting Proto-Sound® 2.0 Problems............................................
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart..............................................
Additional Features Accessible with the DCS Remote Control System...
Service & Warranty Information....................................................................
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CAUTION: ELECTRICALLY OPERATED PRODUCT:
Not recommended for children under 10 years of age. M.T.H. recommends adult supervision with children ages 10 - 16.
As with all electric products, precautions should be observed during handling and use to reduce the risk of electric shock.
WARNING:When using electrical products, basic safety precautions should be observed, including the following:
Read this manual thoroughly before using this device.
lM.T.H. recommends that all users and persons supervising use examine the hobby transformer and other electronic equipment
periodically for conditions that may result in the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, such as damage to the primary
cord, plug blades, housing, output jacks or other parts. In the event such conditions exist, the train set should not be used until
properly repaired.
lDo not operate your layout unattended. Obstructed accessories or stalled trains may overheat, resulting in damage to your layout.
lThis train set is intended for indoor use. Do not use if water is present. Serious injury or fatality may result.
lDo not operate the hobby transformer with damaged cord, plug, switches, buttons or case.
This product may be protected by one or more of the following patents:
6,019,289; 6,280,278; 6,281,606; 6,291,263; 6,457,681; 6,491,263; 6,604,641;
6,619,594; 6,624,537; 6,655,640.
©2004, M.T.H. Electric Trains, Columbia, MD 21046

Set Up Checklist
- Lubricate the locomotive
- Check to see whether the battery needs to be charged for full sound effects
- Prime the smoke unit
- Apply power to run as described in the Basic Operating Section of this manual
Lubrication
You should lubricate the engine to prevent it from squeaking. Use
light household oil and follow the lubrication points marked “L” in
Fig. 1. Do not over-oil. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point.
Checking the Battery
You may find, if your locomotive was built several months before you set it up,
that the rechargeable battery has run down and needs to be charged before
operating. If you notice that the sounds are garbled, test and charge the engine as
described in the "Self-Charging Battery Back-Up" on page 15.
Premier Alco S-2 Diesel Engine Proto-Sound®2.0
3
DO NOT
OVER OIL
DO NOT
OVER OIL
DO NOT
OVER OIL
Figure 1. Lubrication Points on the Locomotive
Lubricate Pick Up Rollers Axles (L)
Lubricate Wheel Axles (L)

Priming the Smoke Unit
When preparing to run this engine, add 15-20 drops of smoke fluid through the
smokestack (see Fig. 2). We recommend M.T.H. ProtoSmoke, Seuthe, LGB, or
LVTS fluids. Do not overfill the unit or the fluid may leak out and coat the interior
engine components.
If you choose not to add smoke fluid (or have already added fluid but choose to
run smoke-free), turn off the smoke unit by turning the smoke unit volume control
fully counter-clockwise. Failure either to add fluid to the smoke unit or to turn
it off may damage the smoke unit heating element and/or wicking material.
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Running the engine without a primed
smoke unit may cause damage
Add Smoke Fluid
Figure 2. Adding Smoke Fluid
Figure 3. Smoke Unit Control
Smoke Unit
Volume

Basic Operation
The Throttle knob controls how fast your train will travel. Turn the throttle knob
up ½-way, until the engine lights shine bright. Put the engine into motion by
pressing the Direction button on your transformer once. (hold it for approximately
1 second)
If the engine does not begin to move as soon as you firmly press the Direction
button, you may not have sent enough voltage to the track to make the train move.
Turn the throttle up a bit higher until the train begins to move.
Activating Features
Throttle - To increase or decrease track voltage, and therefore train speed, turn the
throttle control knob. Turning clockwise will increase voltage and speed, while
turning counterclockwise will decrease voltage and speed. The engine will maintain
the speed you set after you release the throttle until you turn it again to change the
voltage and speed.
Bell - To sound the bell, in an engine equipped with a bell firmly press and release
the Bell button. To turn the bell off, press and release the Bell button again. The
bell will continue to ring from the time you turn it on until you press and release
the button again to turn it off.
Horn/Whistle - To sound the horn/whistle, firmly press the horn/whistle button.
The horn or whistle will sound for as long as you continue to depress the button.
It will stop when you release the button.
Direction - Your train is programmed to start in neutral. The train will always
cycle neutral-forward-neutral-reverse with each press and release of the direction
button. The engine is programmed to restart in neutral each time the track voltage
is turned off for 25 seconds or more.
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Cycle Phases
Neutral
Neutral
ForwardReverse

Manual Volume Control
To adjust the volume of all sounds made by this engine, turn the master volume
control knob located next to the fuel tank clockwise to increase the volume and
counter-clockwise to decrease the volume.
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Figure 4. Manual Volume Adjustment Knob
Volume Adjustment Knob

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Proto-Sound 2.0 Operating Instructions
This manual contains the operating instructions for Proto-Sound 2.0 in conventional
mode only. Instructions for accessing DCS command mode features accompany the
DCS Remote Control System equipment.
Activating Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional Mode Features:
Proto-Sound 2.0 features are activated by sequences of Bell and Horn/Whistle button
pushes described below. Please read the full descriptions of each feature before using it.
To use these buttons to activate features rather than to blow the horn/ whistle or ring the
bell, you should tap the buttons very quickly with a ½-second pause between button
presses. You may need to practice your timing to make this work smoothly.
Freight Yard Sounds (FYS) or
Passenger Station Announcements (PSA):
Your engine is equipped with a sound package of either freight yard or passenger station
sounds that you can play. Each sequence described below will play as long as it is left
on, randomly generating sounds, but be sure to allow approximately 30 seconds
between the button pushes described below to allow the FYS/PSA sufficient time to
run through each sequence.
!To cue the sound system to play the FYS/PSA, quickly but firmly tap the Bell button
once followed by 2 quick taps of the Horn/Whistle button while the engine is
moving. Tap the buttons quickly but allow approximately ½ second between each
press.
!Press the Direction button once to stop the engine. This will trigger the first
sequence of FYS/PSA. The reverse unit is temporarily disabled so that the train will
not move as you use the Direction button to trigger the sounds, and Proto-Sound 2.0
has disabled operator control over the Horn/Whistle and Bell buttons until the full
FYS/PSA sequence is complete.
!After waiting about 30 seconds for that sequence to run, press the Direction button
again to trigger the second sequence of FYS/PSA.
!After about 30 seconds, press the Direction button again to trigger the third
FYS/PSA sequence.
!Again, after allowing about 30 seconds for that sequence to run, press the Direction
Feature to Be Activated Button Code:
Freight Yard or Passenger Station Sounds
Fire the Rear Coupler
Fire the Front Coupler
Speed Control On/Off
Lock into a Direction
Reset to Factory Defaults
1 Bell, 2 Horn/Whistles
1 Bell, 3 Horn/Whistles
1 Bell, 4 Horn/Whistles
1 Horn/Whistle, 2 Bells (from Neutral only)
1 Horn/Whistle, 3 Bells
1 Horn/Whistle, 5 Bells (from Neutral only)
Timing Chart
Total Time Lapse: 1 Seconds½
Press
Whistle
Short &
Firm
½ Sec.
Pause
½ Sec.
Pause
Press
Bell
Short &
Firm
Press
Bell
Short &
Firm

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Fire
Rear
Coupler
=
Bell
!FYS/PSA will continue, and within a few seconds, the engine will start and move
out on its own at the current throttle setting, in the same direction it was traveling
when you began the sequence. Once the bell turns off, the operator regains control
of the transformer's Bell and Horn/Whistle buttons and can ring the bell or blow the
horn/whistle as usual.
Tips on Using FYS/PSA
!You can terminate FYS/PSAat any time by turning off power to the track for
15 seconds.
!You do not have to be in Forward to use FYS/PSA. At the conclusion of the
full sequence, the train will pull away from the station in whatever direction
you were going when you activated the feature.
!You can use FYS/PSAeven if you are double-heading with another engine. If
the second engine is not equipped with Proto-Sound 2.0, you must remember
not to leave the throttle at a high voltage level once you have stopped the
engine to run the FYS/PSA. Otherwise, the engine without FYS/PSA will
begin vibrating on the track as its motors strain to move the train, since they
cannot be automatically disabled during the FYS/PSA cycle (or if an original
Proto-Sound engine, FYS/PSA are triggered differently and that engine's
motor-disable feature will not be active when you run FYS/PSA in Proto-
Sound 2.0).
!FYS/PSA can be triggered from Neutral. It will operate the same as if
triggered while in motion except that, at the conclusion of the FYS/PSA, the
engine will depart in the next direction of travel, as opposed to the direction it
was traveling before entering Neutral.
®
Proto-Coupler Operation
This locomotive is equipped with one or more coil-wound Proto-Couplers for remote
uncoupling action. Because Proto-Couplers are controlled through the Proto-Sound 2.0
microprocessor, they do not require an uncoupling track section or modification to your
layout to function. You can fire a coupler from neutral or while in motion. Use the code
shown below (and in the chart on page 7) to fire the coupler(s).
Rear Coupler:
To fire the rear coupler, quickly tap the Bell button once followed by three quick taps of
the Horn/Whistle button, allowing approximately ½ second to lapse between each quick
button press. The sound of the liftbar and air line depletion will play, and the knuckle
will be released.
+
Sound System Cued to Play
Freight Yard or Passenger
Station Sounds (FYS)/(PSA)
Horn/
Whistle
Bell
Direction
1st
Sequence
FYS/PSA
+
Direction
2nd
Sequence
FYS/PSA
+
Direction
3rd
Sequence
FYS/PSA
+
Direction
4th
Sequence
FYS/PSA
=Operator
Controls
When Bell
Turns Off
Horn/
Whistle
Horn/
Whistle
Horn/
Whistle
Horn/
Whistle
Horn/
Whistle

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Front Coupler:
To fire the front coupler (if your engine has one), quickly tap the Bell button once
followed by four quick taps of the Horn/Whistle button, allowing approximately ½
second to lapse between each quick button press. The sound of the liftbar and air line
depletion will play, and the knuckle will be released.
Speed Control:
M.T.H. engines equipped with Proto-Sound 2.0 have speed control capabilities that allow
the engine to maintain a constant speed up and down grades and around curves, much
like an automobile cruise control. You can add or drop cars on the run, and the engine
will maintain the speed you set.
While the engine is programmed to start with the speed control feature activated, you can
opt to turn it off. This means the engine's speed will fall as it labors up a hill and increase
as it travels downward. It is also affected by the addition or releasing of cars while on the
run. Because the engine will run more slowly at a given throttle voltage when speed
control is on than when it is off, you should adjust the throttle to a lower power level for
operation with speed control off to avoid high-speed derailments. When speed control is
off, the volume will drop to allow for better low voltage operation.
To turn speed control on and off, put the engine in neutral, then quickly tap the
transformer's horn/whistle button one time then quickly tap the Bell button two times,
allowing approximately ½ second to lapse between each quick button press. Repeat the 1
horn/whistle, 2 bells code to return it to the other condition. You will want to do this
during the initial neutral upon start-up if you ever couple this engine to another engine
that is not equipped with speed control to avoid damaging the motors in either engine.
Each time you shut down the engine completely, it will automatically turn speed control
on.
Lock into a Direction:
You can lock your engine into a direction (forward, neutral, or reverse) so that it will not
change directions. To do this, put the engine into the direction you want (or into neutral
to lock it into neutral), run it at a very slow crawl (as slowly as it will move without
halting), and quickly but firmly tap the Horn/Whistle button once followed by three quick
taps of the Bell button, allowing approximately ½ second to lapse between each quick
button press. Two horn/whistle blasts will indicate that the engine has made the change.
The engine will not change direction (including going into neutral) until you repeat the 1
horn/whistle, 3 bells code to return the engine to its normal condition, even if the engine
is kept without power for extended periods of time.
Fire
Front
Coupler
=
Bell
Place
Engine into
Neutral
Bell Bell
=
whistle
Place
Engine into
Desired
Direction
Whistle
Bell Bell Bell
=
Speed Control
Two Whistle Blasts
(indicates change is made)
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition
Direction Lock
Two Whistle Blasts
(indicates change is made)
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition
Horn/
Whistle
Horn/
Whistle
Horn/
Whistle
Horn/
Whistle
Horn/
Whistle

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Reset to Factory Defaults:
To override the settings you currently have assigned to the engine and reset it to its
factory defaults, while in Neutral tap the Horn/Whistle button quickly once, followed by
five quick taps of the Bell button, allowing approximately ½ second to lapse between
each quick button press. Two horn/whistle blasts will indicate that the engine has made
the change.
Automatic Sounds:
Certain Proto-Sound 2.0 sound effects automatically play in programmed conventional
mode conditions:
!Squealing Brakes play any time the engine's speed decreases rapidly.
!Cab Chatter plays at random intervals when the engine idles in neutral.
!Engine Start-up and Shut-down sounds play when the engine is initially powered
on or is powered off for five seconds or more.
Reset
Two Whistle Blasts
(indicates change is made)
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition
Place
Engine in
Neutral =
BellBellBellBellBell
Horn/
Whistle

Maintenance
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions
The engine should be well oiled and greased in order to run properly.
Regularly lubricate all axles and pickup rollers to prevent squeaking.
Use light household oil, such as that found in M.T.H.'s maintenance
kit. Do not over oil. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point.
The locomotive’s internal gearing was greased at the factory and should not need
additional grease until after 50 hours of operation or one year, whichever comes
first. Follow the greasing instructions below. Note that in some tightly packed
engines you may need to move internal components temporarily in order to access
the gears.
1. To access the gear box, remove the cab from the chassis by unscrewing the body
mount screws as seen in Figure 6. Next, squeeze inward the tabs located on the
opposite end of the body and crew cab while lifting the cab from the chassis.
2. Once the cab is removed, remove the trucks by unscrewing the black Phillips
motor mount screw located on the underside of the drive trucks (see Fig. 6).
3. Once the motor mount screw has been removed, pull the motor away from the
truck block and lightly coat the motor worm gear and bronze drive gear (in the
truck block) with grease.
4. Reassemble the truck and motor, being careful not to pinch any wires between
the truck block and motor mount.
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Lubricate Pick Up Rollers Axles (L)
Lubricate Wheel Axles (L)
Figure 5. Lubrication Points on the Locomotive.
DO NOT
OVER OIL
DO NOT
OVER OIL
DO NOT
OVER OIL
Body Mount Screws
Motor Mounting Screw
Figure 6. Body Removal Screw Locations
Body Mount Tabs

5. After repeating the procedure for the other motor, reassemble the chassis and
body, being careful that the wire harnesses are not caught between the chassis and
body, and reinstall the body mount screws.
Lubricate the outside truck block idler and drive gears with grease. Use the
diagram shown in Figure 7 below as a guide and add grease to the points marked.
Cleaning The Wheels, Tires, and Track
Periodically check the locomotive wheels and pickups for dirt and buildup, which
can cause poor electrical contact and traction and prematurely wear out the
neoprene traction tires. Wheels and tires can be cleaned using denatured (not
rubbing) alcohol applied with a cotton swab.
To clean the track, use RailKing Track Cleaning Fluid or denatured (not rubbing)
alcohol and a clean rag. Unplug the transformer and wipe the rails of the track,
turning the rag frequently to ensure that you are using clean cloth on the rails.
Thereafter, keep an eye on the track and clean it when it gets dirty to ensure good
electrical contact and to lengthen the life of the tires.
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Figure 7. Greasing The Idler Gears
Grease Idler Gears (G)

Traction Tire Replacement Instructions
Your locomotive is equipped with two neoprene rubber traction tires on each
powered truck block. While these tires are extremely durable, they may
occasionally need replacement.
First, remove the truck sides from the truck block. To do this, turn your engine
upside down and remove the chassis as detailed on page 11.
Remove the trucks from the chassis and the truck sides from the trucks in order to
slip the new tire over the grooved drive wheel. Once the truck sides have been
removed:
1. Make sure the old tire has been completely removed from the groove in the drive
wheel, using a razor blade or small flathead screwdriver to pry away any remains.
2. Slip the new tire onto the wheel. You may find it useful to use two small
flathead screwdrivers to stretch the tire over the wheel.
3. If you twist the tire while stretching it over the wheel, you will need to remove
and reinstall the tire. Otherwise your engine will wobble while operating.
4. Make sure the tire is fully seated inside the groove. Use a razor blade to trim
away any excess tire that will not seat inside the groove properly.
5. Reassemble in the reverse order.
Replacement parts are available directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department (order
online: www.mth-railking.com, e-mail: [email protected]; mail: 7020
Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532, FAX: [phone]).
Premier Alco S-2 Diesel Engine Proto-Sound®2.0
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Locomotive Light Bulb Replacement
To replace the headlight and cab interior lights on this locomotive, follow these
instructions.
Follow the cab removal instructions in the “Lubrication and Greasing
Instructions” section on pg. 11 of this manual. Once the body has been removed,
follow the instructions below and remove the lights as shown in Fig. 8.
Headlight
The locomotive’s headlight is controlled by a constant voltage circuit in the engine.
The headlight is easy to remove and replace when it burns out. The bulb has a
quick disconnect plug that attaches the bulb harness to a connector terminal.
Gently disconnect the bulb harness from the connector terminal and remove bulbs
through the rear of the headlight socket. Insert the new bulb harness and
reconnect. Replacement bulb harnesses are available directly from the M.T.H. Parts
Department.
Cab Interior Lights
The cab interior lights are also made with a bulb harness that attaches to a quick
disconnect plug. Gently disconnect the bulb harness from the connector, and
remove the bulb. Insert the new bulb harness and reconnect. Replacement bulb
harnesses are available directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department.
Premier Alco S-2 Diesel Engine Proto-Sound®2.0
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Figure 8. Replacing the Light Bulbs
Replacing the Light Bulbs

Self Charging Battery Back-up
The special NiCad 2.4v self-charging battery recharges continuously during train
operation and should last for up to five years. The battery is a dry battery that
should not leak or cause any damage to your engine. Depending upon when your
engine was built, it may need to be charged right out of the box. If engine sounds
seem distorted or garbled at low voltages or become silent when power from the
transformer is turned off, test the battery to determine whether it should be
recharged or replaced.
Test: Put the engine in neutral and
leave the track voltage at 10-12 volts
(high enough for the lights to shine
brightly) for 15 minutes.
Recharge: If the sounds are improved
at the end of the 15-minute test charge,
the battery charge has run down and can
be recharged. There are a number of
ways you can do this:
• Leave the engine in neutral with track voltage at 10-12 volts
for 6-7 hours so the battery can fully recharge (if your engine has a
smoke unit, be sure it is turned off).
•Use M.T.H.'s battery recharger (sold separately) that plugs into a wall
outlet and a special port under the engine to recharge the battery
overnight without leaving it on the track.
Replace: If the sounds are not improved at the end of the 15-minute test charge,
it is time to replace the battery. Available through M.T.H. Parts.
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Battery Charger Port
Disconnect Battery And Slide Out Of Bracket
Figure 9. Battery Char ger Port location.
Figure 10. Battery Location.
Remove the Enginers

ProtoSmoke® Unit Operation
This diesel locomotive contains a Proto-Sound 2.0 controlled smoke unit that
outputs smoke through the smkestack on the roof of the engine. The smoke unit
is essentially a small heating element and wick that soaks up and then heats a
mineral oil-based fluid that emits smoke. The smoke is then forced out of the
stack by a small electric fan. Smoke volume is controlled by the Proto-Sound 2.0
system.
With a few easy maintenance steps, you should enjoy trouble-free smoke unit
operation for years.
When preparing to run this engine, add 15-20 drops of smoke fluid through the
smokestack (see Fig.2). We recommend M.T.H. ProtoSmoke, Seuthe, LGB, or
LVTS fluids. Do not overfill the unit or the fluid may leak out and coat the interior
engine components.
To adjust the amount of smoke produced, turn the smoke unit volume control
clockwise to increase the amount of smoke, or counter-clockwise to reduce the
amount (see Fig. 3)
If you choose not to add smoke fluid (or have already added fluid but choose to
run run smoke-free), turn off the smoke unit by turning the smoke unit switch to
the “OFF” position (see Fig. 3). Failure either to add fluid to the smoke unit or
to turn it off may damage the smoke unit heating element and/or wicking
material.
When the smoke output while running the engine begins to diminish, add another
10-15 drops of smoke fluid or turn the smoke unit off.
When storing the unit for long periods of time, you may want to add about 15
drops of fluid to prevent the wick from drying out.
After removing the engine from storage, add another 25 drops of fluid, letting the
wick soak up the fluid for 15 minutes prior to operation.
If you experience poor or no smoke output when the smoke unit is on and has
fluid, check the wick to see if it has become hard, blackened, and unabsorbent
around the heating element. After removing the locomotive body from its chassis
(See Figure 6), remove the smoke unit inspection cover (see Fig. 11). After
removing the inspection cover screws, lift the inspection plate away and inspect the
wick. If it is darkly discolored and hard, it should be replaced.
Replacement parts and wick replacement instructions are available directly from
the M.T.H. Parts Department (order online: www.mth-railking.com, e-mail:
[email protected]; mail: 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD
21046-1532, FAX: [phone]).
Premier Alco S-2 Diesel Engine Proto-Sound®2.0
16

Premier Alco S-2 Diesel Engine Proto-Sound®2.0
17
Figure 11. Inspecting the Smoke Unit Wick
Inspection Cover
Screws

Troubleshooting Proto-Sound® Problems
Although Proto-Sound 2.0 has been designed and engineered for ease of use,
you may have some questions during initial operation. The following table
should answer most questions. If your problem cannot be resolved with this
table, contact M.T.H. for assistance (telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone];
[email protected], 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD
21046-1532).
Premier Alco S-2 Diesel Engine Proto-Sound®2.0
18
Starting Up
Whistle/Horn
Bell
Coupler
Remedy
Remedy
Remedy
Remedy
Remedy
When I first turn the power on, the
engine will not begin to run. I
have to turn the throttle off and
then on again to get the engine to
operate.
When I press the whistle/horn
button, the bell comes on instead.
I can’t get the horn to blow when I
press the whistle button.
I can’t get the bell to ring when I
press the bell button.
The bell won’t work on a separate
bell button.
When I try to fire the coupler, FYS
starts.
The Proto-Coupler won’t let the
engine uncouple on the fly.
The coupler does not fire or stay
coupled.
When I press the whistle button,
the bell sounds.
Reverse the transformer leads.
You may be pressing the button
too quickly. Try pressing the
whistle/horn button more slowly,
taking approximately one full
second to fully depress the button.
You may be pressing the button
too quickly. Try pressing the bell
button more slowly, taking
approximately one full second to
fully depress the button.
Reverse the transformer leads.
Check the wiring of the separate
button.
You are waiting too long between
whistle button presses.
Try lubricating the coupler knuckle
with a dry graphite lubricant. Do
NOT use oil.
The coupler needs to be cleaned.
Wipe with denatured alcohol (not
rubbing alcohol) and let dry.
This is normal behavior. To
prevent accidental high-speed
start-ups, Proto-Sound 2.0 is
programmed to start up in neutral
anytime track power has been
turned off for several seconds.

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Cab Chatter
Lock-out
Volume
Battery
FYS
Remedy
Remedy
Remedy
Remedy
Remedy
Sometimes the Cab Chatter
sounds don’t play.
I can’t get the engine to run after I
power up the transformer. It sits
The engine won’t lock into
forward, neutral, or reverse.
The sounds seem distorted,
especially when the whistle or bell
is activated.
The engine will not leave the initial
neutral setting.
The FYS sounds occasionally
repeat themselves.
I get no sounds when the engine
shifts between directions.
After I turn off my transformer, my
engine continues to make sounds
before quitting.
Cab Chatter plays only in neutral
at random intervals.
The engine is locked into the
neutral position. Follow the
procedure in the “Lock into a
Direction” section.
Engine speed must be below 10
scale mph (approx. 10 volts or
less in conventional mode).
Proto-Sound 2.0 volume is set too
high. Turn the volume control knob
on the bottom of the chassis
counter-clockwise to reduce the
volume.
Check to be sure the battery is
installed and fully charged. See
the “Self-Charging Battery Back-
Up” section.
The battery may be dead or need
to be charged. See the “Self-
Charging Battery Back-Up”
section.
Proto-Sound 2.0 is designed to
continue to sound for a few
seconds after power to the track
has been shut off.
Proto-Sound 2.0 has a built-in
random number generator that
randomly selects each sound clip
to play. Because there are a
limited number of sound clips
available in each FYS sequence, it
is probable that some of these
sound clips will be repeated from
time to time.

Premier Alco S-2 Diesel Engine Proto-Sound®2.0
20
FYS Remedy
Once in FYS, the engine doesn’t
go into reverse.
When the FYS enters its last
sequence the bell automatically
comes on.
When FYS is enabled, pressing
the whistle and bell buttons has no
effect.
I push the direction button but the
next sound clip in the sequence
does not play or the engine does
not come out of FYS after fourth
press of the direction button.
So that FYS effects can be as
realistic as possible, Proto-
Sound 2.0 disables the
reversing unit whenever FYS is
enabled. This way the engine
remains still at its stop as the
operator cycles through the
FYS sequences.
FYS is programmed to start
ringing the bell at that point. After
approximately 12 seconds it will
automatically turn off.
Because FYS must control various
effects in each sequence, Proto-
Sound 2.0 takes control of these
sound effects until you exit FYS.
Each FYS clip must play for
approx. 30 seconds before FYS
will advance to the next step in the
FYS cycle. Wait at least 30
seconds in each FYS sound clip
before pressing the direction
button.