M.T.H. Premier E33 Electric Engine User manual

R
ELECTRIC TRAINS
MTH E-33 RECTIFIER
ELECTRIC ENGINE
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for purchasing the MTH Electric Trains E-33 Rectifier
locomotive. This ¼” scale reproduction of the famous E-33 Rectifier
locomotive measures just over 18” in length and weighs almost 5 pounds.
Despite its scale size, the locomotive is capable of operating on O-31 3-rail
track with most compatible AC transformers (see the chart on page 31 for a
complete list of compatible transformers and wiring instructions) and is
completely compatible with most other 3-rail locomotives, rolling stock and
accessories.
The locomotive is equipped with several deluxe features that are simple
and fun to operate. Each feature is described among the following pages
which should be read before the engine is operated. For those of you who
can’t wait to get started, the Quick Start Basic Operating Instructions
found on Pages 3 and 4 should be read so that you understand the basics of
the operating system. Please note that some features are only found in the
Proto-Sound® models and are marked as such. Features not marked as
Proto-Sound® features are available in all models.

2
E-33 Rectifier Operating Manual
Table Of Contents
QUICK START - BASIC OPERATION 3
PROTO-SOUND® OPERATINGINSTRUCTIONS 4
DCRU® Reverse Unit Operation(All 3-Rail Models) 5
Whistle Operation 5
Bell Operation 5
Proto-Coupler® Operation 6
Squeaking Brake Sounds 7
Tips On Using Squeaking Brakes 8
Self-Charging Battery Backup System 8
Freight Yard Sounds (FYS) 10
Tips On Using The Passenger Station Sounds 15
Reverse Unit Lockout Control Functions 16
Locking The Engine Into Forward or Reverse 16
Unlocking The Engine 16
Locking The Engine Into Neutral 16
Proto-Sound® Volume Adjustment 17
USING “RESET" TO PROGRAM PROTO-SOUNDS® 18
Setting The Engine Volume 19
ProgrammingForSqueakingBrake Operation 19
Programming For Whistle In Neutral Operation 20
ProgrammingForProto-Coupler®Operation 20
Programming For Cab Chatter Sounds 21
Programming For FYS Operation 21
Activating Remote Lock-Out Control 22
Resetting All Proto-Sound® Options To Factory Defaults 22
OIL & LUBRICATION INSTRUCTIONS 23
TRACTION TIRE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS 24
LIGHT BULB REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT 26
TROUBLE SHOOTING Proto-Sound® PROBLEMS 27
Proto-Sound® RESET Feature Chart 30
Transformer Wiring Chart 31
O-31 OPERATION 32
SERVICE AND WARRANTY INFORMATION 36
HOW TO GET SERVICE 36
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY 36
WARNING:
When using electrical products, basic safety precautions should be followed including the
following:
-- Read this and all related manuals (transformer/power supply, locomotive, etc.) thoroughly
before using this device.
-- This device is not recommended for children under 8 years of age without adult supervision.
-- MTH recommends parents examine the toy transformer used to power this device periodically
for conditions that may result in the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, such as
damage to the primary or output cord, plug blades, housing or other parts (including proper
functioning of the circuit breaker), and that, in an event such conditions exist, the transformer
should not be used until properly repaired.

3
E-33 Rectifier Operating Manual
QUICK START - BASIC OPERATION
The MTH E-33 Rectifier contains state-of-the art electronics with several
built-in automatic features for incredibly realistic operation. Despite these
advanced features, the E-33 Rectifier is easy to operate with most
compatible standard AC transformers (see the compatibility chart on page
31). The E-33 Rectifier locomotive is controlled by a Proto-Sound®
DCRU® electronic reverse unit. The reverse unit operates in the same
manner that all reverse units function by using forward, neutral and reverse
states that are entered each time the throttle is turned on and off or by using
the transformer direction switch (if so equipped).
The E-33 Rectifier locomotive is controlled by a Proto-Sound® DCRU®
electronic reverse unit. The reverse unit operates in the same manner that
all reverse units function by using forward, neutral and reverse states that
are entered each time the
throttle is turned on and off or
by using the transformer
direction switch (if so
equipped).
The reverse unit is designed
to ignore dirty track, dead
spots on switches or minor
short circuits without
disrupting the engine
operation, even at slow,
prototypical speeds. Once the
engine is placed on the track, the throttle on the transformer can be
advanced. You will see that only the
engine’s lights come on and that only two
dings of the Proto-Sound® bell occur
followed by the blower sounds (on
Proto-Sound® equipped 3-rail models).
The engine does not run. This is known as the RESET state and is
explained in more detail beginning on Page 4. The Proto-Sound® DCRU®
will not power the motors until the throttle is turned OFF and then ON
again. At this point, the engine will now function just like any other
electronic or mechanical E-unit.
Proto-Coupler
Selection Swtich
Figure 1: Locating The Proto-Coupler Selection Switch
RESET
Neutral
Reverse
Neutral
Forward
Figure 2: DCRU™ Cycle Phases

4
E-33 Rectifier Operating Manual
PROTO-SOUND® INSTRUCTIONS
The MTH Proto-Sound® digital sound and train control system provides
the operator with unprecedented realistic operation on your model railroad.
In addition to actual electric engine, CD-equivalent 16-bit digital sounds,
you get the following features:
1. ∗Built-In DCRU Reverse Unit * Authentic Electric Engine Horn Sound *
Authentic Electric Engine Bell Sound * Squeaking Brake Sound * Freight Yard
Sounds * Operating Remote Controlled ProtoCoupler™ * Self-Charging Battery
Back-Up System With Automatic Battery Shut-Off * Remotely Controlled
Reverse Unit Lock-Out * Remotely Adjustable Electric Engine Volume *
Ungradable Microprocessor Options * Random Selection of Four “Cab
Chatter" Radio Transmission Sound Clips * Authentic Electric Shut Down
Sounds
Each feature is described among the following pages. Though the system
is easy to use, we encourage you to read the instructions thoroughly.
Proto-Sound® DCRU® REVERSE UNIT
As mentioned in the Basic Operating section, the engine is controlled by a
Proto-Sound® DCRU® reverse unit that contains the standard
forward-neutral-reverse states found on most reverse units. However, as
described earlier, when power is first applied to the track, the reverse unit
begins in RESET or what seems like a neutral state. Power must be
interrupted again to get the locomotive to enter the forward state. It is this
first RESET state that gives Proto-Sound® its unique, remote controlled
functions. The system will enter RESET whenever power to the track is off
for three or more seconds. NEUTRAL will be referred to as the state
between Forward and Reverse.
ProtoSounds® is equipped with a microprocessor that, depending on the
amount of memory it is allotted, allows the user to utilize several remotely
activated functions. In the simplest terms, Proto-Sound® has its own
“Computer" controlling these functions. In order to access many of these
remotely controlled functions, the user must be in the RESET state to do so.
RESET is entered anytime power to the locomotive has been off for more
than 3 to 5 seconds. When the engine first enters RESET, the
microprocessor initiates a system check to determine if the system,
transformer and engine are operating correctly. This takes approximately
2.2 seconds during which you will hear the engine’s blower sounds begin.

5
E-33 Rectifier Operating Manual
In order for Proto-Sound® to properly initiate the system check, do not
advance the transformer throttle past 10 volts when you first enter RESET,
wait for the electric startup sounds to begin and then slowly turn the
transformer throttle to the off position and then back on again to enter the
forward phase. Interrupting the power too quickly may cause the system to
re-enter RESET (signaled by two dings of the bell). Should this happen,
wait longer before interrupting the power to enter the Forward phase.
Proto-Sound® comes with several programmable functions, including
Engine Volume Adjustment, Separate Bell Button Operation
(pre-programmed at the factory), Cab Chatter On/Off Control, ProtoCoupler
On/Off Control and Horn-In-Neutral Operation. Each of these features are
described in more detail later. You will notice that when in RESET, your
engine will not respond to the whistle button with a horn blast or continuous
bell ringing. In fact, when in RESET and the whistle button is depressed,
only one single bell chime will be heard each time the whistle button is
pressed. If you don’t want to configure or change your locomotive using
any of these programmable features, simply leave RESET and wait 2.2
seconds before interrupting the power to put the engine in forward. After
you leave RESET, your engine will operate normally in all the direction
states of forward, neutral and reverse.
HORN OPERATION
Your MTH E-33 Rectifier ProtoSound-equipped engine is equipped with a
digital recording of a E-33 Rectifier Whistle. The whistle sound can be
activated anytime the engine is in forward or reverse by pressing the whistle
button on your transformer. The whistle will continue to blow as long as
the whistle button is depressed. The whistle will not function in RESET
and must be configured through a RESET option to allow the whistle to
work when the engine is in neutral. See page 20 for information on whistle
programming in the Using RESET To Program Proto-Sound®section of
this manual.
BELL OPERATION
Your MTH E-33 Rectifier Proto-Sound® engine is equipped with a digital
recording of an actual bell. Unlike previous versions of Proto-Sound®, the
bell can be turned on or off with any separate bell button, like the Lionel®
Railsounds® No. 5906 Bell Button, by simply pushing the button. If you
don’t have a separate bell button, the bell can be controlled through your
transformer’s whistle button whenever the engine is in NEUTRAL. The

6
E-33 Rectifier Operating Manual
bell will never ring continuously in RESET (Remember NEUTRAL is the
state between Forward and Reverse). Once the bell is turned on, it will
continue to ring when the engine is cycled into forward or reverse until you
press the bell button or re-enter NEUTRAL and turn the bell off with the
whistle button.
In fact, because of Proto-Sound® state-of-the-art design, the
microprocessor remembers its last command. Therefore, unless you turn
the bell off before you quit running your train, the next time you run the
engine, the bell will come on. No matter whether you come back an hour
later or a year later, the bell will begin chiming once the engine enters one
of the three directional states.
To turn the bell on using the transformer’s whistle button, turn on power to
the track and cycle the engine into NEUTRAL. Turn the throttle to 8 volts
or less (any higher voltage will arm the Proto-Coupler®) and press the
whistle button. The bell should begin chiming. To turn the bell off, press
the whistle button again. If you want to keep the bell on while running the
engine, simply interrupt the power with the transformer throttle or the
transformer directional switch and enter forward or reverse.
PROTO-COUPLER® OPERATION
Your MTH E-33 Rectifier Proto-Sound®-equipped locomotive has two
coil-wound Proto-Couplers® for remote uncoupling action. The couplers
are mounted on the power trucks. Because the Proto-Coupler® is
controlled through Proto-Sound®’s microprocessor, it doesn’t require an
uncoupling track section or modification to your layout to function. The
three simple steps below are required to operate the coupler.
1. Put your engine in NEUTRAL and turn the throttle all the way up.
2. Press the transformer whistle button to “Arm" the coupler. (You
will hear a “Clank")
3. After arming the coupler, press the whistle button again to open
the coupler.
HH
Put Engine In Neutral
At Full Power
Press & Release
The Horn/Whistle Button Press & Release The Horn/Whistle Button
Listen For The
Ca-Clunk Sound
See The Coupler Open
And Listen For The
Cha-Chusshh Sound

7
E-33 Rectifier Operating Manual
When the knuckle fires open you will hear the buzzing of the coil
energizing and the sound of the air lines coming apart. It can best be
described as a CHA-CHUSHHH sound. The coupler doesn’t have to be
fired in NEUTRAL. Once the coupler is armed it can be fired in Forward,
Neutral or Reverse. However, you may find that the coupler doesn’t open
when firing the coupler at high speeds. Reduce the voltage setting on your
transformer if this occurs and run your engine at a slower speed before
firing the coupler. If the coupler continues to open erratically, try
lubricating the knuckle with light oil as indicated in Fig. 3.
For multiple heading
purposes, only one of the two
Proto-Couplers will function at
any one time. Use the coupler
direction switch as shown in
Fig. 1 on page 3 to select either
the front or rear coupler.
Simply slide the switch toward
the direction of the coupler you
want to make active.
NEUTRAL-ACTIVATED CAB CHATTER SOUNDS
Whenever your electric locomotive is parked in Neutral randomly played
“Cab Chatter” sound effects will occur every 2 to 30 seconds. There are a
total of four of these Cab Chatter sequences that capture authentic radio
transmissions between dispatcher and engineer. They are designed to play
at random intervals to eliminate repetitive and boring sequences though
there is no guarantee that you won’t hear the same message repeated two or
more times.
SQUEAKING BRAKE SOUNDS
Proto-Sound® equipped engines feature the ability to play the sound of
squeaking brakes whenever your engine slows in speed. There are two
settings for activating the
squeaking brake sounds. The
default setting allows the brake
sounds to play while the engine
is in forward or reverse and the
transformer throttle is lowered
from a high setting to a low
Lubricate Coupler Knuckle
Figure 3: Lubricating The Proto-Coupler Knuckle
Throttle Down From
High Voltage To Low
Listen For The
Squeaking Brake Sounds

8
E-33 Rectifier Operating Operating Manual
setting (14 volts to 8 volts or less). The sound itself is a stored recording
on the Proto-Sound® software chip and will always play the same brake
sound for the same three second length each time the voltage is reduced
from high to low. Some practice may be required to synchronize the
playing of the brake sounds with the movement of the engine. It is not
uncommon for the engine to stop before the brake sound is completed.
Operators will find that coordinating the movement of the throttle setting
from 8 volts to off will allow the engine to maintain its movement while the
brake sounds play. Note: The brake sounds will not be heard if the
transformer throttle is not set above 14 volts and/or not reduced below 8
volts.
TIPS ON USING THE SQUEAKING BRAKE FEATURE
Users will find the squeaking brake feature to be a very realistic way
to simulate the sound of an engine slowing down for curves,
crossings or coming to a stop at a station, side track or switch yard.
However, you may find that your engine continues to play the brake
sounds once your engine comes to a stop, or that the sounds stop
before the engine comes to a complete halt. For example, if you
simply run the engine and turn the throttle off quickly, the brake
sounds will likely continue playing even though the engine has come
to a complete stop.
This annoying effect can be eliminated by simply practicing with the
brake feature. In no time, you will quickly learn how to “feather" the
throttle to keep the engine moving while the brake sounds play and
then turning the throttle off just as the sounds stop.
SELF-CHARGING BATTERY BACKUP
Proto-Sound® includes a self-charging battery backup system for improved
performance at any speed. The battery ensures that power to the sound
system will remain on during directional changes, while setting RESET
options or when traveling over spots of dirty track and switches. The
self-recharging battery backup system is automatically turned on or off.
There are no switches needed to enjoy the benefits of the automatic battery
backup system.

9
E-33 Rectifier Operating Manual
Proto-Sound® contains a warning alarm if the battery backup system fails to
automatically disengage when track power is turned off. Should the backup
system fail, you will hear a repeating whistle blast indicating that this has
occurred. Should this happen, unplug the battery from the Proto-Sound®
module (to prevent the battery from being run down) and contact MTH for
instructions on returning the train for repair.
REPLACING THE PROTOSOUND BATTERY
The Proto-Sound® battery (located in the tender body), is a special NiCad
7-cell, 8.4v battery -NOT the 6-cell, 7.2v battery found in most convenience
stores. The battery is continually charged from the track when power is
applied above 11 volts, and should last for up to five years. In addition, the
NiCad battery is a dry battery and should not leak or cause any damage to
your locomotive during its lifetime. The 6-cell NiCad is NOT recommended
for use with Proto-Sound® applications.
If you notice that the sounds seem distorted or garbled at low voltages or
become immediately silent when power from the transformer is shut off, the
battery may be failing. Before replacing the battery, you should put the
engine in NEUTRAL and leave the transformer throttle set at about 12 volts
for 15 minutes. This should temporarily recharge the battery. If the garbled
or distorted sounds are reduced, then your battery charge has worn down.
You can give your battery a full charge by leaving the engine ON in the
NEUTRAL position for 6 hours.
Note: When charging the battery in neutral, if your train contains a
Smoke Unit it should be turned OFF to prevent damage to the wick and
the heating elements.
If you need to replace the battery, they are available from MTH
Proto-Sound® Electronics at 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD
21046-1532. A standard 9v alkaline battery can be substituted as a
temporary fix, but, since alkaline batteries can’t take a charge, it will
eventually wear down.

10
E-33 Rectifier Operating Manual
Operating Proto-Sound® Passenger Station
Sound Effects
Passenger Station Announcements (FYS)
Proto-Sound® is equipped with operator controlled Passenger Station
Sounds, referred to as FYS. The FYS sequence is designed to simulate
the arrival, disembarking, embarking and departure of a passenger train
in a Passenger Station. This easy-to-use feature allows you to play
digitally recorded sounds of Passenger Station sounds while your
engine is parked in the Neutral State. No additional wires or
modifications are needed to enjoy these amazing sound effects. The
sounds themselves are randomly “shuffled” by the Proto-Sound®
computer. This gives the system the ability to play the various sounds
in a different order each time FYS is enabled.
Activating Passenger Sounds -Quick Overview-
Your train is now ready for you to play the FYS.
The train on track moving Forward or Reverse direction.
B
Press and Hold Bell Button For 3+
Seconds, Listen For a Horn Blast or
Air Release, then Remove your Finger
fromtheButton.
BPress Bell Button Again Quickly to
Stop Bell Chime.

11
E-33 Rectifier Operating Manual
For more detailed FYS instructions, read the following.
d
Bell
Horn
Whistle
Direction
OR
To Play FYS, Stop Train Direction.
This Can Be Done by Pressing the
DIRECTION Button or Cycling the
Transformer Handle.
At This Time the Train Will Stop in
Neutral.
In a Few Seconds, A Man Whistling
Plays, Followed by a Background
Noise.
STOP
d
Bell
Horn
Whistle
Direction
OR Change/Press Direction- The Train Will
Remain In Neutral. It Will Continue to
Play More Background Noises.
d
Bell
Horn
Whistle
Direction
OR
Change/Press Direction- The Train Will Remain
In Neutral. You Will Hear a Double Air Release,
A Man Whistling Plays, More Background
Noises.
d
Bell
Horn
Whistle
Direction
OR
GO
Change/Press Direction- The Train Will Remain In
Neutral. You Will Hear Closing Doors, Horn Blast,
a Few Bell Chimes and Engine Departs in the
Direction the Engine First Stopped.

12
E-33 Rectifier Operating Manual
Activating Freight Yard Sounds (FYS)-Detailed Instructions
Arming The Frieght Yard Sounds Feature
Before the Frieght Yard Sounds can be heard, the feature must be
activated. The feature can be activated in one of two ways.
Option 1: If you are using the Z-4000™ transformer, or any transformer
with a separate bell button controller, you can activate the feature by simply
pressing and holding the bell button for at least three seconds (it does not
matter if you are in forward, neutral or reverse). You will hear the bell turn
on and, after three seconds, you should hear a short whistle blast. Once the
whistle blast is heard,
the bell button can be
released. The bell will
continue to chime, so if
you want to turn off the
bell ringing, simply
press and release the
bell button. If you were
in neutral, interrupt the
transformer throttle to enter the next directional state (either forward or
reverse). (Note: the FYS will only play in the first Neutral after it is
armed. You cannot interrupt the power twice to enter another direction
and still have the FYS active.) You can now trigger the sounds to begin
playing when you next enter Neutral.
Option 2 If you do not have a separate Z-4000™ transformer (or separate
bell button available), you can activate the FYS using your transformer’s
whistle button control. To arm the FYS, turn on the transformer throttle and
cycle your engine into Neutral (not RESET). Once in neutral, set the
transformer throttle to 8 volts or less and press and hold the whistle button
for at least three seconds.
You will hear the bell turn
on and, after three seconds,
you should hear a short
whistle blast. Once the
whistle blast is heard, the
whistle button can be
released. The bell will
continue to chime, so if you want to turn off the bell ringing, simply press
Put Engine In Neutral,
Forward or Reverse
Press & Hold
The Railsounds® Bell Button
For 3 Seconds
Listen For The
Start Of The Bell Sound
Listen For The
Whistle Blast Sound
After 3 Seconds
Put Engine In Neutral
At Low Power
Press & Hold
The Whistle Button
For 3 Seconds
Listen For The
Start Of The Bell Sound
Listen For The
Whistle Blast Sound
After 3 Seconds
H

13
E-33 Rectifier Operating Manual
and release the whistle button. Interrupt the transformer throttle to enter the
next directional state (either forward or reverse). (Note: the FYS will only
play in the first Neutral after it is armed. You can not interrupt the power
twice to enter another direction and still have the FYS active.) You can
now trigger the sounds to begin playing when you next enter Neutral.
TRIGGERING FREIGHT YARD SOUNDS
Once the FYS feature has been activated, it will be played the next time
the engine enters neutral. At this point, Proto-Sound® will take over
control of your engine, disabling the bell and whistle button. In addition,
Proto-Sound® reconfigures the way the reverse unit functions during the
operation of the FYS feature. This forces the engine to leave your Freight
Yard in the same direction as it arrived. The following operator controlled
“Events” control the FYS’s actions and sounds. (Note: The direction states
shown assume the FYS is entered from forward. If entering the Freight
Yard in reverse, the direction states shown will be reversed.)
Event 1: Interrupt the transformer throttle to cycle the engine from forward
into neutral. If the throttle was at 14 volts or higher, the squeaking brakes
sound will play. Once the engine is stopped, the throttle must be turned on
to keep it in the neutral state. Note: Failure to turn the throttle back on
within 3 seconds of leaving forward will disable FYS and shutdown
Proto-Sound®. The next time power is turned on, the engine will be in
the RESET position. See page 23 for additional
information on RESET. If the bell
was not turned off after arming FYS, it
is now turned off automatically. After
entering neutral, Proto-Sound will
immediately play a horn blast or an air
release sound, followed approximately
2 seconds later by a man whistling and
a freight car door sliding open. At this point, various freight yard sounds
can be heard, including loading and unloading operations, engine sounds,
yardman “slang,” and additional freight car door sounds.
Event 2: Interrupt the transformer throttle again to cycle the engine from
neutral into reverse. In order to have the engine leave the yard in the same
direction it entered Proto-Sound® disables the motors in this reverse state to
prevent the engine from running backwards. FYS confirms reverse is
Listen For Air Release Sound
And Cab Chatter Message
Put Engine In Neutral
At Low Power

14
E-33 Rectifier Operating Manual
entered by playing a sound highlight best
described as a rumbling sound. You may
have to go through the entire FYS
sequence several times before you clearly
identify this sound. After the rumbling
highlight is played, the freight yard sounds
heard in Event 1 will continue to play.
Event 3: Interrupt the transformer
throttle again to cycle the engine from
reverse back to neutral. FYS confirms that
the engine is now in neutral by sounding
two quick air releases. This is followed
approximately two seconds later by a man
whistling and continued freight yard
loading and unloading sounds.
Event 4:Interrupt the transformer throttle
again to complete the FYS feature and cycle the engine into forward. FYS
confirms it has entered forward by playing the sound of the freight car door
closing. Within two seconds, the whistle will sound two short blasts (three
if entering reverse), and the bell will begin to chime. After a few chimes of
the bell, the engine will begin moving in forward with the bell continuing to
ring. A few seconds later, the bell will turn off, and the engine will resume
normal operation. Note: When entering Event 4, it is important to set the
transformer throttle at a high enough
setting that the engine will begin to move
when the motors are activated. However,
the throttle should not be too high for the
engine to maintain a safe operating speed.
Listen For Engine
Rumbling Sound
Interrupt Throttle To
Enter The Next Phase
Listen For 2
Air Release Sounds
Interrupt Throttle To
Enter The Next Phase
Listen For The Sound
“All Aboard!”
Interrupt Throttle To
Enter The Next Phase

15
E-33 Rectifier Operating Manual
TIPS ON USING THE FYS FEATURES
FYS is a unique feature of Proto-Sound® that is completely controlled by the
operator. You decide how, when or if you want to utilize the feature. By
reviewing the following tips, you should find solutions or suggestions to the
various operating scenarios you might encounter when using FYS.
Tip#1: You can escape the FYS sequence by interrupting the transformer
throttle before the man’s whistle plays in Event 1 (neutral).
Tip#2: You can exit FYS at anytime by turning the transformer throttle Off for
15 seconds.
Tip#3: You do not have to be in Forward to utilize FYS. For example, if you
activate the FYS feature while in Reverse, your train will leave the station/yard
in the same reverse direction that it arrived in.
Tip#4: You can use FYS even if you are double-heading with another engine
regardless of whether the second engine is equipped with an FYS programmed
Proto-Sound® module. If the second engine isn’t equipped with FYS, the only
thing to remember is that you not to turn up the transformer throttle very high
when entering Reverse in Event 2. If the throttle is set too high, then the second
locomotive will begin vibrating on the track as its motors will be turning in
reverse. If your second engine is equipped with FYS, you may want to disable
the FYS when used in double-headed operations. To disable FYS, see the
section on programming RESET functions on page 21 of this manual.
Tip#5: You can leave any of the event stages at any time by simply
interrupting the transformer throttle. Any sound effects programmed to play in
that event will simply not occur. The only exceptions are Event 1 and Event 4.
In Event 1, interrupting the throttle has no effect on FYS until after the man’s
whistle has completed and the freight car doors have opened. In Event 4, you
cannot interrupt FYS until after the engine begins to move. Interrupting the
throttle before the engine begins to move has no effect on the locomotive’s
operation.

16
E-33 Rectifier Operating Manual
Special Reverse Unit Options
Reverse Unit Lockout Operation
For operators who wish to lock their engine into a single direction,
Proto-Sound’s® unique design eliminates the need for a lock-out switch
on the locomotive. This will allow users to run the engine on layouts
equipped with block signals or stop stations that would normally cycle the
engine back into neutral. Note: The feature must be first turned on by
accessing RESET Feature 18 (See page 22).
Locking the Engine into Single Direction Operation
Cycle the transformer throttle so that your engine is operating in the
direction you wish to lock it in (forward, neutral or reverse). With the
throttle set to approximately 8 volts, press and hold the horn/whistle
button. While holding the horn/whistle button, turn the throttle OFF, and
then release the horn/whistle button. After 2 seconds, you will hear a short
whistle blast. IMMEDIATELY turn the throttle back on. The engine is
now locked, and will continue in the previous direction whenever power is
applied to the track.
Unlocking The Engine
With the throttle set to approximately 8 volts, press and hold the
horn/whistle button. While holding the horn/whistle button, turn the
throttle OFF, and then release the horn/whistle button. After three
seconds, a single bell will be heard indicating that the engine is unlocked.
When power is again applied, the engine will enter RESET and perform as
normal.
NOTE: When locking the engine in the Forward or Reverse positions, the
horn/whistle button will blow the horn/whistle. But when locking the
engine into the NEUTRAL position, the horn/whistle button may turn on or
off sounds of the bell. Remember, the horn/whistle doesn’t blow in
NEUTRAL (unless you programmed it to do so using Reset Feature 25 -
see page 20 for details), only the bell rings.

17
E-33 Rectifier Operating Manual
MANUALLY ADJUSTING THE PROTO-SOUND®
VOLUME
Your Proto-Sound® system has two types of volume adjustment. A manual
turn knob on the bottom of the chassis (See Fig. 4 below) allows you to
control all the sounds in the system and a remote control “RESET" option
(Option # 6) allows you to control the volume level of the engine sounds
remotely from the transformer. Turning the volume adjustment knob one
direction will increase the volume. Turning it the opposite directions will
lower the volume of all sounds: bell, horn, engine sounds, Cab Chatter, etc.
For information on operating the RESET volume adjustment option, see the
section entitled “Programming Proto-Sound® RESET Options” on the
following pages
Proto-Sound®
Volume Adjustment Knob
Figure 4: Adjusting The Proto-Sound® Volume

18
E-33 Rectifier Operating Manual
USING “RESET" TO PROGRAM
PROTO-SOUND®
Proto-Sound® is equipped with several programmable features which are
accessed in the RESET state by moving the transformer throttle up and
down between full voltage and low voltage (8 volts) without shutting the
transformer off completely. Each time this is done you advance, one
feature at a time, through the available options. An air-release sound is
heard each time the throttle is advanced and returned. In addition, there are
special sounds to tell you what RESET position you are in.
For example, if you want
to select Feature 2, put the
engine in RESET, and
move the throttle up and
down from full throttle to
low two times. After the
second advance, you will
hear two “clinks"
indicating that the computer is now in Feature 2. Advance the throttle again
and you will hear three “clinks" for Feature 3. Advance it two more times
and you will hear a “clank" indicating that you are now in Feature 5.
Advance the throttle two more times and you will hear a “clank" and two
“clinks" indicating Feature 7. ((5 throttle advancements = 1 clank) + (2
throttle advancements = 2 clinks)). “Clank” + “Clink" + “Clink" = Feature
7. You can advance the throttle as quickly as you like (though you may not
hear the air-release sounds) and the computer will still remember the
number of times the throttle is advanced by playing back the number of
“Clinks" and “Clanks" to confirm the feature you’ve selected.
In RESET Mode
Move The Throttle
Up & Down From
High Voltage To Low
2 Times
Advance The Throttle
Up & Down From
High Voltage To Low
4 More Times
Listen For The
2 Clink Sounds
Listen For 1 Clank
And 1 Clink Sounds

19
E-33 Rectifier Operating Manual
Remotely Adjusting The Engine Volume - Reset Feature 6-(1
Clank, 1 Clink)
Reset 6 allows you to
change the volume
setting of the motor
sounds without effecting
the volume of other
sounds, such as the
horn, bell, cab chatter,
etc. To use, cycle to
Reset Feature 6 and press the Horn/Whistle button. A single bell will play,
and the chuff will begin at the current volume. Each time the Horn/Whistle
button is pressed, a bell will sound and the volume setting will cycle down
to the next level. The levels available are 100%, 50%, 25%, and 0%. After
0%, pressing the horn/whistle button again will return the motor sounds to
100%. When the desired level is reached, lock the changes by interrupting
the throttle and cycling the engine into forward.
Programming For Squeaking Brake Operation- Reset Feature
45 (9 Clanks, 0 Clinks)
Reset Feature 45 allows
you to determine if and
how the Squeaking
Brakes recording will be
activated. To use, cycle to
Reset Feature 45 and
press the Horn/Whistle
button. The engine will
play a series of bells.
This indicates the current
setting. Each time the Horn/Whistle button is pressed, Proto-Sound® will
cycle to the next available setting and provide the appropriate bell indicator.
The settings for Reset Feature 45 are 1 Bell = On Demand (Enabled when
FYS is activated), 2 Bells = Always On, 3 Bells = Off. When the desired
setting is reached, lock the changes by interrupting the throttle and cycling
the engine into forward.
In RESET Mode
Move The Throttle
Up & Down From
HighVoltageToLow
6 Times
Listen For 1 Clank
And 1 Clink Sounds
Push The Horn/Whistle Button
Until You Reach The
Setting You Desire
Interrupt The Throttle
To“Lock-In”
The Volume Setting
H
In RESET Mode
MoveThe Throttle
Up & Down From
High Voltage To Low
45Times
Listen For 9 Clank
And 0 Clink Sounds
Push The Horn/Whistle Button
Until You Hear The
Appropriate # Of Dings
Interrupt The Throttle
To “Lock-In”
The Brake Setting
H

20
E8 Operating Manual
Programming For Horn In Neutral Operation- Reset Feature
25 (5 Clanks)
Reset Feature 25 allows you to operate the Horn while the engine is in the
Neutral state. When ON, pressing the Horn/Whistle button while in
Neutral, with 10V AC or less on the track, will cause the Horn recording to
sound. To use, cycle to Reset 25 and press the Horn/Whistle button. The
engine will play a series of bells. This indicates the current setting. Each
time the Horn/Whistle button is pressed, Proto-Sound® will cycle to the
next available setting and
provide the appropriate bell
indicator. The settings for
Reset 25 are 1 Bell = OFF, 2
Bells = ON. When the
desired setting is reached, lock
the changes by interrupting
the throttle and cycling the
engine into forward.
Programming For Proto-Coupler® Operation- Reset Feature 10
(2 Clanks)
Reset Feature 10 allows you to turn the operation of the ProtoCoupler on or
off. When OFF, the coupler will not arm or fire from Neutral. To use,
cycle to Reset Feature 10 and press the Horn/Whistle button. The engine
will play a series of bells. This indicates the current setting. Each time the
Horn/Whistle button is pressed, Proto-Sound® will cycle to the next
available setting and provide the appropriate bell indicator. The settings for
Reset Feature 10 are 1 Bell
= ON, 2 Bells = OFF.
When the desired setting is
reached, lock the changes
by interrupting the throttle
and cycling the engine into
forward.
In RESET Mode
MoveTheThrottle
Up & Down From
High Voltage To Low
25 Times
Listen For 5 Clank
And 0 Clink Sounds
Push The Horn/Whistle Button
Until You Hear
2 Bell Dings
Interrupt The Throttle
To “Lock-In”
The Horn Setting
H
In RESET Mode
Move The Throttle
Up & Down From
High Voltage To Low
10 Times
Listen For 2 Clank
And 0 Clink Sounds
Push The Horn/Whistle Button
Until You Hear
2 Bell Dings
Interrupt The Throttle
To “Lock-In”
The Coupler Setting
H