M.T.H. Premier H10 User manual

Premier H10 2-8-0 Consolidation
Steam Engine
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Compatibility
This Premier 2-8-0 Consolidation Steam Engine features a die-cast boiler and tender and
operates on O-42 track. This Premier Steam Engine contains state-of-the-art electronics
with many built-in automatic features for incredibly realistic operation. Despite these
advanced features, the locomotive is easy to operate on an O-42 layout with any
compatible standard AC transformer that is equipped with whistle and bell buttons (see
the compatibility chart on page 20), and is compatible with most other 3-rail locomotives,
rolling stock, and accessories.
This locomotive is equipped with Proto-Sound 2.0 with Digital Command System
(DCS). This new system will allow you to operate your locomotive in Command mode
(when used with the DCS Remote Control System, sold separately) or Conventional
mode. Conventional operating features are described in the following pages, while the
DCS operating features are covered in the set of operating instructions that accompanies
the DCS equipment. Conventional Mode operation of this locomotive is much simpler
than operation of original Proto-Sound engines. For your own safety and that of your
equipment, please read the instructions before you operate this engine.

Table of Contents
Set Up Checklist.................................................................................3
Basic Operation .................................................................................4
Throttle...................................................................................4
Operation Buttons..................................................................4
Manual Volume Control.........................................................4
Proto-Sound 2.0 Operating Instructions .........................................5
Activating Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional Mode Features....5
Freight Yard Sounds (FYS)....................................................6
Tips on Using FYS.................................................................7
Proto-Coupler® Operation.....................................................8
Speed Control.........................................................................8
Lock into a Direction..............................................................9
Reset to Factory Defaults ......................................................9
Automatic Sounds..................................................................9
Maintenance.......................................................................................10
ProtoSmoke Unit Operation...................................................10
Lubrication and Greasing Instructions...................................12
Traction Tire Replacement.....................................................13
Light Replacement Instructions.............................................14
Self-Charging Battery Back-Up.............................................16
Troubleshooting..................................................................................17
Compatibility......................................................................................19
Transformer Compatibility Chart....................................................20
Additional Features with DCS Remote Control System.................21
Safety Precautions..............................................................................23
Service and Warranty Information..................................................24
Premier H-10 2-8-0 Consolidation Steam Locomotive
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Set Up
There are a couple of simple steps you must take before operating this Premier steamer.
1. Although the engine was lubricated at the factory, you should lubricate all side rods,
linkage components and pickup rollers to prevent them from squeaking. Use light
household oil and follow the lubrication points marked “L” in Fig. 6 on pg. 12. Do not
over-oil. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point
2. Prime the operating smoke unit with smoke fluid before operating. Add 15-20 drops
of smoke fluid through the smokestack (see Fig. 3 on pg. 10), then gently blow into the
stack to eliminate any air bubbles in the fluid.
3. If you choose not to prime the unit with fluid, turn the smoke unit switch located under
the tender to the OFF position (see Fig. 4 on pg. 10). Running the engine without a
primed smoke unit may cause damage. See the “ProtoSmoke Unit Operation” section of
this book for more information on smoke unit maintenance.
4. Place the engine on the track, then insert the reverse unit plug that extends out of the
tender into the receptacle at the back of the boiler cab (Figure 1a). WARNING: DO NOT
CONNECT THIS ENGINE TOA TENDER FROMANOTHER ENGINE; IT MAY
CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE. Look at the bottom of the engine and tender where each
will have a color-coded stamp. If they match you may connect those two pieces; if not,
don’t.
5. Connect the draw bar between the engine and tender. The draw bar hole located
farthest from the tender is for applications such as display. The second hole is for normal
operation on the track.
At this point, you are ready to begin running your engine.
Figure 1a. Connect the Tender to the Engine
Premier H-10 2-8-0 Consolidation Steam Locomotive
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Basic Operation
Throttle – Throttle up the power to your track. Give about 10-14 volts or enough power
so that the engine’s headlight shines brightly. Then put the engine into motion by either
firmly pressing the Direction button on your transformer or remote once or dropping and
advancing the throttle to put the engine in forward. Operation Buttons
Use the operation buttons on your transformer or remote as described below.
Whistle/Horn- To sound the whistle, firmly press the Whistle/Horn button. The whistle
will sound for as long as you continue to depress the button. It will stop when you
release the button. The whistle has four different endings, depending on whether you
hold the button for less than three seconds, three seconds, four seconds, or five seconds
or longer.
Bell - To sound the 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.
Direction – Your train is programmed to start in neutral. The first direction after neutral
upon start-up is forward. Firmly press and release the Direction button to allow the
engine to move forward. Just as you must stop your automobile between forward and
reverse, this engine will not go directly from forward to reverse; it goes into neutral
between directions. If the train has been moving forward, the first press of the Direction
button will put the train from forward into neutral, the second press into reverse, the third
press back into neutral, and the fourth back into forward. To prevent accidental high-
speed start-ups, this engine is programmed to restart in neutral each time the track
voltage is turned off for 25 seconds or more.
Manual Volume Control – To adjust the volume of all sounds made by this engine, turn
the master volume control knob located under the tender clockwise to increase the
volume and counter-clockwise to decrease the volume (see Fig. 2).
Figure 2. Manually Adjusting the Proto-Sound 2.0 Volume
Premier H-10 2-8-0 Consolidation Steam Locomotive
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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 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 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.
Timing Chart
Total Time Lapse: 1 Seconds½
Press
Horn
Short &
Firm
½ Sec.
Pause
½ Sec.
Pause
Press
Bell
Short &
Firm
Press
Bell
Short &
Firm
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)
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Your engine is equipped with a sound package of passenger station announcements that
you can play when you pull into a station. 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 PSA/FYS sufficient
time to run through each sequence.
•To cue the sound system to play the PSA/FYS, quickly but firmly tap the Bell
button once followed by 2 quick taps of the Horn 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 PSA/FYS. 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 and Bell buttons until
the full PSA/FYS. sequence is complete.
•After waiting about 30 seconds for that sequence to run, press the Direction
button again to trigger the second sequence of PSA/FYS.
•After about 30 seconds, press the Direction button again to trigger the third
PSA/FYS sequence.
•Again, after allowing about 30 seconds for that sequence to run, press the
Direction button one more time to trigger the fourth and final PSA/FYS
sequence. The PSA/FYS will continue, and within a few seconds, the engine
and bell 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
buttons and can ring the bell or blow the Horn as usual.
Passenger StationAnnouncements (PSA)/
Freight Yard Sounds (FYS)
+
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
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11
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 p. 9) 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 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.
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 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.
Horn Horn
Fire
Rear
Coupler
=
Horn
Bell
Horn Horn
Fire
Front
Coupler
=
Horn Horn
Bell
Tips on Using PSA/FYS
•You can terminate PSA/FYS at any time by turning off power to the track for 15
seconds.
•You do not have to be in Forward to use PSA/FYS.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 PSA/FYS even 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
PSA/FYS. Otherwise, the engine without PSA/FYS will begin vibrating on the track
as its motors strain to move the train, since they cannot be automatically disabled
during the PSA cycle (or if an original Proto-Sound engine, PSA/FYS are triggered
differently and that engine's motor-disable feature will not be active when you run
PSA/FYS in Proto-Sound 2.0).
•PSA/FYS can be triggered from Neutral. It will operate the same as if triggered while
in motion except that, at the conclusion of the PSA/FYS, the engine will depart in the
next direction of travel, as opposed to the direction it was traveling before entering
Neutral.
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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 button one time then quickly tap the Bell button two times,
allowing approximately ½ second to lapse between each quick button press. Two horn
blasts will indicate that the engine has made the change. Repeat the 1 horn, 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
Speed Control
Horn
Place
Engine into
Neutral
Bell Bell
=
Speed Control
Two Horn Blasts
(indicates change is made)
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition
Locking Locomotive 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 button once followed by three quick taps of the Bell button, allowing
approximately ½ second to lapse between each quick button press. Two horn 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, 3 bells code to return the engine to its normal condition, even
if the engine is kept without power for extended periods of time.
Horn
Place
Engine into
Desired
Direction
Horn
Bell Bell Bell
=
Direction Lock
Two Horn Blasts
(indicates change is made)
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition
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Automatic Sound Effects
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 to Factory Default
To override the settings you currently have assigned to the engine and reset it to its
factory defaults, while in Neutral tap the Horn 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 blasts will indicate that the engine has made the change.
Reset
Two Horn Blasts
(indicates change is made)
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition
Horn
Place
Engine in
Neutral =
BellBellBellBellBell
Premier H-10 2-8-0 Consolidation Steam Locomotive
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Maintenance
ProtoSmoke® Unit Operation
This Premier steam locomotive contains a self-powered smoke unit that outputs smoke
through the smokestack 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
a harmless 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. 3). 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 the fluid (or have already added the fluid but choose to run
smoke-free), turn off the smoke unit switch located under the water hatch (see Fig. 4).
Failure either to add fluid to the unit or to turn it off may damage the smoke unit heating
element and/or wick 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.
Figure 3. Add Smoke Through the Smokestack
Figure 4. Smoke Unit On/Off Switch
Add Smoke Fluid
Premier H-10 2-8-0 Consolidation Steam Locomotive
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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. To remove the smoke unit you will first have to remove the boiler shell
(by removing the body mounting screws shown in Fig. 7a on pg. 12), board and bracket
that block the smoke unit assembly from being accessed. To do this, follow these
instructions:
1. Unplug the two wiring harnesses from the board mounted to the inside of the boiler
and behind the smoke unit.
2. Pry the board away from the bracket using a small screwdriver.
3. With the board free of the bracket, use a phillips head screwdriver to remove the
bracket from the inside of the boiler shell (see figure 5a).
4. Set the board and the bracket aside, unscrew the one screw holding the smoke unit
assembly from the boiler shell. Slide the smoke unit assembly all the way towards the
back of the boiler to free it. Once the unit is freed, remove the inspection cover (Fig. 5b).
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:
Figure 5a. Accessing the Smoke Unit Figure 5b. Inspecting the Smoke Unit
Remove Screw to Free Smoke Unit
Inspection Cover
Screws
Premier H-10 2-8-0 Consolidation Steam Locomotive
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Lubrication and Greasing Instructions
The engine should be well oiled and greased in order to run properly.
You should regularly lubricate all side rods, linkage components and pickup rollers to
prevent them from squeaking. Use light household oil and follow the lubrication points
marked “L” in Fig. 6. 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. To
access the gear box and axles, do the following:
1. Turn the engine upside down.
2. Remove the boiler by removing the body mounting screws shown in Fig. 7a
3. Remove the Phillips screw (marked “GREASE”) located at each set of wheels (Fig.
7a).
3. Use a grease tube dispenser to put a small amount (approx. 1-2 ml.) of lithium-based
grease into the gearbox and axles.
4. Replace the screws and reassemble the boiler.
You should also grease the leading and trailing locomotive truck tongues to enhance
their ability to slide on the chassis. Follow the grease points shown on Fig. 7
Figure 6.Lubrication Points on the Locomotive
Figure 7.Location of Body Mount Screws and Greasing Points on the Locomotive
Lubricate Side Rods and Linkage (L) (Both Sides)
Lubricate Pick Up Rollers
Lubricate Axle Bushings (L)
Grease Screws (G)
Body Mounting Screws
Grease Pivot Point
Premier H-10 2-8-0 Consolidation Steam Locomotive
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Periodically check the locomotive wheels and pickups for dirt buildup, which can cause
poor electrical contact and traction as well as prematurely wear out the neoprene traction
tires.
Traction Tire Replacement Instructions
Your locomotive is equipped with two neoprene rubber traction tires on the rear set of
flanged drivers. While these tires are extremely durable, you may need to replace them
at some point.
1. Remove the side rods from the wheels in order to slip the new tire over the grooved
drive wheel. Make sure to note the position of all rods before removing.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Make sure the tire is fully seated inside the groove. Use a razor blade to trim away
any excess tire that doesn’t seat itself inside the groove properly.
6. Reinstall the side rods in the same positions as noted. Failure to align rods may cause
binding or damage to the drive system.
One set of replacement tires is included with your model. Additional sets are available
directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department.
Premier H-10 2-8-0 Consolidation Steam Locomotive
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Light Replacement Instructions
The locomotive’s lights are controlled by a constant voltage circuit in the engine. They
are easy to remove and replace when they burn out. See the diagrams and directions
below for instructions on accessing and replacing the light bulbs in this locomotive.
You can obtain replacement bulbs directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department (phone:
410-381-2580; e-mail: [email protected]; mail: 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive,
Columbia MD 21046-1532).
Headlight
Remove the boiler from the chassis as shown in figure 7
on page 12. Once the boiler has been removed from the
chassis unplug the connector for the headlight.
Then remove the headlight shell from the front of the
boiler shell and pull the bulb from the headlight shell
and through to the inside of the boiler shell.
The 2 screws below the headlight shell attach the
headlight shell.
Thread the new bulb back through the hole in the boiler
and insert the bulb into the headlight shell. And replace
all items in the reverse order that they were removed.
When replacing the boiler shell back on the chassis be
careful not to pinch or cut and wires.
Firebox and Cab Interior Lights:
1. Remove the boiler from its chassis as shown
in Fig. 7a on pg. 12.
2. Unplug the black wires from their connector (see
figure 8b).
3. Remove the firebox light bulb by pulling it down and
out of its bracket. You may find it easier to unscrew the
bracket from the boiler before removing the bulb.
Replace the bulb by pushing it up and into the bracket.
You may need to use small pliers to do this.
4. Remove the cab interior light by pulling gently on the
wire until the bulb comes free of its housing. Push the
replacement bulb into position.
5. Reassemble in reverse order, being careful not to
pinch any wires.
Figure 8a. Replacing the
headlight.
Figure 8b. Firebox and
Cab Lights
Premier H-10 2-8-0 Consolidation Steam Locomotive
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Tender Light:
1. Remove the body from the chassis by removing the 6 screws shown in Fig. 9.
2. Unplug the wire from the connector.
3. Unscrew the bracket that houses the light bulb from inside the tender.
4. Gently pull the bulb to remove it and push the replacement bulb into place.
5. Reassemble in reverse order, being careful not to pinch any wires.
Figure 9. Screws to remove the tender shell
Tender Shell Screws Tender Shell Screws
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Self-Charging Battery Back-Up
The special NiCad 7-cell 8.4v 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 and the engine to move steadily) 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. A standard 9v alkaline
battery can be substituted until your replacement arrives, but since alkaline batteries
cannot be recharged, it will eventually wear down. Do NOT use a 6-cell 7.2v battery.
Figure 11. Replacing the Battery
Unhook Wires, Remove
and Replace Battery
Battery Port
Premier H-10 2-8-0 Consolidation Steam Locomotive
16

Starting Up
Horn
Bell
Remedy
Remedy
Remedy
When I first turn the power on, the engine
will not begin to run.
The engine will not start after I press the
Direction button.
My engine sounds are distorted and garbled.
I can't get the horn to blow when I press the
Horn button.
I can't get the bell to ring when I press the
bell button.
You may be pressing the button too quickly. Try
pressing the 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.
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. See
the "Basic Operation" section for more details.
You may not be sending enough power to the track
to power the engine. Rotate throttle clockwise to
increase track power.
The battery may have run down, especially if the
engine has been in storage for some time. See the
"Self-Charging Battery Back-Up" section of these
instructions for how to test, recharge, and (if
necessary) replace the battery.
Coupler Remedy
When I try to fire the coupler, PSA/FYS
starts.
The Proto-Coupler won't let the engine
uncouple on the fly.
The coupler does not fire or stay coupled.
The rear coupler does not fire, but coupler
sounds play.
You are waiting too long between Horn button
presses. See the timing instructions located at the
beginning of the "Proto-Sound 2.0 Operating
Instructions" section.
Try lubricating the coupler knuckle and rivet with
a dry graphite lubricant.
The coupler needs to be cleaned. Wipe with
denatured alcohol (not rubbing alcohol) and let
dry.
Check position of Auxiliary Proto-Coupler
Control Switch. Switch Should be in the “OFF”
position for the rear coupler to fire.
Cab Chatter Remedy
Sometimes the Cab Chatter sounds don't
play. Cab Chatter plays only in neutral at random
intervals.
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).
Troubleshooting Proto-Sound® 2.0 Problems
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Volume Remedy
The sounds seem distorted, especially when
the Horn or bell is activated.
No Sound
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.
Volume is set too low, adjust volume control knob
on the bottom of the chassis clockwise to increase
the volume or check connector to speaker.
Battery Remedy
The engine will not leave the initial neutral
setting.
I get no sounds when the engine shifts
between directions.
After I turn off my transformer, my engine
continues to make sounds before quitting.
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 to allow for a more realistic shut-
down.
Lock-out Remedy
I can't get the engine to run after I power up
the transformer. It sits still with the diesel
and compressor sounds running.
The engine won't lock into forward, neutral,
or reverse.
The engine maybe locked into the neutral
position. Follow the procedure in the "Lock into a
Direction" section to unlock the engine's direction.
Engine speed must be below 10 scale mph
(approx. 10 volts or less in conventional mode).
PSA/FYS Remedy
Once in PSA/FYS, the engine doesn’t go
into reverse.
When the PSA/FYS enters its last sequence
the bell automatically comes on
When PSA/FYS is enabled, pressing the
whistle and bell 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 PSA/FYS
after fourth press of the direction button.
So that PSA/FYS effects can be as realistic
as possible, Proto-Sound 2.0 disables the
reversing unit whenever PSA/FYS is
enabled. This way the engine remains still at
its stop as the operator cycles through the
PSA/FYS sequences.
PSA/FYS is programmed to start ringing the
bell at that point. After approximately 12
seconds, it will automatically turn off.
Because PSA/FYS must control various
effects in each sequence, Proto-Sound 2.0
takes control of these sound effects until you
exit PSA/FYS
Each PSA/FYS clip must play for aprox. 30
seconds before PSA/FYS will advance to the
next step in the PSA/FYS cycle. Wait at
least 30 seconds in each PSA/FYS sound
clip before pressing the direction button.
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Proto-Sound 2.0 is designed to work with most standard AC transformers. The chart
below lists the many compatible transformers. Note that many of the operational
commands described in these instructions require a bell button, so if your transformer
does not have its own bell button, you should consider adding one to get the full benefit
of the system. In addition, the chart details how the terminals on these transformers
should be attached to your layout.
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart
Transformer
Model Center Rail Outside Rail Min/Max. Voltage
Power
Rating
Transformer
Type
Lionel 1032 U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel 1032M U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel 1033 U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel 1043 U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel 1043M U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel 1044 U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel 1053 U A 8-17v 60-Watt Standard
Lionel 1063 U A 8-17v 60-Watt Standard
All-Trol Left Terminal Right Terminal 0-24v 300-Watt Electronic
Dallee Hostler Left Terminal Right Terminal Electronic
Lionel LW A U 8-18v 75-Watt Standard
Lionel KW A or B U 6-20v 190-Watt Standard
Lionel MW Outside Track
Terminal
Inside Track
Terminal 5-16v 50V.A. Electronic
Lionel RS-1 Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-18v 50V.A. Electronic
Electronic
Lionel RW U A 9-19v 110-Watt Standard
Lionel SW U A Unknown 130-Watt Standard
Lionel TW U A 8-18v 175-Watt Standard
Lionel ZW
Lionel Post-War
Celebration
Series ZW
A,B,C or D
A,B,C or D
U
Common
8-20v
0-20v
275-Watt
135/190 Watt
Standard
MTH Z-500 Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-18v 50-Watt Electronic
MTH Z-750 Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-21v 75-Watt Electronic
MTH Z-4000 Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-22v 390-Watt Electronic
MTH Z-1000 Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-14v
0-18v
80-Watt
100-Watt Electronic
*Conventional Mode Only
Premier H-10 2-8-0 Consolidation Steam Locomotive
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While conventional mode operation of a Proto-Sound 2.0 engine yields wonderfully
realistic sound and several train control features, command mode operation allows the
user to access a world of command functions never before accessible to O Gauge
railroaders. With the addition of the DCS Remote Control System (including a DCS
remote handheld and Track Interface Unit) users gain many advanced features,
including:
•DCS Proto-Speed Control - Establishes desired locomotive speed in scale
miles per hour increments via a thumbwheel control and allows operator to set
maximum speed and acceleration/deceleration rates
•ProtoSmoke® Variable Output Control - Controls how much smoke each
engine outputs and matches smoke to locomotive speed
•Locomotive Lighting Control - Controls locomotive headlights, marker and
interior lights, beacon lights, ditch lights, and MARS lights
•Emergency Stop-Single button push stops all Proto-Sound 2.0 trains but does
not turn off the power
•One Touch Global Mute/UnMute-Single button mutes or unmutes all DCS-
controlled locomotives' user-defined actions, including sound, lights, and
smoke
•Proto-Dispatch Operation-Public Address-like feature allows users to speak
through locomotive speaker during operation
•Proto-Cast-Allows users to play audio recordings through locomotive
speaker during operation
•Proto-Doppler Sound Effects Set Up-Users can configure locomotive for
Doppler Operation, including setting distance points for Doppler start, repeat,
and stop modes
•Independent Volume Control of Engine Sounds, Bell, Horn & Whistle for
each Locomotive
•Control up to 50 different DCS-Equipped Locomotives at one time with
multiple TIUs
•Proto-Effects™ Set Up-User can select individual Proto-Effects™ operations
to be active or inactive, including cab chatter, train wreck sounds, coupler
sounds, and wheel clickety-clack sounds
•Direction Control Set Up-User can set initial individual start-up direction
( start in forward or reverse) for double-heading operations
•Locomotive Consist Set-up-User can determine locomotive values for
consist make-ups, allowing multiple locomotives belonging to a consist to
operate together
Additional Features Accessible With The DCS
Remote Control System (Additional equipment required)
Premier H-10 2-8-0 Consolidation Steam Locomotive
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