MTHTrains Dash-9 Quick start guide

M.T.H. HO Dash-9
Diesel Engine
Congratulations! You've just purchased the most
feature-rich and technically advanced HO diesel
locomotive ever produced! This highly detailed
model includes a broader range of features than you’ll
find on any other HO scale diesel, including smooth
performance from a three-scale-mile-per-hour crawl
to full throttle; “cruise control” for steady speeds
regardless of curves, switches and grades; built-in
decoders for DCC and the M.T.H. Digital Command
System (DCS); and a full range of prototypical
sounds. If you’re looking for motive power that’s
accurately detailed, smooth running, and a great deal
of fun to operate, it doesn’t get any better than this.
Operates on 18” radius curves with Code 70, Code 83
or Code 100 rails.
PLEASE READ THE MANUAL BEFORE USE AND SAVE
WWW.MTHHOTRAINS.COM
(PS3)
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Engineer's Guide
PFA
Passenger/Freight
Announcements
Troubleshooting
section revised on
1/13/15 (formatting,
not information)

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.
©2014, M.T.H. Electric Trains®, Columbia, MD 21046
CAUTION: ELECTRICALLY OPERATED PRODUCT:
WARNING: When using electrical products, basic safety precautions should be observed, including the following:
Read this manual thoroughly before using this device.
- M.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.
- Do not operate your layout unattended. Obstructed accessories or stalled trains may overheat, resulting in damage
to your layout.
- This train set is intended for indoor use. Do not use if water is present. Serious injury or fatality may result.
- Do not operate the hobby transformer with damaged cord, plug, switches, buttons or case.
Recommended for Ages 14 and up. Not recommended for children under 14 years of age without adult
supervision. As with all electric products, precautions should be observed during handling and use to
prevent electric shock.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
UNPACKING YOUR ENGINE ...............................................................4
Removing and Unwrapping Your Engine.........................................................4
What Else is in the Box?......................................................................................4
PRODUCT OVERVIEW...........................................................................5
Getting to Know Your Engine ...........................................................................5
Engine Diagram ....................................................................................................7
SET-UP ......................................................................................................8
Coupler Installation ..............................................................................................8
Snow Plow Installation.........................................................................................9
Lubrication.............................................................................................................9
MODES OF OPERATION.......................................................................10
FEATURES AND OPERATION .............................................................11
Analog DC (standard DC power pack) .............................................................11
DCS Digital Command System ..........................................................................13
15
F-Function Table .................................................................................................20
23
23
31
SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................32
CARE AND MAINTENANCE ................................................................33
Troubleshooting Guide........................................................................................33
HOW TO ORDER PARTS........................................................................38
SERVICE & WARRANTY INFORMATION.........................................39
DCC DIGITAL COMMAND CONTROL................................................
Advanced DCC Operation..................................................................................
Configuration Variables .......................................................................................
Advanced Consisting............................................................................................27
Programming Track..............................................................................................
Service & Warranty Information........................................................................39
Limited One-Year Warranty ................................................................................39
Rev: _80dl18109i_HO Dash-9 Ps3 1/14/15

QUICK START GUIDE
Of course, you should read your manual over before running your engine. But if
you just can’t wait, choose which control method that you use from the list below.
Follow the steps outlined in your section, run your engine and enjoy! Now, after a
few minutes, shut down the engine and read through your engineer’s guide.
I USE A REGULAR DC SUPPLY…
Step 1: Unpack your Engine. (refer to unpacking instruction on pg 4)…
Step 2: Set the engine on the track
Step 3: Apply 6-8VDC voltage until she starts up and then increase to pull out.
I'M A DCC OPERATOR….
Step 1: Unpack your Engine. (refer to unpacking instructions on pg 4)…
Step 2: Set the engine on the track …
Step 3: Power up your DCC system…
Step 4: Select engine address 3 and press “F3” to start her up…
Step 5: Turn the throttle and head on down the pike…
I RUN DCS….
Step 1: Unpack your Engine. (refer to unpacking instructions on pg 4)…
Step 2: Set the engine on the track …
Step 3: Power up your DCS system…
Step 4: Add the engine to your system and start her up…
Step 5: Turn the throttle and move out….
CAUTION: M.T.H. HO engines DO NOT OPERATE ON AC VOLTAGE.
Applying AC power to your locomotive could cause permanent damage and will
void your warranty.
Please note, when making setting changes in DCS or DCC, such as address, please
wait a minimum of 5 seconds after removing power to insure the settings are
stored in the engines memory. Reapplying power in less than 5 seconds may result
in losing the setting changes.
M.T.H. HO Dash-9 Diesel Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
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UNPACKING YOUR ENGINE
Removing and Unwrapping Your Engine
Carefully remove and unwrap the model on a soft surface. By nature, models with
high levels of detail have some small fragile parts.
Carefully remove any foam packing pieces that may be surrounding the model.
What Else is in the Box?
The following items are packed with your engine.
Engineer’s Guide
Mechanical Kadee-Compatible Couplers with mounting hardware
Snow Plow
M.T.H. HO Dash-9 Diesel Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
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PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Getting to Know Your M.T.H. HO Locomotive
Key Features
Your new HO Diesel Engine is equipped with the exclusive M.T.H. Proto-Sound®
3.0 digital sound and control system. In plain English, this means your locomotive
contains state-of-the-art electronics providing realistic digital sounds, precisely
controlled speed in increments of 1 scale mile per hour, and much, much, more.
Compatibility
The Proto-Sound 3 system is universally compatible with track power and/or signal
combinations including analog DC (regular DC power pack), DCC (NMRA Digital
Command Control), or DCS (MTH Digital Command System). Simply set your
Engine on the rails, apply any one of these power/signal sources, and move out!
The Proto-Sound 3.0 system automatically senses the track environment and adapts
accordingly. No hidden jumpers, switches, magic wands, or programming required!
A vast array of realistic operation is automatic when the Engine is run on analog
DC. You can expand access to features in a DCC environment. Experience the
most your new locomotive has to offer in the simple to use yet powerful world of
DCS. To be clear, DCS is NOT a proprietary version of DCC, as some other
manufacturers offer. DCS is a comprehensive layout control system
designed with one primary goal: make model trains do amazingly realistic
things using a simple and intuitive controller. We put the complexity on the
inside, and the fun in your hands!
Digital Sound
Your Proto-Sound 3 (PS 3) equipped engine contains over 100 individual
recordings. These recordings are played back dynamically at appropriate times to
create a symphony of realism for your ears. Hear the diesel roar automatically
intensify or lighten when speeding up or slowing down, listen to the sounds of
brakes squeaking and squealing as you come to a stop, or enjoy the random
conversations of railmen working as your model sits at idle. It's all there and it's
incredible.
Your HO diesel includes built-in realistic horn sound effects, including forward
(two blasts) and reverse (three blasts) signaling and crossing signal sounds, all
available with one-touch control from a DCS controller or through any DCC
controller capable of accessing up to F28.
M.T.H. HO Dash-9 Diesel Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
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Digital Control
In standard analog DC mode, your model still operates under digital control.
The PS 3 advance speed control system converts track voltage into digital speed
commands. Your model will run smoothly and consistently at any speed regardless
of load, hills, or curves. If you are a DCC user, you'll quickly learn to appreciate
the precision of our speed control and linear speed curve. DCS users will enjoy
the added benefits of controlling speeds in increments of 1 scale mile per hour
displayed on DCS controllers or easily changing acceleration and deceleration rates
independently without any discussion of bits or bytes. To be clear, DCS is NOT
DCC.
Lights
As you read on, you’ll notice there are no instructions for replacing light bulbs in
your diesel. That's because there aren’t any. We use specially designed and
controlled LEDs to create realistic lighting effects that occur automatically.
Again, NO PROGRAMMING! Just come to a stop and watch as the headlight
dims automatically in accordance with rule 17. Of course, as you pull away,
the headlight returns to it’s fully bright, yet warm, glow.
More…
In analog DC operation, just flip the track polarity or direction switch at any speed
and watch your Engine gradually come to stop, turn on the appropriate directional
lighting, and smoothly accelerate back up to speed. No other HO locomotive has
features like these. There are so many more things to learn and enjoy about M.T.H.
HO Engines, we could write a book. But, that's no fun. So, if you haven't already
done so, flip to the Quick Start Guide and let's run your new engine!!
M.T.H. HO Dash-9 Diesel Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
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ENGINE DIAGRAM
Locomotive
M.T.H. HO Dash-9 Diesel Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
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Control Hatch
Controls
Volume pot
To remove the Control Hatch,
gently pull it outward and lift it off
from the side.
Includes Remotely Activated
Proto-Coupler™ and
interchangeable magnetic
coupler, both Kadee®
Compatible
All wheels Powered
Detailed Horn
Metal See-Through Fan Vents

Installing Couplers
Your locomotive comes equipped with remotely controllable scale proportioned
operating Proto-Couplers that can be triggered from any DCC controller or the
M.T.H. DCS Digital Command System. Both the front and rear couplers can be
individually triggered. These couplers will not work in conventional operation with
magnetic arms.
For those who prefer standard mechanical couplers, we've also included a pair
inside your locomotive's box. Follow the steps below to remove the remote control
couplers and install the mechanical couplers in their place.
Removing The Remote Control Proto-Coupler From The Chassis
SET-UP
M.T.H. HO Dash-9 Diesel Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
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Pull Coupler Mechanism Out Through Pilot Hole
Installing The Mechanical Couplers
If you prefer the mechanical couplers over the remote control Proto-Coupler,
remove the Proto-Couplers by following the steps detailed above and then install
the included mechanical couplers or any other Kadee-compatible couplers by
following the steps below.
Identify & Remove the 2 Mounting Screws Pull off Cover Plate
Spacer Screws
Coupler
Pocket
Cover
Cover Plate Coupler Pocket Coupler

Lubrication
Using light machine or household oil, apply a very small amount to all axles points
as shown.
Your gearbox is properly greased at the factory and probably never needs service,
however, if you run excessive hours pulling heavy loads, it's a good idea to remove
the gearbox cover and re-grease using M.T.H. gear grease or equivalent.
M.T.H. HO Dash-9 Diesel Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
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Lubricate Axles (L)
S E T- U P
Lubricate Axles (L)
Assembled Coupler
(Shown Right Side UP)
Line up Coupler Pocket with
Mounting Holes on Spacer
Apply the Cover Plate and 2 Screws from the
Mechanical Coupler Part Bag and Tighten In Place
Align Spacer with
Mounting Hole
Insert Coupler into Pilot
at an Angle
Insert Coupler Into Pilot
(Shown Upside DOWN)
Installing the Snow Plow
Slide the Snow Plow Up Through The Air Hoses
And Press The Tabs Into The Holes
Completed Snow Plow Installation
Mounting
Holes

Modes of Operation
There are 3 modes of operation with different levels of features accessible in each.
We refer to them as Analog DC, DCS and DCC. Here’s a brief explanation before
we get into the features of each mode.
Analog DC
This is when there is nothing connected to the rails except a conventional DC
power pack. These power packs generally have at least one variable output
controlled by a throttle of some sort and a means of reversing DC polarity on
the track to change the direction of your engine.
DCS or Digital Control System
While the acronyms are close, this is about where the similarities between DCS
and DCC end. Yes, they are both digital control systems, however, M.T.H. DCS is
NOT DCC. There are several proprietary versions of DCC on the market, but this
is NOT one of them. M.T.H.’s DCS system is proven technology in the O and One
gauge markets and now, we’ve brought its power and simplicity it to you.
First, the power signal in DCS is NOT the command signal. Next, DCS employs
a fully functional bi-directional communication scheme opening a vast range of
advanced features and yet, is so simple and intuitive, you can enjoy them! No
programming tracks, bits and bytes, or conversion of binary to hexadecimal
numbers here! To add an engine in DCS, just press “ADD ENGINE.” After that,
If you want to start your engine, just press “START UP” or, to turn the sound on
or off, just press “SOUND.” No combinations of letters or numbers to remember!
We think you’re really going to like this!
Please note, when making setting changes in DCS or DCC, such as address, please
wait a minimum of 5 Seconds after removing power to ensure the settings are
stored in the engines memory. Reapplying power in less than 5 seconds may result
in losing the setting changes.
DCC or Digital Command Control
DCC is a popular digital command control scheme wherein the track power is also
a digital control signal. That is, using a DCC controller, you can communicate with
multiple engines and have them all moving at different speeds or moving in
opposite directions on the same track at the same time. The power/command
signal remains constant and engines are “commanded” to perform as desired.
M.T.H. is new to DCC but, we recognize it’s importance to many HO operators.
So, we loaded our engine with more DCC features easily accessible to the operator
than any HO engine ever built previously. You DCC guys are in for a real treat!
M.T.H. HO Dash-9 Diesel Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
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