MTHTrains Premier EF-3 Electric Engine User manual

Compatibility
This engine will operate on any
traditional O-Gauge track system,
including M.T.H.’s RealTrax® or
ScaleTrax™ or traditional tubular track
with O-72 curves. It is also compatible
with most standard AC transformers
and DC power packs.
See page 49 and 50 for a complete list
of compatible transformers, power
packs, and wiring instructions.
Premier EF-3
Electric Engine
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
3
PFA
Passenger/Freight
Announcements
PLEASE READ BEFORE USE AND SAVE
www.mthtrains.com

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.
©2017, M.T.H. Electric Trains®, Columbia, MD 21046
Table of Contents
Before You Begin.....................................................................................3
Set Up Checklist......................................................................................3
Lubrication....................................................................................3
Pantographs ...................................................................................3
Automatic Operating Pantographs................................................................4
PS 3.0 Enhancements .................................................................................8
Conventional AC/DC Start-up/Shut-down........................................................8
LED Lighting..................................................................................8
Programming Track (for DCC operation)..........................................................9
Loading Engine Firmware.......................................................................9
Modes of Operation..................................................................................10
Conventional AC Operation .....................................................................10
®
Proto-Sound 3.0 Conventional AC Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
®
Activating Proto-Sound 3.0 Conventional AC Mode Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Manual Volume Control...................................................................12
PFA....................................................................................13
Proto-Coupler™ Operation ...............................................................14
Speed Control ...........................................................................15
Locking Locomotive Into A Direction......................................................15
Reset To Factory Default..................................................................16
Automatic Sound Effects..................................................................16
Conventional DC Operation.....................................................................17
DCS - Digital Command System .................................................................17
DCC - Digital Command Control ................................................................18
Basic DCC Operation.....................................................................18
Start up / Shut Down.....................................................................18
Sounds..................................................................................19
Lights...................................................................................19
Master Volume ..........................................................................20
Couplers................................................................................20
Forward/Reverse Signal...................................................................20
Grade Crossing Signal ....................................................................20
Auto/Manual Pantograph Operation .......................................................21
Engine Sounds...........................................................................21
Additional F Functions ...................................................................21
Function Chart ..........................................................................23
CV29...................................................................................24
Long and Short Addressing................................................................24
Feature/Factory Resetting.................................................................25
Lost or Unknown Engine Address and the 55-55-55 Address Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
M.T.H. Proto-Sound 3.0 Expanded DCC Functionality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Advanced DCC Operation ................................................................27
Configuration Variables...................................................................27
User Settable F-Function List..............................................................29
CV Programming – Marklin 6021 Controller.................................................31
Custom Speed Tables.....................................................................34
Advanced Consisting .....................................................................34
Programming Track ......................................................................37
Maintenance .........................................................................................38
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions.............................................................38
Cleaning The Wheels, Tires, and Track ............................................................39
Traction Tire Replacement Instructions ...........................................................40
Headlight Replacement..........................................................................40
®
Troubleshooting Proto-Sound 3.0 Problems.............................................................41
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart.............................................................49
DC Power Supply Chart...............................................................................50
Additional Features Accessible Of DCS Remote Control System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Service & Warranty Information........................................................................52
Limited One-Year Warranty .....................................................................52
Conventional Mode.............................................................................4
Command Mode - Automatic Operation ..........................................................5
Command Mode - Manual Operation .............................................................5
Softkey Operation for Operating Pantograph Engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Configuring for A-B-A and A-B-B-A Consists......................................................6
DCS/DCC Switch..............................................................................7
Rev: __EF-3 Electric Ps3 2017 7/27/17
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 forconditions 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.

DO NOT
OVER OIL
DO NOT
OVER OIL
Figure: Lubrication Points on the Locomotive
Figure: Pantograph
Pantograph On-Off Switch
Lubricate Wheel Axles (L)
Unlatch before
power is applied
Figure: Pantograph On-Off Switch
Lubrication
You should lubricate the engine to prevent it from squeaking. Use light
household oil and follow the lubrication points marked “L” in the figure
below. Do not over-oil. Use only a drop on each pivot point.
Premier EF-3 Electric Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
Lubricate Pickup Rollers (L)
Lubricate Wheel Axles (L) Lubricate Wheel Axles (L)
Before You Begin
By visiting the M.T.H. website, www.mthtrains.com, you will be able to view any
additional manual updates that affect your engine. Enter the MTH Item number of the
engine you want to check and select the manual icon to download or view it. You will
need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the manual.
bia MD 21046-1532.
You can obtain replacement parts and replacement instructions from the
M.T.H. Parts Department. Order online: www.mthtrains.com,
e-mail: [e-mail], Fax: [phone], Phone: [phone],
Mail: 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Colum
Set Up Checklist
• Lubricate Engine
• Read all General Maintenance Instructions
• Apply power to run as described in the Modes of Operation section
Pantographs
The pantograph selection switch is located on the undercarriage underneath one of the
engine’s trucks.
3

Automatic Operating Pantographs
Your MTH electric type engine is equipped with Automatic Operating Pantographs.
The Automatic Operating Pantographs must be unlatched Panto switch in the ON
position in order to operate. To unlatch the pantographs, hold the base of the
pantograph and gently pull up on the contact slider. The Panto switch is located
between the truck and must be in the ON position. See the figure below.
The rear pantograph should open to its full height. The front pantograph should rise
slightly to unlatch, but remain collapsed.
Power Selection
The Automatic Operating
Pantographs can be used to obtain
power from an overhead catenary
system. In order to obtain power
from an operating overhead
catenary move the Track/Panto
selector switch from the track
position to the Panto position as
shown in the figure.
To insure good conductivity of the
pantograph, the blackening on the
top of the contact slide should be
removed. This can be
accomplished by running the
engine while using the pickup
rollers with the pantographs
or by using a track cleaning
pad.
raised
and rubbing against the catenary
wire,
Conventional Mode
When power is applied in conventional mode the pantographs will go through an
orientation check. This will make sure that the rear pantograph is raised and the front
pantograph is lowered.
When the direction of the locomotive is reversed the front pantograph will rise, then
the rear pantograph will lower. This is to insure that at least one of the pantographs is
in contact with the catenary at all times. This action takes place in the neutral state.
When the engine is moving, the trailing pantograph on the engine should be up and the
leading pantograph should be down.
The pantographs will alternately rise and lower with each direction change of the
locomotive.
Premier EF-3 Electric Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
Figure: Pantograph/Track Position Switch
Pantograph/Track
Position Switch
Pantograph
On-Off Switch
4

Command Mode - Automatic Operation
The pantographs can be operated automatically or manually when using the M.T.H.
DCS Digital Command System or DCC. The START UP function must be initiated for
the pantographs to operate in command mode. After the startup function has
completed, the pantographs will go through an orientation check. This will make sure
that the rear pantograph is raised and the front pantograph is lowered.
When the direction of the locomotive is reversed the front pantograph will rise, then
the rear pantograph will lower. This is to insure that at least one of the pantographs is
in contact with the catenary at all times.
Every time the direction button is pushed, the pantographs will alternately rise and lower.
DCS Command Mode - Manual Operation
Using the DCS handheld, each pantograph can be raised and lowered individually by
pressing appropriate softkeys (buttons S1 through S5).
Softkey Operation for Operating Pantograph Engines
The new softkeys displayed when an operating pantograph engine is loaded into the
remote are as follows (requires Remote code version 3.10 or higher):
MOP (Menu Operating Pantograph) – This brings up auto/manual pantograph
operating screen.
MAN – This selects Manual mode for operating the pantographs. (See the F and R
Commands below)
AUTO – This selects auto mode for operating the pantographs (See Command Mode -
Automatic Operation at the top of this page)
Fñ – Commands the front pantograph up. If it’s already up this button will not do
anything
Fò – Commands the front pantograph down. If it’s already down this button will not
do anything
Rñ – Commands the rear pantograph up. If it’s already up this button will not do
anything
Rò – Commands the rear pantograph down. If it’s already up this button will not do
anything
AUTO – This commands the pantographs to run in Automatic mode. In this mode the
pantographs will operate based on the direction the engine is running. Every Direction
button press on the DCS remote handheld or an AC transformer will cause the
pantographs to change their orientation. NOTE – The default operation of the
operating pantographs is Auto mode. Also, the default orientation of the pantographs is
that when the engine is in the forward direction the rear pantograph is up and the front
one is down.
Premier EF-3 Electric Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
5

IMPORTANT: Ensure your pantographs are NOT locked down like they would be for
shipment prior to pantograph operation.
Manual operation using DCS requires DCS Software Version 3.1 or later which can be
downloaded for free from www.mthtrains.com. DCS systems using software versions
3.0 or earlier will only have automatic pantograph operation when running under DCS
command mode.
If you are using the pantographs for picking up power from an operating overhead
centenary system in lieu of track power through the center rail pickup rollers, be sure
that at least one of the pantographs is in contact with the catenary at all times. If both
pantographs lose contact with the overhead catenary, the engine will lose power and not
operate until one of the pantographs remakes contact with the catenary or the selector
switch is moved back to the track position.
Premier EF-3 Electric Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
Configuring for A-B-A and A-B-B-A Consists
The A Unit locomotives are pre-wired at the factory as Leading and Trailing A Units.
Please refer to the labels on the ends of the boxes and the labels included on the plastic
packaging wrap to identify each locomotive.
Conventional Operation
Put the locomotives on the track in either an A-B-A or A-B-B-A consists with the
Leading A Unit in the front and the Trailing A Unit in the rear. Operate the models as
described in either the Conventional AC Operation or Conventional DC Operating
sections of this manual.
NOTE: In Conventional Operation it is possible for the locomotives to get out of
sequence. When this happens power the locomotives down, wait a few seconds and
then power them back up again to put the locomotives in sequence again. To avoid the
locomotives from coming out of sequence, be sure to use smooth positive motions of
the transformer hand or direction button presses of more than 0.5 seconds but no
more than 1.0 second. If the locomotives keep coming out of sequence during
direction changes try increasing the time the direction button is depressed but avoid
going over 1 second.
DCS and DCC Operation
Put the locomotives on the track in either an A-B-A or A-B-B-A consists with the
Leading A Unit in the front and the Trailing A Unit in the rear. Please refer to the DCS
and DCC owner’s manuals for creating a Lash-up and create a Lash-up for your
locomotive. Operate the models as described in either the DCS or DCC sections of this
manual.
NOTE: Because the Trailing A Unit is pre-wired at the factory as a Trailing Unit be sure
to select FORWARD when selecting which direction the Trailing A Unit locomotive is
facing for the DCS Lash-up.
6

DCS/DCC Switch
Your MTH PS3.0-equipped engine has a
DCS/DCC selector switch. To operate the
engine in DCS mode, ensure the switch is set
to DCS. If you wish to run the engine in
DCC mode, ensure the switch is set to DCC.
If you inadvertently leave the switch in DCC
it won’t hurt anything, you just won’t be able
to communicate with your engine using DCS
system. Likewise, if you leave the switch in
DCS and try to operate the engine under
DCC you may notice a humming coming
from your engine and you will likely notice
that your DCC system’s overload light will be
on.
CAUTION: Do not apply DCS signals and DCC signals to the same track
simultaneously. The signals are not compatible, mixing the DCS and DCC signals WILL
damage the DCS TIU unit.
Figure: Changing from DCS to DCC Mode
DCS/DCC Switch
7
Premier EF-3 Electric Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0

Premier EF-3 Electric Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
PS 3.0 Enhancements
®
Here are some of the exciting changes incorporated into your new MTH Proto-Sound
3.0 Locomotives. More advanced features such as Custom Speed Tables and Advanced
Consisting can be found in the DCC section of this manual.
®
There are 4 options for operating your MTH Proto-Sound 3.0-equipped engine:
• Conventional AC
• Conventional DC
• DCS - MTH Digital Command System
• DCC - Digital Command Control
When the locomotive is placed on the track and power is applied to the track the
locomotive will detect the type of control system being used and respond accordingly.
NOTE: You’ll need to have the DCC/DCS switch set correctly if you’re using one of
those two modes.
Conventional (Analog) AC/DC Start-up/Shut-down
Your new MTH PS3.0-equipped locomotive no longer has batteries. It uses Super
Capacitors to hold the engine board alive for a short time when you shut off or
interrupt track power. Because of this, when you first apply track power to your PS3.0-
equipped O Gauge engine, you will notice the headlight comes on but nothing else. This
is perfectly normal. The capacitors are charging up during this time. The wait time
depends upon how long it’s been since you last applied power to the engine. Typically it
will take 1-15 seconds to fully charge. NOTE: The 1-15 second charging wait time
ONLY applies to conventional AC track power.
Once the headlight shuts off, the engine will play its start-up sounds and all the lights
will come back on, simultaneously. Smoke too if you have it turned on.
The capacitors hold enough charge to play the full shut-down sounds. Also, the
capacitors allow you to operate your engine in conventional mode just like you would
any other conventionally-controlled engine. Finally, because there are no batteries, you
will notice there is no external charge jack on the engine.
LED Lighting
Gone are the incandescent bulbs. Your new PS3.0-equipped engine has LED lighting.
MTH uses various colored LEDs to simulate the correct lighting on your engines from
the warm, yellow-orange colored light coming out of an old lantern on your favorite
steam engine to the high-intensity halogen lamp on the latest modern diesels, LED's
allow for various, correct colors. Also, they require less power and do not emit as much
heat as incandescent bulbs.
8

Premier EF-3 Electric Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
Programming Track (for DCC operation)
Your MTH Proto-Sound 3.0-equipped locomotive does not program well on
Programming tracks due to the inclusion of super capacitors utilized in the locomotive's
electronic package. The super capacitors provide backup power to the electronics,
allowing the locomotive to better negotiate track sections suffering from poor electrical
conductivity. This ensures that sounds continue to play, the locomotive continues to
move forward and lighting remains lit. During power shutdowns, the super capacitors
provide power to allow the locomotive shutdown sounds to continue playing through
their conclusion. Unfortunately, the super capacitors require that operators ONLY
program engine CV’s using Programming on the Main (PoM).
Loading Engine Firmware
Your new MTH PS3.0-equipped O-Gauge engine affords you the ability to load Engine
firmware. Loader version 2.30 or later will allow you to do this. Please refer to the
Loader program’s instructions for more details. So, as MTH releases new features or
updates you will be able to take full advantage without having to ship your favorite
engine anywhere. All new updates are available on our website. MTH will make
announcements as they are available. Not all updates will apply to all engines.
NOTE: Requires a TIU w/version 4.20 or later firmware, and requires Consumer
Loader version 2.30 or later.
9

Premier EF-3 Electric Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
Modes of Operation
The following pages have detailed descriptions of the 4 different modes of operation:
• Conventional AC
• Conventional DC
• DCS - MTH Digital Command System
• DCC - Digital Command Control
Conventional AC Operation
When using conventional AC power, the engine will respond to changes in track
voltage. An increase in track voltage will increase the locomotive speed and a reduction
in track voltage will reduce the engine speed.
A short interruption (approximately 1 to 2 seconds) in the track voltage will cause the
engine to cycle in the sequence for each track voltage interruption (neutral – forward –
neutral – reverse). When power is first applied to the track, the locomotive will be silent
for 1-20 seconds and the headlight will be on, indicating the super capacitors are
charging. The super capacitors provide power to the sound system during direction
changes or intermittent drops in track power due to dirty track or on switches, when
operating in conventional mode. When the super capacitors are charged, all the lights
will come on and the engine sounds will start up. There should be no movement, as the
engine is in neutral. Causing a short interruption of track power by using the direction
button on the transformer, or by bringing the throttle to 0 volts and back again, will
change the sequence to the forward state. Then increasing the throttle will begin to
move the engine forward, and speed will increase as the throttle is advanced.
If there is another interruption in track power the sequence will change to the neutral
position again. The engine will remain in the neutral state until there is another
interruption in track power. The next interruption in track power will move the
sequence to the reverse state. The engine will now move in the reverse direction. If the
power interruption was accomplished by using the direction button and the throttle
position was not changed, the engine will run in the reverse direction at the same speed
that it was traveling in the forward position.
Subsequent interruptions in track power of 1-2 seconds will continue the sequence
rotation. If you happen to interrupt track power for longer than about 2 seconds, the
engine will begin its shut down sounds. If this occurs you can cycle the direction
sequence again to get back to the direction you wish to move and once the engine starts
moving its shut down sounds will stop playing (See Direction Cycle Phases).
In conventional AC operation the whistle sound, the bell sound, PFA sounds and other
operational functions can be accessed if your transformer has a horn/whistle button
and a bell button. By using combinations of button presses, different commands
besides blowing the whistle and ringing the bell can be initiated.
10

Premier EF-3 Electric Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
®
Proto-Sound 3.0 Conventional AC
Operating Instructions
®
Activating Proto-Sound 3.0 Conventional AC Mode 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 whistle, firmly press the Horn/Whistle button. The
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.
Cycle Phases
Neutral
Neutral
ForwardReverse
11

Premier EF-3 Electric Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
Figure: Manual Volume Control
®
Proto-Sound 3.0 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
Manual Volume Control
To adjust the volume of all
sounds made by this engine,
turn the manual volume
control clockwise to increase
the volume and
counterclockwise to reduce
the volume. Turning the
manual volume control
completely counterclockwise
will turn of all of the engine
sounds and announcements.
Feature to Be Activated Button Code
Marker Lights* 1 Bell, 1 Horn/Whistles
PFA (Passenger/Freight Announcements) 1 Bell, 2 Horn/Whistles
Fire the Rear Coupler 1 Bell, 3 Horn/Whistles
Fire the Front Coupler 1 Bell, 4 Horn/Whistles
Speed Control On/Off 1 Horn/Whistle, 2 Bells (from Neutral only)
Lock into a Direction 1 Horn/Whistle, 3 Bells
Beacon Light (On/Off)* 1 Horn/Whistle, 4 Bells
Reset to Factory Defaults 1 Horn/Whistle, 5 Bells (from Neutral only)
*Only applicable to engines equipped with beacon and/or marker lights. Beacon Lights are also
configured to control Wrong Line, Alternate Country and other lighting setups typically found on
European models. Marker lights are also used as Train/No-Train lighting in European models.
®
Proto-Sound 3.0
Manual Volume Control
12

Premier EF-3 Electric Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
Passenger/Freight Announcements (PFA)
Your engine is equipped with a sound package of either passenger station
announcements or freight yard sounds that you can play when you pull into a station or
a yard. 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 PFA sufficient time to run through each sequence.
• To cue the sound system to play the PFA, 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 PFA. The reverse unit is temporarily disabled so that the train will not
move as you use the Direction button to trigger the sounds. Proto-Sound 3.0 has
disabled operator control over the Horn and Bell buttons until the full PFA
sequence is complete.
• After waiting about 30 seconds for that sequence to run, press the Direction
button again to trigger the second sequence of PFA.
• After about 30 seconds, press the Direction button again to trigger the third PFA
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 PFA sequence. The
PFA will continue and within a few seconds the bell will begin ringing, then the
engine will begin moving 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.
13

Premier EF-3 Electric Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
™
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
3.0 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 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 PFA
• You can terminate PFA at any time by turning off power to the track for 15 seconds.
• You do not have to be in Forward to use PFA. At the conclusion of the full sequence, the
train will pull away from the station or yard in whatever direction you were going when you
activated the feature.
• You can use PFA even if you are double-heading with another engine. If the second engine
®
is not equipped with Proto-Sound 3.0, you must remember not to leave the throttle at a
high voltage level once you have stopped the engine to run the PFA. Otherwise, the engine
without PFA will begin vibrating on the track as its motors strain to move the train, since
®
they cannot be automatically disabled during the PFA cycle (or if an original Proto-Sound
engine, PFA are triggered differently and that engine's motor-disable feature will not be
®
active when you run PFA in Proto-Sound 3.0).
• PFA can be triggered from Neutral. It will operate the same as if triggered while in
motion except that, at the conclusion of the PFA, the engine will depart in the next direction
of travel, as opposed to the direction it was traveling before entering Neutral.
14

Premier EF-3 Electric Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
M.T.H. engines equipped with Proto-Sound® 3.0 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 you shut down
the engine completely, it will automatically turn speed control on.
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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Premier EF-3 Electric Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
Automatic Sound Effects
®
Certain Proto-Sound 3.0 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
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Premier EF-3 Electric Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
Conventional DC Operation
Your MTH locomotive will operate on conventional DC track voltage also. However,
functions such as sounding the horn, ringing the bell and the PFA sounds cannot be
initiated in conventional DC. Only the engine sounds, smoke, squealing brakes and idle
sounds will function.
Operation of your MTH Proto-Sound® 3.0 engine in conventional DC is very similar
to operating a conventional AC engine. As you increase track voltage, engine speed
increases.
As the track voltage is decreased, engine speed is decreased. When track voltage polarity
is reversed using the polarity or direction switch on the power pack, the engine will run
in the opposite direction. The electronics in your MTH Proto-Sound® 3.0 locomotive
are designed to slowly change direction without a need to change the throttle, if you so
desire.
Just change the polarity switch on your DC power pack and the engine will gradually
come to a stop and then automatically begin traveling in the opposite direction. The
speed will build up to the same speed that the engine was going in the previous
direction. When power is first applied to the locomotive, the engine’s sounds will start
up when the track voltage reaches about 8 VDC. To get your locomotive moving, after
the startup sounds have finished and the locomotive is idling, slowly increase the track
voltage until the locomotive is traveling at the desired speed.
NOTE: If you apply more than 9.0VDC to the engine at start-up the engine will not
move. This is normal. We refer to this as “Anti-Jackrabbit” and this feature prevents
your model from taking off at high track voltages. Simply lower the track voltage down
below 9.0VDC and then back up to get your engine moving. This applies only when you
start up your engine.
DCS - Digital Command System
While the acronyms are close, this is where the similarity ends between DCC and DCS.
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 DCS is not one of them.
M.T.H.'s DCS System is a proven technology in the O Gauge, One Gauge, and HO
Gauge markets. 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 so simple and intuitive that you can enjoy them. No
programming tracks, bits and bytes, or conversion of binary to hexadecimal numbers
here. To add an engine in DCS, press “ADD ENGINE”. After that, if you want to start
your engine just press “START UP” or to turn the smoke unit on or off, just press
“SMOKE”. No combination of letters or numbers to remember.
Additional details can be found in the DCS manual that accompanies your DCS system
or on the MTH Web site, www.mthtrains.com. With DCS, you can have a whole fleet of
MTH PS 3.0 engines on the rails and they will remain shut down until you command
them to start up.
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Premier EF-3 Electric Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
DCC - Digital Command Control
DCC is a popular digital command 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 all of them moving at different speeds and in varying directions on
the same track at the same time. The power/command signal remains constant and
engines are commanded to perform as desired. Your MTH PS3.0-equipped engine has
the ability to decode and respond to these DCC commands. This allows you to mix and
match MTH PS3—equipped engines as well as operate them with any other
manufacturer's DCC-decoder equipped engine. The best part about your MTH PS3.0-
equipped engine is that the decoder is built right in. No need to remove the body shell
and install speakers or boards. It's all done for you at the factory. Each PS3.0-equipped
engine has a full complement of lights, sounds, smoke (if equipped). Just set the model
on the rails, apply DCC power and hit F3 on your DCC handheld controller and you're
off and running.
Basic DCC Operation
Your MTH PS3.0-equipped engine takes full advantage of DCC's capabilities. Below are
the basic commands you'll want to know to get started running quickly. Please refer to
the Advanced DCC Operation section of the manual if you want to dig into the full
capability of DCC.
Each engine type may have a slightly different F Function list. This depends upon
whether it's steam, diesel, or electric and whether it has smoke or not. Please refer to the
table of Default CV Values for your particular engine's F Functions. A note about
enabling/disabling F Functions in DCC - Depending upon the DCC system you have
you may need to toggle a particular F Function on then off to actually get it to enable.
Some DCC systems do this for you automatically and others allow you to set particular
F Function buttons to either be set for momentary or toggle. Please refer to your DCC
control station manufacturer's manual for more information on how they handle F
Function buttons.
Your MTH PS3.0-equipped engine's default short address is 3. So all you have to do is
power up your DCC system and call up Locomotive 3 to begin.
Start-Up/Shut-Down
F3 – Start-Up/Shut-Down
Pressing this twice (toggle on then off) will start up your engine. When you apply DCC
power your MTH PS3.0-equipped engine will remain dark and quiet. Since you likely
don't want to run the engine this way, simply press F3 twice to start your engine. The
lights, sound and smoke (if equipped) will come on.
NOTE: The engine sounds will start up and engine will move when the throttle is
advanced. It is no longer necessary to start the engine using the F3 command. Although
you can start the engine sounds either way.
To shut your engine down, press the F3 button twice. This will play the shut down sounds
and then turn the lights and smoke and sounds off. As long as there is DCC power still on
the track the engine can be started up again by pressing the F3 button twice.
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Premier EF-3 Electric Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
Sounds
F1 – Bell
To activate the Bell press F1. To deactivate it, hit F1 again
F2 – Whistle (Horn)
To activate the Whistle/Horn, press F2. To shut it off either let off the F2 button or
press and release it
F4 – PFA
PFA in MTH lingo stands for Passenger/Freight Announcements. Your engine is pre-
programmed for the appropriate type of sounds based upon the type of service the
real-life engine used in daily operation.
There are five sound sequences or segments in the PFA feature. Each segment is
advanced by you, the operator. You hit the F4 button twice on the DCC controller to
let the engine know you want it to advance (this toggles the PFA function on then off
to clear the remote for the next sequence). In most PFA sequences there is a minimum
wait time of about 20-30 seconds before it will advance. So, here is how a typical PFA
sequence operates:
1. Press the F4 button twice (toggle F4 on then off) to start the PFA sequence on the
engine. You'll hear “Now arriving…” for passenger sound sets and cab chatter for
freight sound sets. The bell will then begin ringing.
2. Slowly reduce the throttle until the train stops at the desired location and speed
reaches zero. Press the F4 button twice (toggle F4 on then off) again and the bell will
stop ringing. You will hear the engine sounds switch from the cab to the station or
yard with all the ambient sounds you'd hear in the real thing.
3. Press the F4 button twice (toggle F4 on then off) again to advance the sequence.
You'll hear “Now boarding…” for passenger sound sets and freight yard sounds for
freight sound sets.
4. Press the F4 button twice (toggle F4 on then off) again to advance the sequence.
You'll hear “Now departing…” for passenger sound sets and more freight yard
sounds for freight sound sets.
5. Press the F4 button twice (toggle F4 on then off) the last time to advance the
sequence. You'll hear “All aboard…” for passenger sound sets and more freight yard
sounds for freight sound sets. The engine sounds will switch over to the cab again.
When the bell begins to ring, advance the throttle to move the engine out of the
station or yard. The bell will shut off automatically.
Lights
F0 – Headlight/Taillight
This toggles your headlight/taillight on and off.
F5 – Lights
This toggles your firebox and cab interior light on and off.
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Premier EF-3 Electric Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
Master Volume
F6 – Master Volume
When you activate F6, the Master Volume will begin increasing. If you are at 0 (no
volume), the first time you turn on F6 it will take approximately 3 seconds to get to 100%
volume. When you get to your desired volume level, turn F6 off.
The next time you toggle F6 on it will drive the Master Volume to 0. If you are at 100% it
will take approximately 3 seconds to get to 0. When you arrive at your desired level turn
F6 off.
It works like a volume slider – the first time you enable F6 it goes up and stops at 100%.
Toggle F6 off and then back on and it will go down to 0 and stop.
Couplers
Your MTH PS3.0-equipped engine comes with remotely controlled Proto-Couplers.
They can be fired using your DCC handheld.
F7 – Front Coupler
Pressing F7 twice (toggling on then off) will fire your Front Coupler
F8 – Rear Coupler
Pressing F8 twice (toggling on then off) will fire your Rear Coupler
Forward/Reverse Signal
Just like a real engine, you can announce the direction of intended movement using
your DCC handheld and F9 and F10.
F9 – Forward Signal
Pressing F9 twice (toggling on then off) will sound the Forward Signal. This is two
whistle/horn blasts
F10 – Reverse Signal
Pressing F10 twice (toggling on then off) will sound the Reverse Signal. This is three
whistle/horn blasts
Grade Crossing Signal
Again, just like a real engine, you can trigger the Grade Crossing Signal on your engine. This
is two long, one short, one long whistle/horn blast.
F11 – Grade Crossing Signal
Pressing F11 twice (toggling on then off) will sound your Crossing Signal.
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