MTHTrains Premier EP-3 User manual

Premier EP-3
Electric Engine
Compatibility
This engine will operate on any
traditional O-72 Gauge track system,
including M.T.H.’s RealTrax® or
ScaleTrax™ or traditional tubular
track. It is also compatible with most
standard AC transformers. (See page
22 for a complete list of compatible
transformers and wiring
instructions.)
PLEASE READ BEFORE USE AND SAVE
OPERATOR’S MANUAL

Table of Contents
Set Up Checklist...................................................................................................3
Lubrication.............................................................................................3
Checking The Battery............................................................................ 3
Basic Operation....................................................................................................4
Activating Features................................................................................4
Automatic Operating Pantograghs.........................................................5
Classification/Marker Lights................................................................. 8
Smoke Unit............................................................................................ 8
Proto-Sound 2.0 Operating Instructions........................................................... 9
Activating Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional Mode Features....................9
Freight Yard Sounds (FYS)/Passenger Station Announcements (PSA).10
Proto-Coupler® Operation.................................................................... 11
Speed Control........................................................................................ 12
Locking Locomotive Into ADirection.................................................. 13
Reset To Factory Default.......................................................................13
Automatic Sound Effects.......................................................................13
Maintenance......................................................................................................... 14
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions...................................................14
Cleaning The Wheels, Tires and Track..................................................15
Traction Tire Replacement Instructions.................................................16
Headlight Replacement Instructions......................................................17
Self Charging Battery Back-Up.............................................................17
Troubleshooting Proto-Sound® 2.0 Problems.......................................19
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart....................................... 23
Additional Features Accessible Of DCS Remote Control System........24
Service & Warranty Information...........................................................25
Limited One-YearWarranty.................................................................. 25
CAUTION: ELECTRICALLY OPERATED PRODUCT:
Not recommended for children under 10 years of age. M.T.H. recommends adult supervision with children ages 10 - 16.
As with all electric products, precautions should be observed during handling and use to reduce the risk of electric shock.
WARNING:When usingelectricalproducts,basic safetyprecautionsshouldbe observed,includingthefollowing:
Readthismanual thoroughlybeforeusingthis device.
lM.T.H. recommends that all users and persons supervising use examine the hobby transformer and other electronic equipment
periodically for conditions that may result in the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, such as damage to the primary
cord, plug blades, housing, output jacks or other parts. In the event such conditions exist, the train set should not be used until
properlyrepaired.
lDonotoperate yourlayoutunattended. Obstructedaccessories orstalledtrainsmayoverheat,resultingindamagetoyourlayout.
lThistrainset isintendedforindoor use. Donotuseifwaterispresent. Seriousinjuryorfatalitymayresult.
lDonotoperate thehobbytransformerwith damagedcord,plug,switches,buttonsorcase.

Set Up Checklist
!Lubricate the locomotive
!Prime the smoke unit
!Check to see whether the battery needs to be charged for full sound effects
!Apply power to run as described in the Basic Operating Section of this manual
Lubrication
You should lubricate the engine to prevent it from squeaking. Use
light household oil and follow the lubrication points marked “L” in
Fig. 1. Do not over-oil. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point.
DO NOT
OVER OIL
DO NOT
OVER OIL
DO NOT
OVER OIL
Checking The Battery
You may find, if your locomotive was built several months before you set it up, that
the rechargeable battery has run down and needs to be charged before operating. If
you notice that the sounds are garbled, test and charge the engine as described in the
"Self-Charging Battery Back-Up" on page 16.
WARNING:The Automatic Operating Pantographs must be unlatched before
power is applied to the engine. See figure 2.
Figure 2
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Unlatch before
power is applied.
Figure 1. Lubrication Points on the Locomotive
Lubricate Pick Up Rollers (L)
Lubricate Wheel Axles (L)
Grease External Gears (G) Lubricate Pick Up Rollers (L)
Grease External Gears (G)

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Basic Operation
The Throttle knob controls how fast your train will travel.
Turn the throttle knob up ½-way, until the engine and caboose lights shine bright.
Put the engine into motion by pressing the Direction button on your transformer once.
(hold it for approximately 1 second)
If the engine does not begin to move after you release the Direction button, you may not
have sent enough voltage to the track to make the train move. Turn the throttle up a bit
higher until the train begins to move.
Activating Features
Throttle - To increase or decrease track voltage, and therefore train speed, turn the throttle
control knob. Turning clockwise will increase voltage and speed, while turning
counterclockwise will decrease voltage and speed. The engine will maintain the speed you
set after you release the throttle until you turn it again to change the voltage and speed.
Bell - To sound the bell, in an engine equipped with a bell firmly press and release the Bell
button. To turn the bell off, press and release the Bell button again. The bell will continue
to ring from the time you turn it on until you press and release the button again to turn it
off.
Horn/Whistle - To sound the 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.
Manual Volume Control - To adjust the volume of all sounds made by this engine, turn
the master volume control knob located next to the fuel tank clockwise to increase the
volume and counter-clockwise to decrease the volume.
Cycle Phases
Neutral
Neutral ForwardReverse

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Figure 3: Manual Volume Adjustment Knob
Automatic Operating Pantographs
Your MTH electric type engine is equipped withAutomatic Operating Pantographs. The
Automatic Operating Pantographs must be unlatched before power is applied to the engine.
To unlatch the pantographs, hold the base of the pantograph and gently pull up on the
contact slider.
The rear pantograph should open to its full height. The front pantograph should rise slightly
to unlatch, but remain collapsed.
Figure 4
Power Selection
The Automatic Operating Pantographs can be used to obtain power from an overhead
cantenary system. In order to obtain power from an operating overhead cantenary move the
selector switch from the track position to the pantograph position as shown in fig. 4.
To insure good conductivity of the pantograph, the blackening on the top of the contact slide
should be removed. This can accomplished by running the engine while using the pickup
rollers with the pantographs raised or by using a track cleaning pad.
ON-OFF Switch
The Automatic Operating Pantographs are equipped with an ON-OFF switch located under
the removable hatch in the roof.
The ON-OFF switch is provided for operators that wish to have both pantographs locked
down and not worry about the motors running at start up or direction changes. To disable
the automatic pantographs move the switch to the off position. At this point you can
manually lower the raised pantograph. With the switch in the off position the pantographs
will not change position with a direction change, start up, or a shut down sequence.
In order to reestablish automatic operation of the pantographs, make sure both pantographs
are unlatched, then move the ON-OFF switch to the on position. The pantographs will now
responded automatically to direction changes. If manual operation has been selected in the
DCS mode the pantographs will now respond the to the DCS commands.
Pantograph/Track
Position Switch
Auto-PANTO
On-Off Switch
Proto-Sound 2.0
Volume Adjustment Knob

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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 cantenary 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.
Command Mode – Automatic Operation
The pantographs can be operated automatically or manually when using the M.T.H. DCS
Digital Command System. 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 cantenary at all times.
Every time the direction button is pushed, the pantographs will alternately rise and lower.
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
New Softkeys displayed when an operating pantograph engine is loaded into the remote
are as follows (requires Remote code version 3.10 or higher):
FBS – This plays the Boiler Start-up sound
FPR – This plays the Pressure Release sound. The Pressure Release sound is timed to run
with the smoke unit and will run at a random duration each time this softkey is pressed
MAN – This selects Manual mode for operating the pantographs. See the F and R
descriptions below

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Fá- Commands the front pantograph up. If it’s already up this button will not do anything
Fâ- Commands the front pantograph down. If it’s already down this button will not do
anything
Rá- Commands the rear pantograph up. If it’s already up this button will not do anything
Râ- 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.
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 which can be
downloaded for FREE from http://www.protosound2.com. DCS systems using software
versions 3.0 or earlier will only have automatic pantograph operation when running under
DCS command mode.
Figure 5
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 cantenary at all times. If both
pantographs lose contact with the overhead cantenary, the engine will lose power and not
operate until one of the pantographs remakes contact with the cantenary or the selector
switch is moved back to the track position.
Smoke Switch

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Classification / Marker Lights
Your MTH EP-3 is equipped with bi-color LEDs for the classification and marker lights.
The leading end of the engine will display green classification lights and the trailing end of
the engine will display red marker lights. When the direction of the engine is changed the
color of the lights will change accordingly.
Smoke Unit
Your MTH Premier EP-3 is equipped with a smoke unit to simulate steam exhaust from
the onboard steam generator used for heating the passenger cars.
After START UP there is a burst of steam and the sound of the boiler being lighted.
When the engine is standing still for a period of time the sound of the safety valve lifting is
heard along with a burst of steam.
If you do not want the simulated steam function to operate, the smoke unit can be turned
off. In conventional mode this is accomplished by the smoke unit switch located under the
roof hatch. See figure 5.
In command mode the smoke unit can be turned on or off by pressing the smoke button on
the DCS Remote.

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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

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Freight Yard Sounds (FYS)/
Passenger Station Announcements (PSA)
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.

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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.
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. 8) 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.
Horn Horn
Fire
Rear
Coupler
=
Horn
Bell

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Front Coupler:
To fire the front coupler (if your engine has one), quickly tap the Bell button once
followed by four quick taps of the Horn button, allowing approximately ½ second to
lapse between each quick button press. The sound of the liftbar and air line depletion
will play, and the knuckle will be released.
Speed Control
M.T.H. engines equipped with Proto-Sound 2.0 have speed control capabilities that
allow the engine to maintain a constant speed up and down grades and around curves,
much like an automobile cruise control. You can add or drop cars on the run, and the
engine will maintain the speed you set.
While the engine is programmed to start with the speed control feature activated, you
can opt to turn it off. This means the engine's speed will fall as it labors up a hill and
increase as it travels downward. It is also affected by the addition or releasing of cars
while on the run. Because the engine will run more slowly at a given throttle voltage
when speed control is on than when it is off, you should adjust the throttle to a lower
power level for operation with speed control off to avoid high-speed derailments.
When speed control is off, the volume will drop to allow for better low voltage
operation.
To turn speed control on and off, put the engine in neutral, then quickly tap the
transformer's Horn 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.
Horn Horn
Fire
Front
Coupler
=
Horn Horn
Bell
Horn
Place
Engine into
Neutral
Bell Bell
=Speed Control
Two Horn Blasts
(indicates change is made)
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition

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Locking Locomotive Into ADirection
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.
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.
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.
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
Reset
Two Horn Blasts
(indicates change is made)
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition
Horn
Place
Engine in
Neutral =
BellBellBellBellBell

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

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6. Be sure to unlook the Pantographs before applying Power to the locomotive.
Figure 7. Greasing the Idler Gears
Cleaning the Wheels, Tires and Track
Periodically check the locomotive wheels and pickups for dirt and buildup, which can
cause poor electrical contact and traction and prematurely wear out the neoprene
traction tires. Wheels and tires can be cleaned using denatured (not rubbing) alcohol
applied with a cotton swab.
To clean the track, use RailKing Track Cleaning Fluid and a clean rag or denatured (not
rubbing) alcohol. Unplug the transformer and wipe the rails of the track, turning the rag
frequently to ensure that you are using clean cloth on the rails. Thereafter, keep an eye
on the track and clean it when it gets dirty to ensure good electrical contact and to
lengthen the life of the tires.
Lubricate the outside truck block idler and drive gears with grease. Use the diagram
shown in Figure 7 above as a guide and add grease to the points marked with a “G.”
Grease Idler Gears (G)

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Traction Tire Replacement Instructions
Your locomotive is equipped with two neoprene rubber traction tires on each powered
truck block. While these tires are extremely durable, you may need to replace them at
some point.
First, remove the truck sides from the truck block by unscrewing the mounting screws
as noted in Figure 6.
Once the truck sides have been removed:
1. Make sure the old tire has been completely removed from the groove in the drive
wheel, using a razor blade or small flathead screwdriver to pry away any remains.
2. Slip the new tire onto the wheel. You may find it useful to use two small flathead
screwdrivers to stretch the tire over the wheel. 3. If you twist the tire while stretching it
over the wheel, you will need to remove and reinstall the tire. Otherwise your engine
will wobble while operating. 4. Make sure the tire is fully seated inside the groove.
Use a razor blade to trim away any excess tire that will not seat inside the groove
properly.
5. Reassemble in the reverse order.
6. Be sure to unlock the Pantographs before applying power to the engine.
One set of replacement tires is packaged with your model. Additional sets are available
directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department(order online: www.mth-railking.com, e-
mail: [email protected]; mail: 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD
21046-1532, FAX: [phone]).

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Headlight Replacement Instructions
The locomotive’s headlight is controlled by a constant voltage circuit in the engine. The
headlight is easy to remove and replace when it burns out. The bulb has a quick
disconnect plug that attaches the bulb harness to a connector terminal inside the body
shell. Replacement bulbs are available directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department.
Follow the body removal instructions found in the Lubrication and Greasing Instructions.
Self Charging Battery Back-Up
The special NiCad 2.4v self-charging battery recharges continuously during train
operation and should last for up to five years. The battery is a dry battery that
should not leak or cause any damage to your engine. Depending upon when
your engine was built, it may need to be charged right out of the box. If engine
sounds seem distorted or garbled at low voltages or become silent when power
from the transformer is turned off, test the battery to determine whether it should
be recharged or replaced.
Test: Put the engine in neutral and leave the track voltage at 10-12 volts (high
enough for the lights to shine brightly) for 15 minutes.
Recharge: If the sounds are improved at the end of the 15-minute test charge,
the battery charge has run down and can be recharged. There are a number of
ways you can do this:
• Leave the engine in neutral with track voltage at 10-12 volts for 6-7 hours
so the battery can fully recharge (if your engine has a smoke unit, be sure it
is turned off).
Headlight
Bracket Screw
Figure 8. Removing the Headlight
Remove to Access
Headlight Bracket

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•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.
Battery Charger Port
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.
Figure 9. Battery Charger Port
Disconnect Battery And Slide Out Of Bracket
Figure 10. Removing the Battery

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

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