Rail King F-3 Diesel Engine User manual

RAILKING F-3
WITH LOCO-SOUND
READY-TO-RUN TRAIN SET
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Your RailKing
®Ready-To-Run train set is complete with everything you need to get
your model railroad up and running. You get an
F-3 diesel locomotive, a set of three
passenger
cars, a transformer, a loop of RealTrax, the RailKing wireless infrared remote
control, and the infrared activated remote lock-on. You also get M.T.H.’s exclusive
RailWare CD-ROM with track layout software and other information helpful to model
railroaders.
M.T.H. takes pride in manufacturing high quality products like your train set, and we
hope that you will enjoy it for a long time. Please read all the accompanying instructions
carefully before setting up and operating your train set. With proper care, this set should
yield years of trouble-free performance.

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine
Table of Contents
Set Up Assembling RealTrax®3
Plugging in the Transformer 4
Lubricating the Engine 4
Coupling the Engine and Cars 4
Remote Control 5
BasicOperation
Operation Buttons 6
Speed Control 7
Direction Lock 7
Proto-Cast and Proto-Dispatch 8
VolumeControl 9
Maintenance
Care of Remote Control 10
Lubrication and Greasing Instructions 10
Cleaning the Wheels, Tires and Track 11
Locomotive Traction Tire Replacement 11
Locomotive Light Bulb Replacement 12
Passenger CarLight Bulb Replacement 13
RailWare Interactive CD-ROM 14
Troubleshooting 17
Compatibility 18
Transformer Compatibility Chart 19
Safety Precautions 20
Service and Warranty Information 24

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine
Set Up Checklist
• Assemble RealTrax™
• Connect the transformer
• Lubricate the train
• Place the engine and cars on the track and couple them together
• Apply power to run as described in the Basic Operation section of
these instructions.
Assembling RealTrax
™
Unlike other O Gauge track systems, each RealTrax section features a realistic
built-in roadbed base, solid nickel-silver track rails, and realistic railroad ties,
all designed to give you an authentic looking track system. The quick
connectors and built-in roadbed allow you to set up RealTrax anywhere,
including carpeted surfaces, without the need for track nails or the worry of
carpet stains.
Each RealTrax segment has at least one knock-out tab in the roadbed (on either
end of the segment) that can be removed with a pair of pliers to reveal an
opening for the lock-on that is used to connect the transformer to the track. To
assemble RealTrax, follow the instructions below.
Knock Out must be
removedbefore
Remote Lock On can
beinstalled
Remove Knock Out
by Holding and Twisting
with a pair of pliers
1a
1c
1b
1d
Fig. 1a-1d: Installation of Remote Lock On

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine
Connecting the Transformer
The Z-750 power supply included with this set provides an easy-to-use, safe
power source for AC-powered trains and accessories.
Plug the wire from the transformer into the remote lock-on’s center port,
marked “Power,” then plug the transformer into the wall outlet. Insert two
AA batteries (not included) into the remote handheld as shown.
Lubricating the Engine
You must lubricate the engine before
operating it. Use a light household oil and
follow the lubrication points marked “L” in
Fig. 6 on pg. 10. Do not over oil. Use only
a drop or two on each pivot point.
Coupling the Engine and Cars
Our couplers are designed for realistic
operation. Place the engine and cars on the
track and couple them together. If the
coupler is already closed, press down on
the small finger that extends from under
the right side of the coupler to open the
coupler knuckle and allow the couplers to
interlock as shown in Figure 2.
Push Down on Coupler Finger to
Release Knuckle
Figure 2. Coupling the Passenger
Cars Together

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine
Remote Control
The RailKing
®Remote Control System included with this set uses wireless
infrared technology, much like a television remote control, to allow users
remote control of their trains from up to 15 feet away. The remote and
lock-on replace the control box found with M.T.H.’s Z-500
™and Z-750®
transformers, and they are designed for use with moderately powered
transformers such as these. It is compatible with virtually any manufacturer’s
engines.
Because the RailKing remote is an infrared line-of-sight remote, you must
aim it at the lock-on in order to send signals to the track. The green LED atop
the lock-on will come on, indicating the track is receiving power. Subsequent
pushes of any buttons on the remote will cause the LED to blink, indicating it
is receiving the signal.
Note: The RailKing
®Remote Control and Remote Lock-on will not
operate engines equipped with pre-1997 versions of Proto-Sound
®or
with Proto-One,
™Proto-Plus,™Proto-Deluxe,™aftermarket systems.
Whistle/
Horn
Direction
Throttle Control
RockerSwitch
Bell
Emergency
Stop
Fig. 3: Overview of the Remote controls

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine
Basic Operation
Operation Buttons
Use the operation buttons on your remote as described below.
• Throttle –To increase or decrease track voltage, and therefore train speed,
press the throttle control rocker switch. Pressing the top end of the throttle
will increase voltage and speed. Pressing the bottom end of the throttle will
decrease voltage and speed. The engine will maintain the speed you set after
you release the throttle until you press it again to change the voltage and
speed.
• Horn/Whistle - To sound the horn, firmly press the Horn/Whistle button.
The horn will sound for as long as you continue to depress the button. It will
stop when you release the button.
• Bell- To sound the bell, firmly press and release the Bell button. To turn the
bell off, press and release the Bell button again. The bell will continue to ring
from the time your turn it on until you press and release the button again to
turn it off.
• Direction – Your train is programmed to start in neutral. To put the engine
into forward and then to change the direction of the train or to put it into
neutral, firmly press and release the Direction button on your remote. Just as
you must stop your car between forward and reverse, this engine will not go
directly from forward to reverse; it goes into neutral between directions. If
the train has been moving forward, the first press of the Direction button will
put the train from forward into neutral, the second press into reverse, the third
press back into neutral, and the fourth back into forward.To prevent
accidental high-speed start-ups, this engine is programmed to restart in
neutral each time the track voltage is turned off for 25 seconds or more.
• Emergency Stop – To drop track voltage instantly to 0, firmly press the
Emergency Stop button. All trains on the track controlled by the remote will
stop until you reapply voltage.

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine
Speed Control:
M.T.H. engines equipped with Loco-Sound 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. The engine will run more
slowly at a given throttle voltage when speed control is on than when it is off.
To turn speed control on and off,
put the engine in neutral, then press the
remote’s Whistle button firmly but quickly one time then immediately press
the Bell button two times. Repeat the 1 whistle, 2 bells code to return it to the
other state. 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.
Direction Lock:
You can lock your engine into a directional state (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
speed (< 10 scale mph), and quickly but firmly press your remote’s Whistle
button once followed immediately by three presses of the Bell button. The
engine will not change direction (including going into neutral) until you
repeat the 1 whistle, 3 bells code to return the engine to its normal state.
Feature to Be Activated:
Speed Control On/Off
Lock into a Directional State/Unlock
Button Code:
1 Whistle, 2 Bells
1 Whistle, 3 Bells

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine
Proto-Cast and Proto-Dispatch:
When used with the remote lock-on included in this set, Loco-Sound-equipped
engines gain Proto-Cast™and Proto-Dispatch™features.
Proto-Cast: This feature allows you to
play audio recordings through your
engine’s speakers. You must supply the
audio source (a small portable is
sufficient) and a male-to-male mini cable
(1/8” plug, like that used for the headset
with a portable CD/tape player) to
connect your audio source to the Remote
Lock-On. To use Proto-Cast, simply plug
the mini-cable into your audio source
(usually into the headphone jack) and into
the “Audio” port on the right side of the
remote lock-on and adjust the volume.
Proto-Dispatch: Thisfeatureallows you
to broadcast your own voice through your
engine’s speakers. You must supply the microphone and a mini cable (1/8”
plug, like that used for the headset with a portable CD/tape player) to connect
your microphone to the Remote Lock-On. To use Proto-Dispatch, simply plug
the mini-cable into the microphone and into the “Mic” port on the left side of
the remote lock-on and speak into the microphone.
When these features are in use, the locomotive’s own sounds (engine sounds
and bells, whistles, and horns) will be muted so that only the sounds you
broadcast will be heard. Because these two features are voice activated, there
will be a 10-15 second delay after you stop speaking into the microphone or
turn off the stereo before the engine sounds resume. To stop using the feature
and return to normal operation, unplug the cable from the lock-on jack.
If using parallel tracks with multiple Loco-Sound-equipped engines,
Proto-Cast and Proto-Dispatch transmissions from one track may be picked up
by the other nearby engines.
If you experience popping and interference, try cleaning the track with
denatured alcohol as described in the “Cleaning the Wheels, Tires and Track”
section of this booklet.
Note: M.T.H. does not recommend using Proto-Cast and Proto-Dispatch
at the same time.
Cast
Dispatch Power
Fig.4: Overview of the Inputs on the
Remote Lock On

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine
Volume Control
–To adjust the volume of all sounds made by this
engine, turn the master volume control knob located under the engine
clockwise to increase the volume and counter-clockwise to decrease the
volume (see Fig. 5).
Loco-Sound
Volume Adjustment
Knob
Figure 5. Location of the Loco-Sound Volume Adjustment Knob

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine
Maintenance:
Care of the Remote Control
Your RailKing Remote Control System should offer years of trouble-free
service. There are a few things you can do to ensure trouble-free operation:
• If your train responds inconsistently, replace old batteries with fresh ones.
Do not mix old and new batteries.
• Remove batteries before storing for extended periods.
• Do not drop the remote. It can damage the delicate electronics inside.
• Any attempt by anyone other than an authorized M.T.H. repair person to
open and repair the handheld transmitter or lock-on may result in damage and
the loss of warranty protection.
Lubrication and Greasing Instructions
The engine should be oiled and greased in order to run properly.
You should regularly the engine and pickup rollers to prevent them from
squeaking. Use light household oil and follow the lubrication points marked
“L” in Fig. 6. Do not over oil. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point.
Lubricate Pick-Up
Roller (L) Lubricate Pick-Up
Roller (L)
Lubricate Axle
Bushings (L)
Figure 6. Lubrication Points on the Engine

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine
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. Use a lithium based grease and follow the greasing instructions
below.
1. Remove the four Phillips screws from the chassis, as seen in Figure
5, then
lift the body away from the chassis.
2. Remove the truck blocks from the chassis by unscrewing the large Phillips
motor mount screw on the bottom of each truck block, as shown in Figure
5.
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 the pickup and
ground wires between the truck block and motor mount.
5. Repeat the procedure for the other motor and truck
6. Reassemble the chassis and body, being careful that the wires are not caught
between the body and chassis, as this can lead to a short that may damage the
electronics beyond repair.
It is also a good idea to lubricate the outside truck block idler and drive gears
with grease occasionally. Add grease to the points marked with “G” in Figure
7
.
Motor Mount Screw
Body Mount Screw Body Mount Screw
Idler Gear (G)
Figure 7. Body Mount Screws and Greasing Points.

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine
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 a clean rag and 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. Because the
manufacturing process leaves a coat on RealTrax, you should clean the rails
after the first 30 minutes of use (you may smell something burning during
initial use as the coat burns off; this is normal). 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.
Traction Tire Replacement Instructions
Your locomotive is equipped with two neoprene rubber traction tires on the
rear set of flanged drivers. While these tires are extremely durable, you may
need to replace them at some point.
1. Remove the trucks and truck sides on
the truck block from the chassis in
order to slip the new tire over the
grooved drive wheel. To do this,
remove the screws as shown in Fig. 8.
2. Make sure the old tire has been
completely removed from the groove in
the drive wheel, using a razor blade or
small flathead screwdriver to pry away
any remains.
3. Slip the new tire onto the wheel.
You may find it useful to use two small
flathead screwdrivers to stretch the tire
over the wheel.
4. If you twist the tire while stretching it over the wheel, you will need to
remove and reinstall the tire. Otherwise your engine will wobble while
operating.
TrucksideScrews
Figure 8. Screws to Remove to Access
the Traction Tires

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine
5. Make sure the tire is fully seated inside the groove. Use a razor blade to
trim away any excess tire that doesn’t seat itself inside the groove properly.
6. Reassemble the truck sides to the truck blocks and then the chassis to the
body.
Replacement tires are available directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department.
Locomotive Light Bulb Replacement
To replace the light bulb in the locomotive, follow these instructions:
Follow the cab removal instructions found in the “Lubrication and Greasing”
section of this booklet. Once the body has been removed, rotate the headlight
bulb counter-clockwise as seen in Figure 9 to remove.
You can obtain replacement bulbs directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department
(phone: [phone]; e-mail: [email protected]; mail: 7020 Columbia
Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532).
Locomotive
Headlamp
Figure 9. Location of the headlamp in the Engine.

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine
RoofMounting Screw Roof Mounting Screw
Interior MountingScrewInterior Mounting Screw
Roof Mounting Screws
1
2
3
Figure 10. Instructions for Replacing the Lights in the Passenger cars.
Passenger Car Light Bulb Replacement
To replace the interior light bulbs follow these instructions and see the
diagrams below:
1. Turn the car over and remove the two mounting screws (as seen in Figure
10-1) attaching the body to the chassis.
2. Turn the car back over and gently lift the car roof away from the body and
chassis (see Figure 10-2) You may need to twist the car a little to make to roof
come loose from the body.
3. Gently pull the bulb away from its housing (see Figure 10-3) and push the
replacement bulb into the housing (like a Christmas tree light).
4. Reassemble in reverse order.
You can obtain replacement bulbs directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department.

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine
RailWare Interactive CD-ROM
M.T.H. provides a free RailWare CD-ROM in each Ready-To-Run set. It is
full of helpful information on M.T.H. product history, track planning software,
a dealer finder, and information and video clips on Loco-Sound and
Proto-Sound 2.0. Follow the directions below to use the CD-ROM.
Minimum System Requirements: Pentium 100, 16MB RAM, Windows 95 or
later, CD-ROM drive, Sound Card, display properties set to greater than 256
colors. The CD will not work on a Mac OS unless you run VirtualPC
®.
Running RR-Track Software
You may run the RR-Track software directly off of the CD-Rom or you may
install the software to your hard drive.
1. On the Desktop, click on the icon that says My Computer.
2. Find your CD-Rom drive.
3. With the MTH CD-Rom in the drive, double click on the icon for the
CD-Rom drive.
4. Find the folder on the CD-Rom entitled INSTALLATION.
5. Choose the folder inside entitled RRTRAXSETUP.
6. Run the file in that folder called SETUP.EXE and follow the directions it
provides.
The program may ask you for a registration code. If it does type in MTH and it
willrun.

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine
Installing Adobe Acrobat Software
To read some of the electronic documents included on the CD-Rom, you will
need to install the Adobe Acrobat Reader
®if it is not already on your
computer. To install the software:
1. On the Desktop, click on the icon that says My Computer.
2. Find your CD-Rom drive.
3. With the MTH CD-Rom in the drive, double click on the icon for the
CD-Rom drive.
4 Find the folder on the CD-Rom entitled INSTALLATION.
5. Choose the folder inside entitled ACROBAT READER.
*If you are running Windows 95, 98 or NT choose the folder 32 BIT. Run the
file AR32E301.EXE and follow the directions it provides.
If you have problems you cannot resolve by using these directions, contact
[email protected] for further help.

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine
Starting Up
Horn
Bell
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.
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.
You may be pressing the button too
quickly. Try pressing the whistle button
more slowly, taking approximately one
full second to fully depress the button.
You may be pressing the button too
quickly. Try pressing the bell button
more slowly, taking approximately one
full second to fully depress the button.
This is normal behavior. To prevent
accidental high-speed start-ups, Loco-
Sound 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.
Lock-out Remedy
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 engine is locked into the neutral
position. Follow the procedure in the
“Lock into a Direction State” section.
Engine speed must be below 10 scale
mph (approx. 10 volts or less in
conventional mode).
Troubleshooting Loco-Sound™Problems
Although Loco-Sound 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).

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine
Volume Remedy
The sounds seem distorted, especially
when the whistle or bell is activated. Loco-Sound volume is set too high.
Turn the volume control knob on the
bottom of the chassis counter-
clockwise to reduce the volume.
Compatibility
While this Ready-To-Run set is equipped with everything you need to operate
it, the design allows flexibility. The train will operate on any traditional O-31
or larger O Gauge track system, including the RealTrax®included with this set
or traditional tubular track. It is also compatible with most standard AC
transformers, including the hobby transformer packaged with your set. (See
page 19 for a complete list of compatible transformers and wiring
instructions.)

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart
Note that many of the operational commands described in these instructions
require a bell button, so if you are using a transformer other than the one
included in this set and your transformer does not have its own bell button,
you should consider adding one to get the full benefit of the system.
Transformer
Model Center Rail Outside Rail Min/Max. Voltage Power Rating Transformer Type
Trainmaster *
Lionel 1032 U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel 1032M U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel 1033 U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel 1043 U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel 1043M U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel 1044 U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel 1053 U A 8-17v 60-Watt Standard
Lionel 1063 U A 8-17v 60-Watt Standard
All-Trol Left Terminal Right Terminal 0-24v 300-Watt Electronic
Cab-1/Powerma
ster A U 0-18v 135V.A. Electronic
Dallee Hostler Left Terminal Right Terminal Electronic
LionelLW A U 8-18v 75-Watt Standard
LionelKW A or B U6-20v 190-Watt Standard
Lionel MW Outside Track
Terminal Inside Track Terminal 5-16v 50V.A. Electronic
R.O.W. Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-24v 384-Watt Standard
Lionel RS-1 Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-18v 50V.A. Electronic
LionelRW U A 9-19v 110-Watt Standard
LionelSW U A Unknown 130-Watt Standard
LionelTW U A 8-18v 175-Watt Standard
LionelZW A,B,C or D U8-20v 275-Watt Standard
Lionel Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-18v 135-Watt Electronic
MTH Z-500 Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-18v 50-Watt Electronic
MTH Z-750 Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-21v 75-Watt Electronic
MTH Z-4000 Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-22v 390-Watt Electronic
* Conventional Mode Only

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine
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 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.
• The transformer was designed to operate on regular US household current (120 volt, 50-60
Hertz). Do not connect to any other source of power.
• To avoid the risk of electrical shock, do not disassemble the transformer unit. There are no
user-serviceable parts inside. If the unit is damaged contact M.T.H. Service for instructions.
• The transformer is equipped with an internal circuit protector. If the circuit protector trips,
unplug the power cord from the electrical wall outlet, check your layout for any short circuits.
The circuit breaker will reset automatically when the short is removed from the circuit.
• Unplug the transformer from the electrical wall outlet when not in use.
• Do not use this transformer for other than its intended purpose.
Transformer Ratings:
Input: 120 VAC
60 Hz Only
Output: 21VAC, 3.75A 78VA (for sets with Z-750)