Rail King RAILKING F-3 AA SET User manual

RAILKING F-3 AA SET
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for purchasing the RailKing® F-3 AA Set. The engine’s
durable ABS body and die-cast trucks are traditionally sized for operation
on most O-31 Gauge track. The engine should operate for years with most
compatible AC transformers (see the chart on page 30 for a list of
compatible transformers) and is completely compatible with most 3-rail
locomotives, rolling stock and accessories.
The locomotive is equipped with either an electronic horn or the Proto-
Sound® Digital Sound and train control system which contains several
deluxe features that are simple and fun to operate. Each feature is described
among the following pages which should be read before the engine is
operated. For those of you who can’t wait to get started, theQuick Start
BasicOperating Instructions found on Page 3 should be read so that you
understand the basics of the operating system. Please note that some
features are only found in the Proto-Sound® models and are marked as
such. Features not marked as Proto-Sound® features are available in all
models.

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RailKing F-3 AA Set Operating Manual
Table Of Contents
QUICK START - BASIC OPERATION 3
PROTO-SOUND® OPERATINGINSTRUCTIONS 4
Proto-Sound® DCRU® Reverse Unit Operation(All 3-Rail Models) 4
Horn Operation 5
Bell Operation 5
Cab Chatter Sounds 6
Squeaking Brake Sounds 7
Tips On Using Squeaking Brakes 7
Self-Charging Battery Backup System 8
Replacing the Battery 8
Passenger Station Announcements-Quick Overview 9
Activating Passenger Station Announcements (PFA) 11
Tips On Using The Passenger Station Announcements 14
SPECIALREVERSEUNITOPTIONS 15
Locking The Engine Into Forward or Reverse 15
Unlocking The Engine 15
Locking The Engine Into Neutral 15
Manually Adjusting The Proto-Sound® Volume 16
USING RESET TO PROGRAM PROTO-SOUND® FEATURES 17
Entering RESET Options 17
Setting The Engine Volume 18
Programming For Squeaking Brake Operation 18
Programming For Horn In Neutral Operation 19
Programming For ProtoCoupler™ Operation 19
Programming For PFA Operation 20
Resetting All Proto-Sound® Options To Factory Defaults 21
Programming For Cab Chatter Sounds 21
OIL & LUBRICATION INSTRUCTIONS 22
TRACTION TIRE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS 23
LIGHT BULB REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT 24
TROUBLE SHOOTING PROTO-SOUND®PROBLEMS 25
Proto-Sound® RESET Feature Chart 29
Transformer Wiring Chart 30
O-31 OPERATION 31
SERVICE AND WARRANTY INFORMATION 32
HOW TO GET SERVICE 32
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY 32

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RailKing F-3 AA Set Operating Manual
QUICK START - BASIC OPERATION
The RailKing F-3 AA Set contains state-of-the art electronics with several
built-in automatic features for incredibly realistic operation. Despite these
advanced features, the F-3 AA Set is easy to operate with any compatible
standard AC transformer (see the compatibility chart on page 32).
All models are controlled by a Proto-Sound® DCRU® electronic reverse
unit. The reverse unit operates in the same manner that all reverse units
function by using forward, neutral and reverse states that are entered each
time the throttle is turned on and off or by using the transformer direction
switch (if so equipped). See Fig. 1 for the location of the lock-out switch.
The reverse unit is designed to
ignore dirty track, dead spots on
switches or minor short circuits
without disrupting the engine
operation, even at slow, prototypical
speeds. Once the engine is placed
on the track, the throttle on the
transformer can be advanced. You
will see that only the engine’s lights
come on and that only two dings of
the Proto-Sound® bell occur
followed by the diesel start-up
sounds (on Proto-Sound® equipped 3-rail models). The engine does not
run. This is known as the RESET state (see Fig. 2) and is explained in more
detail beginning on Page 4. The
Proto-Sound® DCRU® will not power
the motors until the throttle is turned
OFF and then ON again. At this point,
the engine will now function just like
any other electronic or mechanical
E-unit. On Proto-Sound® equipped
engines, the diesel engine sounds will change in volume as the engine
begins to move. The horn can be activated by pressing the whistle button
on the transformer just as any horn would be activated. See the sections
later in this guide, beginning on page 5, for more information on activating
the horn and bell sounds.
RESET
Neutral
Reverse
Neutral
Forward
Figure 2: DCRU™ Cycle Phases
Reverse Unit
Lock-Out Switch
ProtoCoupler®
Selection Switch
Figure 1: Lock-Out Switch Location

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RailKing F-3 AA Set Operating Manual
PROTO-SOUND® OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
The MTH Proto-Sound® digital sound and train control system provides
the operator with unprecedented realistic operation on your model railroad.
In addition to actual diesel engine, CD-equivalent 16-bit digital sounds,
you get the following features:
1. ∗Built-In Proto-Sound® DCRU® Reverse Unit * Authentic Diesel Engine Horn
Sound * Authentic Diesel Engine Bell Sound * Squeaking Brake Sound *
Passenger Station Announcements * Self-Charging Battery Back-Up System
With Automatic Battery Shut-Off * Remotely Controlled Reverse Unit Lock-Out
* Remotely Adjustable Diesel Engine Volume * Authentic Diesel Engine Start Up
& Shut Down Sounds * Random Selection of Four “Cab Chatter" Radio
Transmission Sound Clips *
Each feature is described among the following pages. Though the system
is easy to use, we encourage you to read the instructions thoroughly.
Proto-Sound® DCRU® REVERSE UNIT
As mentioned in the Basic Operating section, the engine is controlled by a
Proto-Sound® DCRU® reverse unit that contains the standard
forward-neutral-reverse states found on most reverse units. However, as
described earlier, when power is first applied to the track, the reverse unit
begins in RESET or what seems like a neutral state. Power must be
interrupted again to get the locomotive to enter the forward state. It is this
first RESET state that gives Proto-Sound® its unique, remote controlled
functions. The system will enter RESET whenever power to the track is off
for three or more seconds. NEUTRAL will be referred to as the state
between Forward and Reverse.
Proto-Sound® is equipped with a microprocessor, that, depending on the
amount of memory it is allotted, allows the user to utilize several remotely
activated functions. In the simplest terms, Proto-Sound® has its own
“Computer" controlling these functions. In order to access many of these
remotely controlled functions, the user must be in the RESET state to do so.
RESET is entered anytime power to the locomotive has been off for more
than 3 to 5 seconds. When the engine first enters RESET, the
microprocessor initiates a system check to determine if the system,
transformer and engine are operating correctly. This takes approximately 5
seconds during which you will hear the engine’s startup sounds begin. In

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RailKing F-3 AA Set Operating Manual
order for Proto-Sound® to properly initiate the system check, do not
advance the transformer throttle past 10 volts when you first enter RESET,
wait for the diesel startup sounds to begin and then slowly turn the
transformer throttle to the off position and then back on again to enter the
forward phase. Interrupting the power too quickly may cause the system to
re-enter RESET (signaled by two dings of the bell). Should this happen,
wait longer before interrupting the power to enter the Forward phase.
Proto-Sound® comes with several programmable functions, including
Engine Volume Adjustment, Separate Bell Button Operation
(pre-programmed at the factory), Cab Chatter On/Off Control, and
Horn-In-Neutral Operation. Each of these features are described in more
detail later. You will notice that when in RESET, your engine will not
respond to the whistle button with a horn blast or continuous bell ringing.
In fact, when in RESET and the whistle button is depressed, only one single
bell chime will be heard each time the whistle button is pressed. If you
don’t want to configure or change your locomotive using any of these
programmable features, simply leave RESET and wait 5 seconds before
interrupting the power to put the engine in forward. After you leave
RESET, your engine will operate normally in all the direction states of
forward, neutral and reverse.
HORN OPERATION
Your RailKing F-3 AA Set Proto-Sound® equipped engine is equipped
with a digital recording of a diesel horn. The horn sound can be activated
anytime the engine is in forward or reverse by pressing the whistle button
on your transformer. The horn will continue to blow as long as the whistle
button is depressed. The horn will not function in RESET and must be
configured through a RESET option to allow the horn to work when the
engine is in neutral. See page 19 for information on horn programming in
the Using RESET To Program Proto-Sound® section of this manual.
BELL OPERATION
Your RailKing F-3 AA Set Proto-Sound® equipped engine is equipped
with a digital recording of an actual diesel bell. Unlike previous versions of
Proto-Sound®, the bell can be turned on or off with any separate bell
button, like the Lionel® Railsounds® No. 5906 Bell Button, by simply
pushing the button. If you don’t have a separate bell button, the bell can be
controlled through your transformer’s whistle button whenever the engine

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RailKing F-3 AA Set Operating Manual
is in NEUTRAL. The bell will never ring continuously in RESET
(Remember NEUTRAL is the state between Forward and Reverse). Once
the bell is turned on, it will continue to ring when the engine is cycled into
forward or reverse until you press the bell button or re-enter NEUTRAL
and turn the bell off with the whistle button.
To turn the bell on using the transformer’s whistle button, turn on power to
the track and cycle the engine into NEUTRAL. Turn the throttle to 8 volts
or less and press the whistle button. The bell should begin chiming. To
turn the bell off, press the whistle button again. If you want to keep the bell
on while running the engine, simply interrupt the power with the
transformer throttle or the transformer directional switch and enter forward
or reverse.
DIESEL CAB CHATTER SOUNDS
Whenever your diesel locomotive is parked in Neutral, randomly played
“Cab Chatter” sound effects will occur every 2 to 30 seconds. There are a
total of four of these Cab Chatter sequences that capture authentic radio
transmissions between dispatcher and engineer. They are designed to play
at random intervals to eliminate repetitive and boring sequences though
there is no guarantee that you won’t hear the same message repeated two or
more times.

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RailKing F-3 AA Set Operating Manual
SQUEAKING BRAKE SOUNDS
Proto-Sound® equipped engines feature the ability to play the sound of
squeaking brakes whenever your engine slows in speed. There are two
settings for activating the squeaking brake sounds. The default setting
allows the brake sounds to play while the engine is in forward or reverse
and the transformer throttle is lowered from a high setting to a low setting
(14 volts to 8 volts
or less). The second
setting requires that
a bell button be used
to “arm” the brake
feature and is
explained in more
detail in the
“Activating Passenger Station Announcements” section found later in this
manual. The sound itself is a stored record on the Proto-Sound® software
chip and will always play the same brake sound for the same three second
length each time the voltage is reduced from high to low. Some practice
may be required to synchronize the playing of the brake sounds with the
movement of the engine. It is not uncommon for the engine to stop before
the brake sound is completed. Operators will find that by coordinating the
movement of the throttle setting from 8 volts to off will allow the engine to
maintain its movement while the brake sounds play. Note: The brake
sounds will not be heard if the transformer throttle is not set above 14
volts and/or not reduced below 8 volts.
TIPS ON USING THE SQUEAKING BRAKE FEATURE
Users will find the squeaking brake feature to be a very realistic way to
simulate the sound of an engine slowing down for curves, crossings or coming
to a stop at a station, side track or switch yard. However, you may find that
your engine continues to play the brake sounds once your engine comes to a
stop, or that the sounds stop before the engine comes to a complete halt. For
example, if you simply run the engine and turn the throttle off quickly, the
brake sounds will likely continue playing even though the engine has come to
a complete stop.
This effect can be eliminated by simply practicing with the brake feature. In
no time, you will quickly learn how to “feather" the throttle to keep the engine
moving while the brake sounds play and then turning the throttle off just as the
sounds stop.
Throttle Down From
High Voltage To Low
Listen For The
Squeaking Brake Sounds

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RailKing F-3 AA Set Operating Manual
SELF-CHARGING BATTERY BACKUP SYSTEM
Proto-Sound® state-of-the-art design includes a self-charging battery
backup system for improved performance at any speed. The battery ensures
that power to the sound system will remain on during directional changes,
while setting RESET options or when traveling over spots of dirty track and
switches. The self-recharging battery backup system is automatically
turned on or off whenever track power is turned on or off.
Proto-Sound® contains a warning alarm if the battery backup system fails
to automatically disengage when track power is turned off. Should the
backup system fail, you will hear a repeating horn blast indicating that this
has occurred. Should this happen, unplug the battery from the
Proto-Sound® module (to prevent the battery from being run down) and
contact MTH for instructions on returning the train for repair.
REPLACING THE PROTO-SOUND® BATTERY
The Proto-Sound® battery is a special NiCad 7-cell, 8.4v battery -NOT
the 6-cell, 7.2v battery found in most convenience stores. The 6-cell NiCad
is NOT recommended for use with Proto-Sound® applications. The battery
is continually charged from the track when power is applied and should last
for up to five years. In addition, the NiCad battery is a dry battery and
should not leak or cause any damage to your locomotive during its lifetime.
If you notice that the sounds seem distorted or garbled at low voltages or
become silent when power from the transformer is shut off, the battery may
be going bad. Before replacing the battery, you should put the engine in
NEUTRAL and leave the transformer throttle set at about 12 volts for 15
minutes. This should temporarily recharge the battery. If the garbled or
distorted sounds are reduced, then your battery charge has worn down. You
can give your battery a full charge by leaving the engine ON in the
NEUTRAL position and the transformer throttle set at about 12 volts for 6
hours.
If you need to replace the battery, they are available from MTH
Proto-Sound® Electronics at 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia,
MD 21046-1532. A standard 9v alkaline battery can be substituted as a
temporary fix, but, since alkaline batteries can’t take a charge, it will
eventually wear down.

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RailKing F-3 AA Set Operating Manual
Operating Proto-Sound® Passenger Station
Sound Effects
Passenger Station Announcements (PFA)
Proto-Sound® is equipped with operator controlled Passenger Station
Sounds, referred to as PFA. The PFA sequence is designed to simulate the
arrival, disembarking, embarking and departure of a passenger train in a
Passenger Station. This easy-to-use feature allows you to play digitally
recorded sounds of Passenger Station sounds while your engine is parked in
the Neutral State. No additional wires or modifications are needed to enjoy
these amazing sound effects. The sounds themselves are randomly
“shuffled” by the Proto-Sound® computer. This gives the system the
ability to play the various sounds in a different order each time PFA is
enabled.
Activating Passenger Sounds- Quick Overview
Your train is now ready for you to play the PFA.
The train on track moving Forward or Reverse direction.
BPress and Hold Bell Button For 3+
Seconds,ListenForaHornBlastor
Air Release, then Remove your Finger
from the Button.
BPress Bell Button Again Quickly to
Stop Bell Chime.

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RailKing F-3 AA Set Operating Manual
For more detailed PFA instructions, read the following.
d
Bell
Horn
Whistle
Direction
OR
To Play PFA, Stop Train Direction.
This Can Be Done by Pressing the
DIRECTION Button or Cycling the
TransformerHandle.
At This Time the Train Will Stop in
Neutral.
In a Few Seconds, An Arrival Message
Plays, Followed by a Background
Noise.
STOP
d
Bell
Horn
Whistle
Direction
OR Change/Press Direction- The Train Will
Remain In Neutral. It Will Continue to
Play More Background Noises.
d
Bell
Horn
Whistle
Direction
OR
Change/Press Direction- The Train Will Remain
In Neutral. You Will Hear a Double Air Release,
Departure Message Plays More Background
Noises.
d
Bell
Horn
Whistle
Direction
OR
GO
Change/Press Direction- The Train Will Remain In
Neutral. You Will Hear Closing Doors, Horn Blast,
a Few Bell Chimes and Train Departs in the
Direction the Train First Stopped.