15
MTH Blue Comet Operating Manual
PREMIER
LINE
TIPS ON USING THE PFA FEATURES
PFA is a unique feature of ProtoSounds that is completely controlled by the
operator. You decide how, when or if you want to utilize the feature. By
reviewing following tips you should find solutions or suggestions to the various
operating scenarios you might encounter when using PFA.
Tip #1:
You can escape the PFA sequence by interrupting the transformer
throttle before the first PA arrival message plays in Event 2 (neutral before
reverse).
Tip #2:
You can terminate PFA at anytime by turning the transformer
throttle off for 15 seconds.
Tip #3:
You do not have to be in the forward state to utilize PFA. For
example if you activate the PFA feature while in reverse and interrupt the
throttle to enter neutral, you will be entering neutral before forward rather than
neutral before reverse as defined in Event 2 above. Consequently, the forward
phase will be rendered inactive by ProtoSounds instead of the reverse state as
explained in Event 3. This will allow your train to leave the train station in the
same reverse direction that it arrived in.
Tip #4:
You can utilize PFA even if you are double-heading with another
engine, regardless of whether it is equipped with ProtoSounds or PFA. If the
engine isn’t equipped with PFA, the only thing to remember is that you not turn
up the transformer throttle very high when entering the reverse state found in
Event 3. If the throttle is set too high, then the second locomotive will begin
vibrating on the track as its motors will be turning in the reverse state since
engines not equipped with PFA cannot disable the reverse state and will thus
continue powering their own motors. If your second engine is equipped with
PFA, it can be disabled by entering RESET function 28. See the section on
programming RESET functions on page 18 of this manual to disable PFA.
Tip #5:
It is not necessary for the squealing brake sounds to be heard to
play the PFA sounds. For example, the brake sounds won’t be heard if the high
voltage setting is below 13 volts and the power is interrupted to enter the
neutral state.
Tip #6:
You can leave any of the event states at any time after entering the
state by simply interrupting the transformer throttle. Any sound effects
programmed to play in that event will simply not occur. The only exception is
Event 2 and Event 5. In Event 2, interrupting the throttle has no affect on PFA
until after the PA arrival message has played and the doors have opened. In
Event 5, you cannot interrupt PFA until after the engine begins to move.
Interrupting the throttle before the engine begins to move has no affect on the
locomotive.
