F40PH Diesel Operating Manual
6
DCRU™ REVERSE UNIT AND PROTOSOUNDS
OPERATION(All 3-Rail Models)
As mentioned in the Basic Operating section, the engine is controlled by a 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 ProtoSound™ 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.
ProtoSounds™ 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, ProtoSounds™ has its own “Computer" controlling these functions. In fact,
the power of this microprocessor is the same as that of a 286 desktop computer! 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 2.2 seconds during which you will hear the engine’s startup sounds
begin. In order for ProtoSounds 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.
ProtoSounds™ comes with several programmable functions, including Turbine Whine
Volume Adjustment, Separate Bell Button Operation (pre-programmed at the factory), Cab
Chatter On/Off Control, ProtoCoupler 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 2.2 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.
