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MTH 392E Operating Manual
TINPLA
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PROTOSOUNDS® INSTRUCTIONS
The MTH ProtoSound® digital sound and train control system provides the operator with
unprecedented realistic operation on your model railroad. In addition to actual 392E engine,
CD-equivalent 16-bit digital sounds, you get the following features:
*
Built-In ProtoSound® DCRU® Reverse Unit * Authentic Steam Whistle Sound*
Authentic Steam Bell Sound* Squeaking Brake Sound* Freight Yard Sounds*
Self-Recharging Battery Back-Up System With Automatic Battery Shut-Off*
Remotely Controlled Reverse Unit Lock-Out* Remotely Adjustable Steam Engine
Chuffing Volume* Authentic Steam Engine Neutral Sounds*
Each feature is described among the following pages. Though the system is easy to use, we
encourage you to read the instructions thoroughly.
PROTOSOUND® DCRU® REVERSE UNIT
As mentioned in the Basic Operating section, the engine is controlled by a ProtoSound®
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 engines compressor 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 compressor 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 remote Steam
Chuffing Volume Adjustment, Separate Bell Button Operation (pre-programmed at the
factory), Whistle In Neutral Operation, Squeaking Brakes and Passenger Station or Freight
Yard Proto-Effects. 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 dont want to
configure or change your locomotive using any of these programmable features, simply leave
