Sounds
As in analog DC mode, the default sound arrangement is automatic. So, you can
just run your engine and its sounds will follow the action. But, you operate in DCC
for a reason. You want access to more features, right? Well, depending upon the
capabilities of your DCC controller, you now have access to a range of sound
features including bell, whistle, PFA, engine sounds on/off, master volume,
Doppler, and more.
Here's a brief description of commonly used sound features.
F1 – Bell
Toggles bell sounds on/off. Listen to the last half ring of the bell when it stops!
F2 – Whistle
Blows the whistle for as long as it's on. There are several different ending signatures
depending on how long you hold the button down. Check it out!
F4 – PFA.
PFA in MTH lingo stands for Passenger/Freight Announcements. Your engine is
pre-programmed for the appropriate type of sounds based upon the type of service
the real-life engine used in daily operation.
There are five sound sequences or segments in the PFA feature. Each segment is
advanced by you, the operator.
You hit the F4 button twice on the DCC controller to let the engine know you want
it to advance (this toggles the PFA function on then off to clear the remote for the
next sequence). In most PFA sequences there is a minimum wait time of about 20-
30 seconds before it will advance. So, here is how a typical PFA sequence operates:
1. Press the F4 button twice (toggle F4 on then off) to start the PFA sequence on
the engine. You'll hear “Now arriving…” for passenger sound sets and cab
chatter for freight sound sets. The bell will then begin ringing.
2. Slowly reduce the throttle until the train stops at the desired location and speed
reaches zero. Press the F4 button twice (toggle F4 on then off) again and the bell
will stop ringing. You will hear the engine sounds switch from the cab to the
station or yard with all the ambient sounds you'd hear in the real thing.
3. Press the F4 button twice (toggle F4 on then off) again to advance the sequence.
You'll hear “Now boarding…” for passenger sound sets and freight yard sounds
for freight sound sets.
4. Press the F4 button twice (toggle F4 on then off) again to advance the sequence.
You'll hear “Now departing…” for passenger sound sets and more freight yard
sounds for freight sound sets.
5. Press the F4 button twice (toggle F4 on then off) the last time to advance the
sequence. You'll hear “All aboard…” for passenger sound sets and more freight
yard sounds for freight sound sets. The engine sounds will switch over to the cab
again. When the bell begins to ring, advance the throttle to move the engine out
of the station or yard. The bell will shut off automatically.
M.T.H. HO 4-8-2 Mohawk Steam Engine
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