10
Analog DC Operation
The model and the sound decoder are
designed to be fully functional and ready
right-out-of-the-box with no adjustments
necessary. For operation using a Digital /
DCC system, refer to the section labeled
“Digital / DCC Operation”.
Power Supply
Attention!
The model should only be
operated on a high-quality, electronically-
regulated power supply providing 0 to 24
volts of smooth, filtered DC, with a
capacity of at least 2 Amps and a fast-
acting fuse or circuit breaker to protect
against short circuits. Do not use a power
supply which is not in safe and perfect
working condition. Older rheostat-style
power packs and “pulse” power packs will
result in erratic and unreliable operation
and should not be used. The use of an
improper power supply can even damage
the model and void the warranty.
Depending on the quality of the voltage
from the power supply, some automatic
sound functions may not work correctly or
may trigger continually. The sensitivity of
these functions can be adjusted using a
Digital / DCC system – See the Owners
Manual for further information.
Attention!
Do not exceed the model’s
absolute maximum input voltage rating of
30 volts. If the track voltage exceeds 29
volts, the sound and motor will
automatically shut off and the front and
rear lights will flash. Decrease the voltage
immediately! The sound decoder will
recover at approximately 27 volts.
Operating the Model
With the throttle set to zero, the
locomotive will be motionless and silent,
as it has no power. Turn the throttle up
gradually to about 5 to 7 volts to provide
sufficient voltage to power up the internal
circuitry of the loco’s sound decoder. At
this point, the sound of the dynamo
(generator) will be heard, as well as the
steady sound of the blower and the
occasional random pumping of the air
compressor. The smoke unit will begin to
work and the appropriate headlamp (front
or rear, according to the direction of travel)
will be lighted. If the throttle is set to
move the locomotive forward, two blasts
of the whistle will sound as the throttle is
increased. If it is set to move the
locomotive in reverse, three blasts will
sound.
Increasing the throttle further to about 8.5
to 9 volts will set the locomotive in
motion, increasing speed as the throttle is
increased. The exhaust chuff is
synchronized to the speed of the
locomotive. Note that the direction can
only be changed when the locomotive is
stopped. As the throttle is increased and
the loco begins to move, the bell will
automatically start and ring for about
5 seconds.
For best operation, adjust the throttle
smoothly and gradually. Erratic movement
of the throttle can produce poor operation.
When the throttle is turned down, the
sound of the brakes squealing will be
heard. A bit of practice may be required to
learn the rate of throttle decrease which
consistently triggers the brake sound.
Turning the throttle down further will bring
the locomotive to a stop, followed by a
single blast of the whistle and the hiss of
steam.
Leaving the throttle set to provide about 6
volts to the track will keep the sounds,
lights and smoke operating while the
locomotive is stopped, such as while
standing at a station. A bit of
experimentation will reveal the proper
throttle setting to provide operation of
these “standstill” features. After a time,
the sound of the air compressor pumping
will be heard randomly. If the loco has a
simulated coal load in the tender, the
occasional sound of the fireman tossing a
shovel or two of coal into the loco’s
firebox will also be heard. As set from the
factory, this only occurs about one of four
times when the loco stops.
Triggering Bell and Whistle Sounds
This loco also has a sensor to trigger bell
and whistle sounds when the loco passes
over track magnets (magnets not included
- purchase PIKO #35268). Rotating the
track magnet 180 ° will select triggering
either the bell ringing for about 5 seconds
or a grade crossing whistle signal
(two long blasts, one short, one long).
Volume Control
The sound system’s volume control is
located in the tender, under the water filler
hatch cover on top of the rear deck. Pull
up gently on the hatch cover. Turn the
knob carefully to adjust the volume level.
Attention!
Always put the hatch cover
back in place! Leaving the model exposed
to the elements with the cover removed
can cause damage to the sophisticated
electronic components inside the tender.
Analog DC Features Requiring a
Digital/DCC System for Programming
This model is optimized from the factory
for best operation under most
circumstances. Advanced users of Analog
DC may wish to make use of a Digital /
DCC system to change some of the many
programmable functions. Once
programmed on a Digital system, most of
these functions will also operate on Analog
DC. For example, using a Digital system,
one of three different whistle tones can be
chosen and this selection will remain in
effect when operating on Analog DC
power.
