NYC Dreyfuss Operating Manual
12
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 17 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.
