NYC Dreyfuss Operating Manual
6
DCRU REVERSE UNIT OPERATION
(All 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 3-5
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 air compressor
start up. In order for ProtoSounds to properly initiate the system check, do not advance the
transformer throttle past 10 volts when you first enter RESET, then wait for the steam
compressor pumps to begin before slowly turning the throttle to the off position and then
back on again to enter the Forward phase. If you enter RESET at too high a voltage,
interrupt the power too soon, or move the throttle too quickly to the off position, the system
may reenter 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, remotely activated
Proto-Coupler, Whistle in neutral operation, enhanced neutral steam sounds, squealing
brakes and passenger station announcement sounds. Each of these features are
described in more detail later and all can be remotely activated from any compatible
standard AC transformer with a whistle button (See the chart on page 25). (Additional
features will be available at additional prices from MTH ProtoSound Electronics) You will
notice that when in RESET, your engine will not respond to the whistle button with a whistle
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 button is pressed. This is
because the computer is awaiting programming instructions from one of the many RESET
settings. If you don’t wish to configure ProtoSounds using any of the programmable
features, simply leave RESET at this time by 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. Remember, though, once power is turned off for more than
3 seconds, the next time power is applied to the track, your engine will be back in RESET.