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Proto-Coupler Operation
This locomotive is equipped with one or more coil-wound Proto-Couplers for remote
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uncoupling action. Because Proto-Couplers are controlled through the Proto-Sound
3.0 microprocessor, they do not require an uncoupling track section or modification to
your layout to function. You can fire a coupler from neutral or while in motion. Use the
code shown below (and in the chart on p. 29) to fire the coupler(s).
Rear Coupler:
To fire the rear coupler, quickly tap the Bell button once followed by three quick taps of the
Horn button, allowing approximately ½ second to lapse between each quick button press.
The sound of the liftbar and air line depletion will play, and the knuckle will be released.
Front Coupler:
To fire the front coupler (if your engine has one), quickly tap the Bell button once
followed by four quick taps of the Horn button, allowing approximately ½ second to
lapse between each quick button press. The sound of the liftbar and air line depletion
will play, and the knuckle will be released.
Horn
Horn
Fire
Rear
Coupler
=
Horn
Bell
Horn
Horn
Fire
Front
Coupler
=
Horn
Horn
Bell
Tips on Using PFA
•You can terminate PFA at any time by turning off power to the track for 15 seconds.
•You do not have to be in Forward to use PFA. At the conclusion of the full sequence,
the train will pull away from the station or yard in whatever direction you were going
when you activated the feature.
•You can use PFA even if you are double-heading with another engine. If the second
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engine is not equipped with Proto-Sound 3.0, you must remember not to leave the
throttle at a high voltage level once you have stopped the engine to run the PFA.
Otherwise, the engine without PFA will begin vibrating on the track as its motors strain
to move the train, since they cannot be automatically disabled during the PFA cycle (or if
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an original Proto-Sound engine, PFA are triggered differently and that engine's motor-
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disable feature will not be active when you run PFA in Proto-Sound 3.0).
•PFA can be triggered from Neutral. It will operate the same as if triggered while in
motion except that, at the conclusion of the PFA, the engine will depart in the next
direction of travel, as opposed to the direction it was traveling before entering Neutral.
NOTE:
The software code used to operate the Lenz-style electrical couplers is different
than the software code used for the MTH Proto-Coupler. If your model came equipped
with the Lenz-style coupler DO NOT install an MTH Proto-Coupler without updating
the DSP code. Like wise if your model came equipped with an MTH Proto-Coupler,
DO NOT install the Lenz-style coupler without updating the DSP code. Damage may
occur to the coupler or the PS 3.0 board. If you desire to change the type of electrically
operated coupler on your locomotive, you can load the appropriate DSP Code for the
new coupler using the MTH DCS control system and a PC.. You will need a TIU
running software version 4.20 or higher and the Consumer Loader version 2.3 or higher.
Premier Swiss Crocodile Electric Engine
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