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RailKing F-3 AA Set Operating Manual
SELF-CHARGING BATTERY BACKUP SYSTEM
Proto-Sound® state-of-the-art design includes a self-charging battery
backup system for improved perform ance at any speed. The battery ensures
that power to the sound system will remain on during directional changes,
while setting RESET options or when traveling over spots of dirty track and
switches. The self-recharging battery backup system is automatically
turned on or off whenever track power is turned on or off.
Proto-Sound® contains a warning alarm if the battery backup system fails
to automatically disengage when track power is turned off. Should the
backup system fail, you will hear a repeating horn blast indicating that this
has occurred. Should this happen, unplug the battery from the
Proto-Sound® module (to prevent the battery from being run down) and
contact MTH for instructions on returning the train for repair.
REPLACING THE PROTO-SOUND® BATTERY
The Proto-Sound® battery is a special NiCad 7-cell, 8.4v battery -NOT
the 6-cell, 7.2v battery found in most convenience stores. The 6-cell NiCad
is NOT recommended for use with Proto-Sound® applications. The battery
is continually charged from the track when power is applied and should last
for up to five years. In addition, the NiCad battery is a dry battery and
should not leak or cause any damage to your locom otive during its lifetime.
If you notice that the sounds seem distorted or garbled at low voltages or
become silent when power from the transformer is shut off, the battery may
be going bad. Before replacing the battery, you should put the engine in
NEUTRAL and leave the transformer throttle set at about 12 volts for 15
minutes. This should temporarily recharge the battery. If the garbled or
distorted sounds are reduced, then your battery charge has worn down. You
can give your battery a full charge by leaving the engine ON in the
NEUTRAL position and the transformer throttle set at about 12 volts for 6
hours.
If you need to replace the battery, they are available from MTH
Proto-Sound® Electronics at 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia,
MD 21046-1532. A standard 9v alkaline battery can be substituted as a
temporary fix, but, since alkaline batteries can’t take a charge, it will
eventually wear down.
