15
RailKing EP-5 Operating Manual
SELF-CHARGING BATTERY BACKUP SYSTEM
Proto-Sound® includes a self-charging battery backup system for
improved performance 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.
There no switches needed to enjoy the benefits of the automatic battery
backup system.
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 whistle 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 PROTOSOUND® BATTERY
The Proto-Sound® battery (located in the tender body), is a special NiCad
7-cell, 8.4v battery -NOT the 6-cell, 7.2v battery found in most convenience
stores. The battery is continually charged from the track when power is
applied above 11 volts. 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 locomotive during its lifetime. The 6-cell NiCad is NOT
recommended for use with Proto-Sound® applications.
If you notice that the sounds seem distorted or garbled at low voltages or
become immediately silent when power from the transformer is shut off, the
battery may be failing. 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 for 6 hours.
Note: When charging the battery in neutral, if your trains contains a
Smoke Unit should be turned OFF to prevent damage to the wick and the
heating elements.
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.
