RAILKING SW 8-9 DIESEL ENGINE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

RAILKING SW 8-9 DIESEL ENGINEOPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Thank you for purchasing the RailKing® production of General Motors’SW 8-9 diesel engine. The engine’s durable ABS body and die-cast trucksare traditionally sized for operation on any O-27 Gauge track. The engineshould operate for years with any compatible AC transformer (see the charton page 35 for a list of compatible transformers) and is completelycompatible with most 3-rail locomotives, rolling stock and accessories.

The locomotive is equipped with either an electronic horn or theProtoSound® Digital Sound and train control system which contains several deluxe features that are simple and fun to operate. Each feature is described among the following pages which should be read before the engine isoperated. For those of you who can’t wait to get started, the Quick StartBasic Operating Instructions found on Pages 3 and 4 should be read so that you understand the basics of the operating system. Please note that somefeatures are only found in the ProtoSound® models and are marked as such. Features not marked as ProtoSound® features are available in all models.

2RailKing SW 8-9 Operating Manual

Table Of Contents

QUICK START - BASIC OPERATION 3PROTOSOUNDS® OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 4

ProtoSound® DCRU® Reverse Unit Operation(All 3-Rail Models) 5Horn Operation 5Bell Operation 5ProtoCoupler™ Operation 6Squeaking Brake Sounds 7Tips On Using Squeaking Brakes 8Freight Yard Sounds (FYS) 9Tips On Using The Freight Yard Sounds 13Self-Recharging Battery Backup System 15Replacing The Battery 15ProtoSound® Volume Adjustment 16

USING “RESET" TO PROGRAM PROTOSOUNDS® 17Entering RESET Options 17Setting The Engine Volume 18Programming For A Separate Bell Button Controller 19Programming For Squeaking Brake Operation 19Programming For Horn In Neutral Operation 20Programming For Cab Chatter Sounds 21Programming For ProtoCoupler™ Operation 22Programming For FYS Operation 22Activating Reverse Unit Lock-Out Control 23Resetting All ProtoSound® Options To Factory Defaults 24Reverse Unit Lockout Control Functions 25Locking The Engine Into Forward or Reverse 25Unlocking The Engine 25Locking The Engine Into Neutral 25

OIL & LUBRICATION INSTRUCTIONS 27TRACTION TIRE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS 28LIGHT BULB REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT 29TROUBLE SHOOTING PROTOSOUND™ PROBLEMS 30

ProtoSound® RESET Feature Chart 34Transformer Wiring Chart 35

EXPLODED VIEWS AND PARTS LISTS 36-38O-27 OPERATION 40SERVICE AND WARRANTY INFORMATION 40HOW TO GET SERVICE 40LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY 40


QUICK START - BASIC OPERATION

The RailKing SW 8-9 contains state-of-the art electronics with severalbuilt-in automatic features for incredibly realistic operation. Despite theseadvanced features, the SW 8-9 is easy to operate with any compatiblestandard AC transformer (see the compatibility chart on page 35).

All models are controlled by a ProtoSound® DCRU® electronic reverseunit. The reverse unit operates in the same manner that all reverse unitsfunction by using forward, neutral and reverse states that are entered eachtime the throttle is turned on and off or by using the transformer directionswitch (if so equipped).

The reverse unit is designed toignore dirty track, dead spots onswitches or minor short circuitswithout disrupting the engineoperation, even at slow, prototypical speeds. Once the engine is placedon the track, the throttle on thetransformer can be advanced. Youwill see that only the engine’s lights come on and that only two dings ofthe ProtoSound® bell occurfollowed by the diesel start-upsounds (on ProtoSound® equipped 3-rail models). The engine does not run.

This is known as the RESET stateand is explained in more detailbeginning on Page 4. TheProtoSound® DCRU® will notpower the motors until the throttle is turned OFF and then ON again.At this point, the engine will nowfunction just like any other

electronic or mechanical E-unit. On ProtoSound® equipped engines, thediesel engine sounds will change in volume as the engine begins to move.The horn can be activated by pressing the whistle button on the transformerjust as any horn would be activated. See the sections later in this guide,beginning on page 5, for more information on activating the horn and bellsounds.

DCRU® Electronic Reverse UnitLockout Switch

Figure 1: ProtoSound® DCRU® Lockout Switch

RESET

Neutral

Reverse

Neutral

Forward

Figure 2: DCRU™ Cycle Phases


PROTOSOUNDS® OPERATINGINSTRUCTIONS The MTH ProtoSound® digital sound and train control system providesthe operator with unprecedented realistic operation on your model railroad.In addition to actual diesel engine, CD-equivalent 16-bit digital sounds,you get the following features:

1. ∗ Built-In ProtoSound® DCRU® Reverse Unit * Authentic Diesel Engine HornSound * Authentic Diesel Engine Bell Sound * Squeaking Brake Sound * Freight Yard Sounds * Operating Remote Controlled ProtoCoupler™ *Self-Recharging Battery Back-Up System With Automatic Battery Shut-Off *Remotely Controlled Reverse Unit Lock-Out * Remotely Adjustable DieselEngine Volume * Authentic Diesel Engine Start Up & Shut Down Sounds *Random Selection of Four “Cab Chatter" Radio Transmission Sound Clips *

Each feature is described among the following pages. Though the systemis easy to use, we encourage you to read the instructions thoroughly.

ProtoSound® DCRU® REVERSE UNIT

As mentioned in the Basic Operating section, the engine is controlled by aProtoSound® DCRU® reverse unit that contains the standardforward-neutral-reverse states found on most reverse units. However, asdescribed earlier, when power is first applied to the track, the reverse unitbegins in RESET or what seems like a neutral state. Power must beinterrupted again to get the locomotive to enter the forward state. It is thisfirst RESET state that gives ProtoSound® its unique, remote controlledfunctions. The system will enter RESET whenever power to the track is off for three or more seconds. NEUTRAL will be referred to as the statebetween Forward and Reverse.

ProtoSounds® is equipped with a microprocessor, that, depending on theamount of memory it is allotted, allows the user to utilize several remotelyactivated functions. In the simplest terms, ProtoSounds® has its own“Computer" controlling these functions. In fact, the power of thismicroprocessor is the same as that of a 286 desktop computer! In order toaccess many of these remotely controlled functions, the user must be in theRESET state to do so. RESET is entered anytime power to the locomotivehas been off for more than 3 to 5 seconds. When the engine first entersRESET, the microprocessor initiates a system check to determine if thesystem, transformer and engine are operating correctly. This takes


approximately 2.2 seconds during which you will hear the engine’s startupsounds begin. In order for ProtoSounds® to properly initiate the systemcheck, do not advance the transformer throttle past 10 volts when you firstenter RESET, wait for the diesel startup sounds to begin and then slowlyturn the transformer throttle to the off position and then back on again toenter the forward phase. Interrupting the power too quickly may cause thesystem to re-enter RESET (signaled by two dings of the bell). Should thishappen, wait longer before interrupting the power to enter the Forwardphase.

ProtoSounds® comes with several programmable functions, includingEngine Volume Adjustment, Separate Bell Button Operation(pre-programmed at the factory), Cab Chatter On/Off Control, ProtoCoupler On/Off Control and Horn-In-Neutral Operation. Each of these features aredescribed in more detail later. You will notice that when in RESET, yourengine will not respond to the whistle button with a horn 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 whistle button ispressed. If you don’t want to configure or change your locomotive usingany of these programmable features, simply leave RESET and wait 2.2seconds before interrupting the power to put the engine in forward. Afteryou leave RESET, your engine will operate normally in all the directionstates of forward, neutral and reverse.

HORN OPERATION

Your RailKing SW 8-9 ProtoSound® equipped engine is equipped with adigital recording of a diesel horn. The horn sound can be activated anytimethe engine is in forward or reverse by pressing the whistle button on yourtransformer. The horn will continue to blow as long as the whistle button is depressed. The horn will not function in RESET and must be configuredthrough a RESET option to allow the horn to work when the engine is inneutral. See page 17 for information on horn programming in the UsingRESET To Program ProtoSounds® section of this manual.

BELL OPERATION

Your RailKing SW 8-9 ProtoSound® equipped engine is equipped with adigital recording of an actual diesel bell. Unlike previous versions ofProtoSounds®, the bell can be turned on or off with any separate bellbutton, like the Lionel® Railsounds® No. 5906 Bell Button, by simply


pushing the button. If you don’t have a separate bell button, the bell can be controlled through your transformer’s whistle button whenever the engineis in NEUTRAL. The bell will never ring continuously in RESET(Remember NEUTRAL is the state between Forward and Reverse). Oncethe bell is turned on, it will continue to ring when the engine is cycled intoforward or reverse until you press the bell button or re-enter NEUTRALand turn the bell off with the whistle button.

In fact, because of ProtoSounds® state-of-the-art design, themicroprocessor remembers its last command. Therefore, unless you turnthe bell off before you quit running your train, the next time you run theengine, the bell will come on. No matter whether you come back an hourlater or a year later, the bell will begin chiming once the engine enters oneof the three directional states.

To turn the bell on using the transformer’s whistle button, turn on power to the track and cycle the engine into NEUTRAL. Turn the throttle to 8 voltsor less (any higher voltage will arm the ProtoCoupler™) and press thewhistle button. The bell should begin chiming. To turn the bell off, pressthe whistle button again. If you want to keep the bell on while running theengine, simply interrupt the power with the transformer throttle or thetransformer directional switch and enter forward or reverse.

PROTO-COUPLER™ OPERATION

Your RailKing SW 8-9 ProtoSound® equipped locomotive has twocoil-wound ProtoCouplers™ for remote uncoupling action. The couplersare mounted on the power trucks. Because the ProtoCoupler™ is controlled through ProtoSounds® microprocessor, it doesn’t require an uncouplingtrack section or modification to your layout to function. The three simplesteps below are required to operate the coupler.

1. Put your engine in NEUTRAL and turn the throttle all theway up.2. Press the transformer whistle button to “Arm" the coupler.(You will hear a “Clank")3. After arming the coupler, press the whistle button again toopen the coupler.

H H

Put Engine In NeutralAt Full Power

Press & Release The Whistle Button

Press & Release The Whistle Button

Listen For The Ca-Clunk Sound

See The Coupler OpenAnd Listen For The

Cha-Chusshh Sound


When the knuckle fires open you will hear the buzzing of the coilenergizing and the sound of the air lines coming apart. It can best bedescribed as a CHA-CHUSHHH sound. The coupler doesn’t have to befired in NEUTRAL. Once thecoupler is armed it can be firedin Forward, Neutral or Reverse.However, you may find that thecoupler doesn’t open whenfiring the coupler at highspeeds. Reduce the voltagesetting on your transformer ifthis occurs and run your engineat a slower speed before firingthe coupler. If the couplercontinues to open erratically, try lubricating the knuckle withlight oil as indicated in Fig. 3.

For multiple heading purposes, only one of the two ProtoCouplers™ willfunction at any one time. Use the coupler direction switch as shown in Fig.5 on page 16 to select either the front or rear coupler. Simply slide theswitch toward the direction of the coupler you want to make active.

SQUEAKING BRAKE SOUNDS

ProtoSound® equipped engines feature the ability to play the sound ofsqueaking brakes whenever your engine slows in speed. There are twosettings for activating the squeaking brake sounds. The default settingallows the brake sounds to play while the engine is in forward or reverseand the transformer throttle is lowered from a high setting to a low setting(14 volts to 8 volts or less). The second setting requires that a bell button be used to “arm” the brake feature and is explained in more detail in the“Activating Freight Yard Sounds” section found later in this manual. Thesound itself is a stored record on the ProtoSounds® software chip and willalways play the same brake sound for the same three second length each

Lubricate Coupler Rivet

Figure 3: Lubricating The ProtoCouplers

Throttle Down FromHigh Voltage To Low

Listen For The Squeaking Brake Sounds


time the voltage is reduced from high to low. Some practice may berequired to synchronize the playing of the brake sounds with the movementof the engine. It is not uncommon for the engine to stop before the brakesound is completed. Operators will find that by coordinating the movementof the throttle setting from 8 volts to off will allow the engine to maintain its movement while the brake sounds play. Note: The brake sounds will notbe heard if the transformer throttle is not set above 14 volts and/or notreduced below 8 volts.

TIPS ON USING THE SQUEAKING BRAKE FEATURE

Because the squeaking brake feature always plays for approximately 3seconds, it is possible that the brake sounds will play longer or shorter thanwhat visually seems prototypical. You will find that by practicing with thebrake feature, you can quickly determine how quickly to throttle down andwhat speeds and voltage settings give you the most prototypical braking effect.

Typical users will find the feature to be a very realistic way to simulate thesound of an engine slowing down for curves, crossings or coming to a stop at astation, side track or switch yard. As mentioned above, you will find thatinitially your engine may continue to play the brake sounds once your enginecomes to a stop or that the sounds stop prematurely before the engine comes toa complete halt. For example, if you simply run the engine and turn the throttle off quickly, the brake sounds will likely continue playing even though theengine has come to a complete stop. This annoying effect can be eliminated by simply practicing with the brake feature. In no time, you will quickly learnhow to “feather" the throttle to keep the engine moving while the brake soundsplay and then turning the throttle off just as the sounds stop. Remember thatonce you stop the engine, you should turn the throttle to the off position if youdon’t want to activate the Freight Yard Sounds feature described later in thismanual.

The ProtoSound® squeaking brake feature also has the ability to simulate thesqueal of wheel flanges when your train enters a curve at high speeds. Thesame brake squealing sound plays, but you don’t need to reduce thetransformer throttle to activate the squealing sounds. To play the squealingsounds as wheel flange sounds, trigger the brake feature using either method 1or 2 above. Once triggered set the transformer throttle setting at 14 volts orhigher. As your engine enters a curve (or anywhere on the layout) quickly“flick" your transformer whistle button about half way. This “flicking" actioncauses the transformer to release a short DC signal that ProtoSounds® reads asan indicator to activate the brake sounds. The engine won’t slow down eventhough the sounds play. This simulates the wheel flange squeal of a traintraveling through a turn too quickly.

Note: Consistent activation of the wheel flange squealing is determined by thecondition of your transformer’s whistle button rectifier disc. Older rectifierdiscs may not release a clear and strong enough DC signal required byProtoSounds® computer to play the wheel flange squealing.


FREIGHT YARD SOUNDS (FYS)

ProtoSounds® comes equipped with operator controlled Freight YardSounds, hereby referred to as FYS. This easy to use feature plays digitallyreproduced freight yard sounds whenever your engine stops on your layoutand is parked in the Neutral position. No additional wires or modificationsare needed on your layout to enjoy these amazing sound effects. Thesounds themselves are randomly generated and randomly “shuffled” on theProtoSounds® software chip. This gives the system the ability to producedifferent sounds in a different order each time FYS is enabled. Thesedifferent sounds are heard each time you cycle the transformer throttle from ON to OFF in the same manner that you would cycle the throttle to enter the various states of Forward, Neutral and Reverse. The entire FYS sequence is designed to simulate the arrival, loading or unloading and departure of afreight train in a freight yard. Each sequence is described in more detail inthe following sections.

ACTIVATING FREIGHT YARD SOUNDS

Your ProtoSounds® equipped engine features an operator controlledfreight yard sound set. Once activated, this easy to use feature plays thesound of freight yard activities whenever the operator places the engine inthe neutral position.

ARMING THE FREIGHT YARD FEATURE

Before the freight yard sounds can be heard, ProtoSounds® must activatethe feature so that the next time the engine enters the neutral position, thesounds can play, The feature can be activated one of two ways.

Option 1: If you are using a separate bell button controller to ring yourbell (like the Lionel Railsounds® No. 5906 bell activation button) you canactivate the feature by pressing and holding the bell button for three seconds or longer (it doesn’t matter if you are in forward, neutral or reverse). Youwill hear the bellchiming turn on and ifyou listen carefully youshould hear an airrelease sound after three seconds have passed atwhich time you can

Put Engine In Neutral,Forward or Reverse

Press & HoldThe Railsounds® Bell Button

For 3 Seconds

Listen For The Start Of The Bell Sound

Listen For The Air Release Sound

After 3 Seconds


release the bell button. (Note: because the air release sound is hard tohear, we recommend that you count out a full three seconds beforereleasing the bell button.) The bell will continue to chime, so if you want to turn off the bell ringing, simply press and release the bell button a secondtime. If you were in neutral when you triggered the brake feature, interruptthe transformer throttle to enter either forward or reverse to allow theengine to begin running. (Note: the feature will only be activated in thefirst direction state you enter after triggering the feature from the neutralposition. You cannot interrupt the power twice to enter another directionstate and still have the brake feature active .) Once your engine beginsrunning, you can trigger the sounds to begin playing whenever you enterneutral.

Option 2 If you do not have a separate bell button on your layout, you can still activate the feature with your transformer whistle button. To activatethe feature turn on the transformer throttle and get your engine into theneutral position (not RESET). Once in neutral, set the transformer throttleat 8 volts or less and press and hold the whistle button for at least threeseconds. You will hear the bell chiming turn on and if you listen carefullyyou should hear an air release sound after three seconds have passed atwhich time you can release the whistle button. (Note: because the airrelease sound is hard to hear, we recommend that you count out a full three seconds before releasing the whistle button. ) The bell will continue tochime, so if you want to turn off the bell ringing, simply press and releasethe bell button a secondtime. Interrupt thetransformer throttle to enter either forward or reverse toallow the engine to beginrunning. ( Note: thefeature will only be activate in the first direction stateyou enter after triggeringthe feature from the neutral position. You cannot interrupt the power twiceto enter another direction state and still have the feature active.) Once your

Put Engine In NeutralAt Low Power

Press & HoldThe Whistle Button

For 3 Seconds

Listen For The Start Of The Bell Sound

Listen For The Air Release Sound

After 3 Seconds

H


engine begins running, you can trigger the sounds to begin by enteringneutral.

ACTIVATING AND TRIGGERING FREIGHT YARD SOUNDS

Before FYS can be heard the feature must be activated first. Activation isaccomplished by holding down the bell button for three or more seconds asdescribed in the Activating and Triggering The Squeaking Brake Soundssection found earlier. Once the feature is activated, FYS will be played the next time the engine enters the neutral position. In order for FYS to begin,power must remain on once the engine enters the Neutral position. At thispoint ProtoSounds® has taken over control of your engine and disabled thebell and whistle buttons from any further operator functions. In addition,ProtoSounds® has reconfigured the way the reverse unit functions bydisabling the reverse unit state during operation of the FYS feature. Thisforces the engine to leave your freight yard in the same direction it arrivedin. The following operator controlled “events” control FYS’s actions andsounds.

Event 1 (Forward) While the locomotive is running in forward (orreverse) FYS is activated by the operator pushing and holding the bellbutton down for three or more seconds. The locomotive bell beginschiming and can be left on or turned off without disabling FYS.

Event 2 (Neural Before Reverse) The operator now interrupts thetransformer throttle to stop the engine and put it into Neutral. If the throttlesetting was at 14 volts or higher , ProtoSounds® will play the sound ofsqueaking brake sounds as the engine comes to a halt.

A. Upon stopping of the engine, the operatormust immediately turn the throttle back on tokeep the engine in the Neutral position. If thebell was not turned off after activating FYS, itnow turns off automatically.

Put Engine In NeutralAt Low Power


Note: Failure to turn the throttle back on within 3 seconds of leaving the Forward phasewill disable FYS and shutdown ProtoSounds®. The next time you turn power back on yourengine will be in the RESET position. See page 4 for moreinformation on RESET.

B. After entering Neutral, ProtoSounds® willimmediately play an air release sound followedapproximately 2 seconds later by a Cab ChatterArrival Message. The arrival messageannounces what yard the engine has arrived in(the yard is described as either Yard A or YardB, alternating each time FYS is enabled duringthe current operating session. If the engine is turned off for more than three seconds, ProtoSounds® will automatically return to the Yard A message the next time FYS is enabled). Immediately following the arrival message, thesound of freight car doors can be heard opening, followed by the sounds forforklift engines. At this point various freight yard sounds can be heardincluding forklift operation, engine sounds, reverse warning horn beeps, and additional freight car door sounds.

Event 3: (Reverse) The operator now interrupts the transformer throttleagain to enter the next reverse unit phase;reverse. In an effort to enhance realism,FYS has disabled the reverse phase so that it doesn’t power the motors causing theengine to move backward. Upon enteringreverse, FYS confirms to the operator that it has entered the reverse phase byimmediately playing a highlight soundbest described as a rumbling sound. Youmay have to go through the entire FYSsequence several times before you can clearly identify this sound. After the rumbling highlight is played, the freight yard sounds heard in Event 2continue to play randomly.

Event 4: (Neutral Before Forward) Theoperator now interrupts the transformerthrottle again to enter the next reverse unitphase, neutral before forward. FYSconfirms to the operator that it has enteredthe neutral before forward phase byemitting two quick air release sounds. This

Listen For Air Release SoundAnd Cab Chatter Message

Listen For EngineRumbling Sound

Interrupt Throttle ToEnter The Next Phase

Listen For 2Air Release Sounds



is followed by a Cab Chatter message that the engine in Yard A or B(whichever yard designation was played in Event 2) is preparing to departthe yard. Upon completion of the cab chatter message, the freight yardsounds change as the forklift sounds turn off and the freight car doors beginshutting.

Event 5: (Forward) The operator nowinterrupts the transformer throttle again toenter the next reverse unit phase; Forward.FYS confirms to the operator that it hasentered the Forward phase by playing thesound of the freight car door closing.Within 2 seconds of the door closing, thelocomotive will sound 2 or 3 short hornblasts, depending on departing direction, the diesel engine sounds come on and the air compressor pumps start. Afterapproximately 7 chimes of the bell, the engine begins moving with the bellcontinuing to ring another 7 chimes before automatically turning off. Oncethe bell turns off, the operator regains control of the transformer whistle and bell buttons and can ring the bell or blow the horn as usual.

Note: When entering the Forward phase of FYS, it is important to set thetransformer throttle at a high enough setting that will allow the engine tobegin moving once FYS automatically activates the motors. Otherwise theengine will just sit still until you increase the transformer throttle setting onthe transformer.

TIPS ON USING FYS FEATURES

FYS 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. Byreviewing the following tips, you should find solutions or suggestions to thevarious operating scenarios you might encounter when using FYS.

Tip #1: You can escape the FYS sequence by interrupting the transformerthrottle before the first Cab Chatter message plays in Event 2 (neutral beforereverse).

Tip #2: You can terminate FYS at anytime by turning the transformer throttle Off for 15 seconds.

Tip #3: You do not have to be in the Forward phase to utilize FYS. Forexample, if you activate the FYS feature while in Reverse and interrupt thethrottle to enter Neutral, you will be entering Neutral Before Forward ratherthan Neutral Before Reverse as defined in Event 2 above. Consequently, the

Listen For The Sound Of Box Door Closing



Forward phase will be rendered inactive by ProtoSounds® instead of theReverse phase as explained in Event 3. This will allow your train to leave they ard in the same reverse direction that it arrived in.

Tip #4: You can utilize FYS even if you are double-heading with anotherengine regardless of whether the second engine is equipped with an FYSp rogrammed ProtoSound® module. If the second engine isn’t equipped withFYS, the only thing to remember is that you not turn up the transformerthrottle very high when entering the Reverse phase found in Event 3. If thethrottle is set too high, then the second locomotive will begin vibrating on thetrack as its motors will be turning in the reverse state since they cannot bedisabled automatically like FYS equipped engines. If your second engine isequipped with FYS, you may want to disable it when used in double-headedoperations. To disable FYS, see the section on programming RESETfunctions on page 28 of this manual.

Tip #5: It is not necessary for the squeaking brake sounds to be heard to playthe FYS sounds. for example, the brake sounds won’t be heard if the highvoltage setting is below 13 volts when the power is interrupted to enter theNeutral state.

Tip #6: You can leave any of the event states at any time after entering thestate by simply interrupting the transformer throttle. Any sound effectsp rogrammed to play in that event will simply not occur. The only exceptionis Event 2 and Event 5. In Event 2, interrupting the throttle has no effect onFYS until after the arrival Cab Chatter message has completed and the freightcar doors have opened. In Event 5, you cannot interrupt FYS until after theengine begins to move. Interrupting the throttle before the engine begins tomove has no affect on the locomotive’s operation.


SELF-RECHARGING BATTERY BACKUP SYSTEM

ProtoSounds® state-of-the-art design includes a self-recharging batterybackup system for improved performance at any speed. The self-recharging battery backup system is automatically turned on or off whenever trackpower is turned on or off. There are no switches to turn on or off to enjoythe benefits of the automatic battery backup system. The battery ensuresthat power to the sound system will remain on during directional changes,setting RESET options, or when traveling over dirty track and switches.

The battery is a rechargeable NiCad type which is continually chargedfrom the track when power is applied. NiCad batteries are a dry battery and should not leak or cause any damage to your locomotive and will last up tofive years or longer. If you notice that the sounds seem distorted or garbledat low voltages or become silent when power from the transformer is shutoff, the battery may be going bad. Before replacing the battery, you shouldput the engine in NEUTRAL and leave the transformer throttle at about 12volts for fifteen minutes. This should temporarily recharge the battery. Ifthe garbled or distorted sounds are reduced, then your battery charge hasworn down. You can give your battery a full charge by leaving the engineON in NEUTRAL for 6 hours.

REPLACING THE PROTOSOUND® BATTERY

If you notice that the sounds seem distorted or garbled at low voltages orbecome silent when power from the transformer is shut off, the battery maybe going bad. Before replacing the battery, you should put the engine inNEUTRAL and leave the transformer throttle set at about 12 volts for 15minutes. This should temporarily recharge the battery. If the garbled ordistorted sounds are reduced, then your battery charge has worn down. You can give your battery a full charge by leaving the engine ON in theNEUTRAL position for 6 hours.

If you need to replace the battery, replacement ProtoSound® batteries areavailable from MTH ProtoSound® Electronics at 7020 Columbia GatewayDrive, Columbia, MD 21046. A standard 9v alkaline battery can besubstituted as a temporary fix, but since alkaline batteries can’t take acharge, it will eventually wear down. Regardless, it should give you a week to a couple of months use while you wait for your replacementProtoSound® battery to arrive.


PROTOSOUND® VOLUME ADJUSTMENT

Your ProtoSound® system has two types of volume adjustment. Amanual turn knob on the bottom of the chassis (See Fig. 4 below) allowsyou to control all the sounds in the system and a remote control “RESET"option (Option # 6), allows you to control the volume level of the enginesounds remotely from the transformer. Turning the volume adjustmentknob clockwise will increase the volume and counterclockwise will lowerthe volume of all sounds; bell, horn, engine sounds, Cab Chatter, etc.

Proto-Sound®Volume Control

Figure 4: Adjusting The ProtoSound Volume and selecting theProtoCoupler™

ProtoCoupler™Selection Switch


USING “RESET" TO PROGRAMPROTOSOUNDS® As mentioned earlier, there are several programmable options in eachProtoSound® equipped engine that can be remotely set from anycompatible standard AC transformer equipped with a whistle button. For alist of compatible transformers, see the chart on page 35. This hands-offapproach gives you unprecedented control of your railroad empire’s motivepower never before seen in model railroading. Each programmable featurecan be accessed whenever your engine is in the RESET state as describedearlier on page 4. By following the instructions below you will find theprogramming easy and straight forward.

ENTERING RESET OPTIONS

ProtoSound® is equipped with a few programmable features that areaccessed in the RESET state by moving the transformer throttle up anddown between full voltage and low voltage (6 to 8 volts) without shuttingthe transformer off completely. Each time this is done you advance, onefeature at a time, through the available options. An air-release sound isheard each time the throttle is advanced. In addition, there are specialsounds to tell you what RESET position you are in.

For example, if you want to select Feature 2, you put the engine inRESET, and move the throttle up and down from full throttle to low twotimes. After the second advance, you will hear two “clinks" indicating thatthe computer is now in Feature 2. Advance the throttle again and you willhear three “clinks" for Feature 3. Advance it two more times and you willhear a “clank" indicatingthat you are now inFeature 5. Advance thethrottle two more timesand you will hear a“clank" and two “clinks"indicating Feature 7. ((5throttle advancements = 1clank) + (2 throttleadvancements = 2 clinks)). “Clank + “Clink" + “Clink" = Feature 7. Youcan advance the throttle as quickly as you like (though you may not hear the air-release sounds) and the computer will still remember the number of

In RESET ModeMove The Throttle Up & Down From

High Voltage To Low2 Times

Advance The Throttle Up & Down From

High Voltage To Low4 More Times

Listen For The 2 Clink Sounds

Listen For 1 Clank And 1 Clink Sounds


times the throttle is advanced by playing back the number of “Clinks" and“Clanks" to confirm the feature you’ve selected.

SETTING THE ENGINE VOLUME

Of all the sounds that come with each ProtoSound® equipped locomotive,the one most often turned down is that of the engine volume because it isthe one sound normally heard whenever the engine is running and is whatusually can become tiresome to the ear over prolonged running sessions.The volume adjustment is controlled through RESET Feature 6.

To access the feature, advance the transformer throttle to put the engine inRESET. Move the throttle up and down, as described on page 17, 6 times.After you hear the “clank" and “clink" indicating that you are in Feature 6,press the whistle button to select the engine volume level you desire.Pushing the whistle button once will give you full volume, which is thefactory setting. Pushing the whistle button a second time will give you 50% volume, pushing it a third time will give you 25% volume and pushing it afourth time will give you no engine sound. The microprocessor willimmediately play the sound level each time the whistle button is pushed sothat you can decide if it is acceptable. You can recycle through the fourchoices by simplycontinuing to press thewhistle button.

Once you have decided on the appropriatevolume level, turn thetransformer throttle offand on again or press the transformer direction switch to lock in your selection. The volumeadjustment will remain set at the level you have chosen until you change itagain. Regardless of the engine volume setting, the horn, bell, compressorand Cab Chatter sounds will function normally. In fact because only theengine volume is affected by selections in Feature 6, when you select 0volume, you can still hear the horn, bell and Cab Chatter sounds when theengine is running or in neutral.




Push The Whistle ButtonUntil You Reach TheSetting You Desire

Interrupt The ThrottleTo “Lock-In”

The Volume Setting

H


PROGRAMMING FOR A SEPARATE BELL BUTTONCONTROLLER

To operate ProtoSounds® with a separate bell button controller, like the Lionel® No. 5906 bellbutton, you will need to wire upthe controller to yourtransformer and track as shownin Fig. 5. Once the button iswired, ProtoSounds® comespreprogrammed to allow you tooperate the bell by simplypushing the bell button once.To turn the bell off, push thebutton again. If the bell doesn’t function when you press the button, youmay need to re-program ProtoSounds to operate with a separate bell buttoncontroller. To do this enter RESET and go to Feature 20. (See the sectionUsing RESET To Program ProtoSounds® on page 17.) Once in Feature20, press the whistle button and wait for the module to sound a bell ding(s).Continue pushing thewhistle button until themodule plays back twodings (signifying that themodule has beenprogrammed for a bellbutton). Simply turn thethrottle off and then onagain to “Lock-In" the new setting. To reset the computer to its originalfactory (default) setting (no separate bell button operation), repeat the above procedure but keep pushing the whistle button until the computer onlyresponds with one bell ding.

PROGRAMMING FOR SQUEAKING BRAKEOPERATION

ProtoSounds® can be programmed for squeaking brake operation in threedifferent manners; (1)Squeaking brakes can be activated by bell buttoncontrol, (2)they can be programmed for continuous operation subject tothrottle changes or (3)they can be programmed to be turned off. The default setting is (2) Squeaking brakes are activated for full-time operation asdescribed on page 8. To change the default setting, enter RESET and go to

Common

RED Wire

BLACK Wire

UA

UB

UC

UD

Figure 5: Wiring Up A Bell Button




Push The Whistle ButtonUntil You Hear 2 Dings


The Bell Button Setting

H


Feature 45. (See the section Using RESET To Program ProtoSounds® on page 17). Once in Feature 45, press the whistle button and wait for themodule to sound a bell ding(s). Continue pressing the whistle button untilthe module plays back one ding for option 1 - Squeaking brakes areactivated by the bell button. Press the whistle button again until the module plays back two dings for option 2 - squeaking brakes are activated forfull-time operation, orpress the whistle buttonagain until the moduleplays back three dings foroption 3 -Squeakingbrakes off. Once youhave decided on thedesired setting, simplyturn the throttle off andthen on again to “Lock-In” the new setting. To reset the computer to itsoriginal factory default setting (option 2 - squeaking brakes are activated for full-time operation, repeat the above procedure but keep pushing the whistle button until the module only responds with one bell ding.

PROGRAMMING FOR HORN IN NEUTRALOPERATION

If you are operating your engine with a separate bell button and want toblow your horn when your engine is in neutral, you will need to programProtoSounds® to do so as the factory setting only allows the horn to blow in forward or reverse. To do this, enter RESET and go to Feature 25. (See thesection Using RESET To Program ProtoSounds® on page 17.) Once inFeature 25, press the transformer whistle button and wait for ProtoSounds®to sound a bell ding(s).Continue pressing the whistlebutton until ProtoSounds®sounds two bell dings(signifying thatProtoSounds® has beenprogrammed to sound thehorn in neutral). Turn thethrottle off and then on againto “Lock-In" your selection.




Push The Whistle ButtonUntil You Hear

2 Bell Dings


The Horn Setting

H




Push The Whistle ButtonUntil You Hear The

Appropriate # Of Dings


The Brake Setting

H


Now, whenever you are in neutral, you can blow the horn with thetransformer whistle button. To reset ProtoSounds® to its original factorysetting of no horn in neutral, repeat the above procedure but keep pressingthe whistle button in Feature 25 until ProtoSounds® only dings once instead of twice.

Note: When “Horn In Neutral" is set, the bell will only operate with a separate bell button and the horn will not sound in neutral if the transformer throttle setting is over 11 volts. At 11 volts or higher, ProtoSounds® may arm the coil coupler for operation whenever the whistle buttonis pressed and the engine is in neutral.

TURNING OFF CAB CHATTER SOUNDS

“Cab Chatter" sounds occur in the neutral position every 2 to 30 seconds.There are four “Chatter" messages which play at random times. This helpsto eliminate repetitive and boring messages. While the sounds are selectedto play randomly by the unit’s computer, there is no guarantee that youwon’t hear the same message repeated twice or more times. If you don’twant to hear the Cab Chatter sounds, they can be turned off through Feature 23. To turn off the Cab Chatter sounds, enter RESET and go to Feature 23.(See the section Using RESET To Program ProtoSounds® on Page 17.)Once in Feature 23, press the transformer whistle button and wait forProtoSounds® to sound a bell ding(s). Continue pressing the whistle button until ProtoSounds® sounds two bell dings (signifyingthat the module has beenprogrammed to turn theCab Chatter off). Simplyturn the transformerthrottle off and then onagain to lock in yourselection. To turn the CabChatter sounds back onagain, repeat the above process, but keep pressing the transformer whistlebutton in Feature 23 until ProtoSounds® only sounds one bell ding.





2 Bell Dings


The Cab Chatter Setting

H


PROGRAMMING FOR PROTOCOUPLER OPERATION

ProtoSounds® comes with a RESET feature that allows the operator toremotely turn off the ProtoCoupler™ functions. This is especially usefulwhen double or triple-heading ProtoSound® equipped engines since everyengine equipped with a ProtoCoupler™ will fire when prompted to by theoperator. By turning off the ProtoCoupler™ operation on certain engines,you can fire the couplers open on the other engines without uncoupling theengines from each other. To turn the ProtoCoupler™ function off, enterRESET and go to Feature10. (See the section onUsing RESET To ProgramProtoSounds® on page 17.) Once in Feature 10, pressthe transformer whistlebutton and wait forProtoSound® to sound abell ding(s). Continuepressing the whistle buttonuntil ProtoSounds® sounds two bell dings (signifying that theProtoCoupler™ option has been turned off). Simply turn the transformerthrottle off and then on again to lock in the new setting.

PROGRAMMING FOR FYS OPERATION

ProtoSounds® is equipped with a RESET setting to turn off the FreightYard Proto-Effects (FYS) features. This is especially useful if you aredouble-heading engines that are both equipped with FYS. You may notwant to stop at a yard and have both engines playing their FYS soundeffects. To turn off FYS, enter RESET and go to Feature 28. (See thesection on Using RESETTo Program ProtoSounds® on page 17). Once inFeature 28, press thetransformer whistle buttonand wait for ProtoSounds®to sound a bell ding(s).Continue pressing thewhistle button on and offuntil ProtoSounds® soundstwo bell dings (signifying





2 Bell Dings


The Coupler Setting

H





2 Bell Dings


The FYS Setting

H


that the FYS features have been turned off). Simply turn the transformerthrottle OFF and then ON again to lock in the new setting. To resetProtoSounds® to its original factory setting of Squeaking Brakes and FYSon, repeat the above procedure but keep pressing the whistle button inFeature 28 until ProtoSounds® only dings once instead of twice.

ACTIVATING REMOTE LOCK-OUT CONTROL

ProtoSound® equipped engines feature a RESET setting that allows theoperator to remotely “lock” the engine into forward, neutral or reverse.This is especially useful on layouts that feature “blocked” track sections.The lockout feature comes from the factory in the OFF position, meaning itis not active when you first take the engine out of the box. This is done toprevent novice operators from accidentally locking their engine intoforward, neutral or reverse and then mistakenly thinking that the engine’selectronics have failed. To activate the Remote Lockout Control setting, goto RESET Feature 40 (Seethe section entitled UsingRESET To ProgramProtoSounds® on page17). Once in Feature 40,press the transformerwhistle button and wait forProtoSounds® to sound abell ding. Continuepressing the whistle buttonuntil ProtoSounds® sounds two bell dings signifying that the RemoteLockout Control has been selected. To lock in the setting, simply turn thethrottle all the way off and then back on again. To turn the RemoteLockout Control setting back off, go back to Feature 40 and press thewhistle button until only one bell ding sounds. To lock in the setting,simply turn the transformer throttle off and then back on again.Alternatively, you can go to RESET Feature 18 to reset all ProtoSound®features back to their original factory defaults including Remote LockoutControl.





2 Bell Dings


The Lock-Out Setting

H


RESETTING ALL PROTOSOUND® OPTIONS TOFACTORY DEFAULTS

ProtoSounds® is equipped with a RESET feature (Feature 18) that resetsall programmable options back to their original factory settings. This is auseful feature if you find your engine not operating the way you think itshould and don’t want to take the time to check each RESET feature one ata time. To reset all the RESET features back to their original factorysettings, enter RESET and go to Feature 18. (See thesection entitled UsingRESET To ProgramProtoSounds® on page 17).Once in Feature 18, press thetransformer whistle buttonand wait for ProtoSounds®to sound a garbled bellsound.





A Warbled Bell Ding


The Default Setting

H


REVERSE UNIT LOCK-OUT OPERATION

ProtoSounds® unique design eliminates the need for a lock-out switch onthe locomotive by allowing the customer to lock the engine into anydirectional state (forward, neutral or reverse) from the transformer. Thiswill allow users to run the engine on layouts equipped with block signals orstop stations which would normally cycle the engine back into neutral. Thefeature must be first turned on by accessing RESET Feature 40 (See section entitled Using RESET To Program ProtoSounds® on page 17).

LOCKING THE ENGINE INTO FORWARD ORREVERSE

To lock the engine into Forward or Reverse, use the transformer throttle toenter Forward or Reverse (whichever state you want to lock the engine into) and while the engine is moving press the whistle button. WHILE THEHORN IS BLOWING TURN THE THROTTLE OFF AND THEN LETGO OF THE WHISTLE BUTTON. After about one second, you will heara short horn blast. QUICKLY TURN THE THROTTLE BACK ONAGAIN. Your engine is now locked into Forward or Reverse and it willremain so until you unlock the engine, even if you wait a year to run yourengine again.

UNLOCKING THE ENGINE

Unlocking the engine is a similar procedure. WHILE THE ENGINE ISMOVING, PRESS THE WHISTLE BUTTON. WHILE THE HORN ISBLOWING, TURN THE THROTTLE OFF AND THEN LET GO OFTHE WHISTLE BUTTON. After three seconds without power you willhear one chime of the RESET bell. TURN ON THE POWER AGAIN. Your engine is now in RESET and will operate normally once you interruptpower and enter the forward direction.

LOCKING THE ENGINE INTO NEUTRAL

To lock the engine into the NEUTRAL position, PUT THE ENGINE INNEUTRAL AND WITH THE THROTTLE STILL ON AT 8V OR LESS,PRESS THE WHISTLE BUTTON. WHILE THE WHISTLE BUTTON ISBEING PRESSED, TURN OFF THE THROTTLE AND LET GO OF THE WHISTLE BUTTON. After about one second, you will hear a short blastof the horn. QUICKLY TURN THE POWER BACK ON AGAIN. Yourengine is now locked into NEUTRAL.


NOTE: When locking the engine in the Forward or Reverse positions, the whistle button willblow the horn. But when locking the engine into the NEUTRAL position, the whistle buttonmay turn on or off sounds of the bell, coupler arming or coupler firing depending on thetransformer throttle voltage settings prior to the user’s attempt to lock out the engine.Remember, the horn doesn’t blow in NEUTRAL (unless you programmed it to do so usingFeature 25. See page 20 for details), only the bell rings or the coupler operates in NEUTRAL.While it doesn’t make any difference on how the lockout function operates, you may hear oneof the three different NEUTRAL-activated sounds.

To unlock the engine from the NEUTRAL position, follow the process tounlock the engine in the Forward or Reverse directions above.

MANUAL REVERSE UNIT LOCKOUT (Non-ProtoSound® Equipped Engines) Engines not equipped with ProtoSound® can be manually locked intoForward, Neutral, or Reverse by sliding the lockout switch to the OFFposition after entering the desired reverse unit state (See Figure 1 on page3). To operate the engine again in automatic mode, simply slide the switchback to the ON position.

Note: Once the unit is locked out and an hour or more of non-use has passed, the reverse unitmay cycle into any of the three directional states. Should this occur, the ON/OFF switchshould be reset to the ON position to regain normal operation.


OIL & LUBRICATION INSTRUCTIONS

In order for the engine to perform correctly and quietly, it is important that the chassis be lubricated before operation. Lubrication should include alltruck block bushings and pickup rollers to prevent them from squeaking.

Use light household oil and follow the lubrication points marked “L" in Fig. 6 above.

The locomotive’s internal gearing in both power trucks has been greased at the factory and shouldn’t need additional grease until after 50 hours ofoperation or one year whichever comes first. Grease cannot be added to the internal gearing until the body is removed from the chassis which is held inplace by four Phillips screws. The screws are located on each end of thechassis’ as seen in Fig. 7 below. After removing the screws, lift the bodyaway from the chassis and lay the body next to the chassis.

Next, remove the truck blocks from the chassis by unscrewing the largePhillips motor mount screw on the bottom of each truck block (See Fig. 7).

Grease (G)Wheel Gears

Lubricate (L)Pickup Rollers

Figure 6: Lubricating The Locomotive Chassis

Body To ChassisMounting Screw

Body To ChassisMounting Screw

Motor Mount Screw

Figure 7: Lubricate The Tender Chassis Trucks


Once the motor mount screw has been removed, pull the motor away fromthe truck block and lightly coat the motor worm gear and bronze drive gear(in the truck block) with grease. Reassemble the truck and motor, beingcareful not to pinch the pickup and ground wires between the truck blockand motor mount. Repeat the procedure for the other motor and truck andthen reassemble the chassis to the body. When reassembling the chassis and body, be very careful that the lighting wire harnesses are not caughtbetween the body and chassis as this can lead to a short which may damagethe electronic circuit boards beyond repair.

In addition to the truck block internal gearing, it is a good idea to lubricatethe outside truck block “idler" and “drive" gears with grease. Use thediagram shown in Fig. 6. on page 27 as a guide and add grease to the pointsmarked with a “G".

Periodically, check the locomotive wheels and pickups for dirt buildup asthis can significantly affect the engine’s ability to perform properly. Dirtytrack and dirty wheels can cause both poor electrical contact as well as poor traction, especially on elevated track sections. Finally, dirt and oil build upcan prematurely wear out the neoprene traction tires.

TRACTION TIRE REPLACEMENTINSTRUCTIONS Your locomotive is equipped with two neoprene rubber traction tires oneach power truck. While these tires are extremely durable and long-lastingthere may arise a time where they will need to be replaced. Should thisoccur, you will need to remove the trucks and truck sides on the truck block from the chassis in order to slip the new tire over the grooved drive wheel. The truck sides can be removed from the truck block by turning the engineupside down and unscrewing the two phillips head screws.

Before the new tire can be installed, you must make sure the old tire hasbeen completely removed from the groove in the drive wheel. Use a razorblade or small flatblade screwdriver pry away any remains left from the oldtire that may still be in the drive wheel groove. Once the old tire has beencompletely removed, slip the new tire onto the wheel. You may find ituseful to use two small flatblade screwdrivers to assist you in stretching thetire over the wheel. Be careful to avoid twisting the tire when stretching itover the wheel. If a twist occurs, the tire will have to be removed and


reinstalled or a noticeable wobble in your engine will occur when operatingthe locomotive. In addition, it is important to make sure that the tire isfully seated inside the groove. Any portion of the tire extending out of thegroove can cause the engine to wobble. A razor blade can be used to trimaway any excess tire that doesn’t seat itself inside the groove properly.

Once the new tire(s) are in place, reassemble the truck sides to the truckblocks. Replacement tires are available directly from MTH Electric Trains.

HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENT

The SW 8-9 locomotive contains two bulbs that are controlled by the track voltage. The headlight bulb simply plugs into its lamp socket and can beeasily removed should the bulbs expire. To remove the bulbs, follow thecab removal instructions found in the lubrication section on the precedingpages. Once the cab has been removed from the chassis, gently twist andpush the bulb to unlock it from its lamp housing. Once unlocked, the bulbwill pull out of the socket. To replace the rear bulb, remove the socket fromthe plug at the rear of the engine. Replacement bulbs are available directlyfrom MTH Electric Trains.


TROUBLE SHOOTING PROTOSOUND®PROBLEMS Although ProtoSound® has been designed and engineered for ease of use,some questions may arise during initial operation. The following tableshould answer most questions. If you find that your problem can’t beresolved with this manual, contact MTH ProtoSound® Electronics (7020Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046, 410-381-2580) foradditional assistance.

HORN PROBLEMS REMEDY

The horn seems distorted at low voltages.Your battery may be undercharged or dead. Tryrecharging the battery as explained in the batterysections.

When I press the whistle button, the bell comes oninstead.

You are trying to operate the horn in neutral. The horn will only operate in Forward or Reverse unless youprogram ProtoSounds through Feature 25. See theinstructions in the section entitled “Using RESET toProgram ProtoSounds”.

I can’t get the horn to blow when I press the whistlebutton.

You may be pressing the whistle button too quickly.Most older AC transformers contain a two--step whistle button that releases a DC signal onto the track. It isthis DC signal that tells the horn to blow. However,because the signal is weaker when the whistle buttonis depressed fully, the ProtoSound circuit may notrecognize the signal. Try pressing the whistle buttonslower, taking approximately 1 second to fully depressthe button.

BELL PROBLEMS REMEDY

When I press the whistle button to activate the bell, the horn sounds.

You are trying to ring the bell in Forward or Reverse.The bell only operates in Neutral unless you haveprogrammed ProtoSounds to recognize a separate bell button.

When I press the whistle button to activate the bell, Iarm the coupler.

Reduce the voltage on the transformer before pressing the whistle button to activate the bell. The bell will only come on at 8 volts or less.

When I press the whistle button to activate the bell, the bell only rings once.

You are trying to ring the bell in RESET instead ofneutral. Interrupt the power twice to enter Neutral, setthe voltage at 8 volts or less and press the whistlebutton to activate the bell.

I can’t get the bell to ring when I press the whistlebutton.

You may be pressing the whistle button too quickly.See the 3rd remedy in the horn section above.

The bell won’t work with a separate bell button.

ProtoSounds must be programmed in order for aseparate bell button to function. Enter RESET function number 20 (see the section entitled “Using RESET toProgram ProtoSounds”) and press the whistle buttonuntil the bell sounds two dings. Simply turn the throttle off and then on again to lock in the new setting.


COUPLER PROBLEMS REMEDY

The ProtoCoupler won’t let the engine uncouple on the “Fly”.

The power required to fire the coupler open when theengine is on the “Fly” may be greater than theProtoSound system is capable of providing. As aresult, you may experience times when the couplerwon’t fire open. Unfortunately, the only solution is tostop the engine and fire the coupler in Neutral. If thatdoesn’t resolve the problem, try lubricating the couplerknuckle and rivet as explained in the ProtoCouplerOperation section.

I can’t get the coupler to arm or fire open when I pressthe whistle button.

You may be pressing the whistle button too quickly.See the third remedy in the horn section above.Another possibility is that ProtoSounds has beenprogrammed to turn the coupler function off. See thesection entitled “Using RESET to ProgramProtoSounds”

Only one coupler will function when I press the whistlebutton.

Only one coupler can operate at any one time. Usethe coupler selection switch on the bottom of thechassis to choose which coupler you want active.

DIESEL START/CAB CHATTER REMEDY

Sometimes the diesel start sounds don’t occur when Ifirst turn power on.

Occasionally the diesel engine start up sounds maynot occur when power is turned back on within 5seconds of being shut off. Wait 10 -- 15 secondsbefore repowering.

Sometimes the Cab Chatter sounds don’t play.

The Cab Chatter sounds only play in neutral andProtoSounds may be programmed to turn the soundsoff. See the section entitled “Using RESET toProgram ProtoSounds”

LOCKOUT PROBLEMS REMEDY

I can’t get the engine to run after I power up thetransformer. It sits still with the diesel compressorsounds running.

The engine is locked out into the Neutral position.Follow the unlocking procedures in the LockoutSection.

The engine won’t lock out into Forward, Neutral orReverse even after the short horn blast sounds.

You are waiting too long to turn the throttle back onafter the short horn blast sounds. The power must beturned back on immediately after the short horn blastsounds or the engine will go back into RESET. Seethe lockout procedure in the Lockout Section.

VOLUME PROBLEMS REMEDY

When I try to run the engine, the diesel volume is OFF or very low.

The diesel volume has been programmed at a reduced volume or to be silent. Go to RESET Feature 6 andadjust the volume. See the section entitled “UsingRESET to Program ProtoSounds” for moreinformation.

When I try to set the diesel volume, it resets itself tothe original volume after I selected the new volume.

You are trying to set the volume with a poorly chargedor dead backup battery. See the section on BatteryBackup for more information.

When I try to set the Diesel Volume to O Volume, I still hear the cab chatter sounds.

When the diesel volume is set to O, you will hear theCab Chatter sounds because setting the diesel volume only controls the sound of the diesel engine itself. Allother sounds, including Cab Chatter, the horn and bellwill continue to play at the volume level set by themanual volume control knob located on the bottom ofthe chassis. See the section entitled “ProtoSoundVolume Adjustment” for more information.

The sounds seem distorted, especially when thewhistle or bell is activated.

The overall ProtoSound volume has been set to highcreating the distorted sounds. Try turning the volumecontrol knob located on the bottom of the chassiscounter clockwise to reduce the overall volume level.


BATTERY PROBLEMS REMEDYI get no sounds when the engine shifts between thedirection states.

The battery may be dead or needs charging. See theBattery Backup section for more information.

After I turn off my transformer, my engine continues tomake sounds before quitting with a ding of its bell.

ProtoSounds continues to sound for approximately 10seconds after power to the track has been shut off.

The sounds distort at low voltages.The battery is insufficiently charged or dead. Followthe recharging instructions found in the section entitled “Self Recharging Battery Backup System”.

A repeating horn blast occurs after the power hasbeen shut down.

The battery is insufficiently charged or dead. Followthe recharging instructions found in the section entitled “Self Recharging Battery Backup System”.

RESET PROBLEMS REMEDY

When I first turn the power on, the engine will notbegin to run. I have to turn the throttle off and then onagain to get the engine to operate.

This is normal behavior. When power to the track isfirst turned on, ProtoSounds enters a “RESET” phaseat which time the engine undergoes a system check.Power must be interrupted to get the engine into theForward Phase. See the section entitled “DCRUReverse Unit Operation” for more information.

Whenever I interrupt the power from RESET to enterForward, the engine goes back into RESET instead ofForward. I know this occurs because the bell dingstwice.

Whenever ProtoSounds enters RESET after powerhas been off for more than 15 seconds, themicroprocessor initiates a system check to determinethat everything is in working order. This system checkrequires 2.2 seconds to complete during which timethe engine will play the diesel startup sounds. Werecommend that you don’t interrupt the power inRESET until the diesel startup sounds havecompleted. This will guarantee that the system checkwill have been completed since the startup soundstake longer than 2.2 seconds to play. If the problempersists, we recommend that you operate the throttlewith a slower movement as you interrupt the power inRESET and enter the Forward Phase

BRAKE SOUND PROBLEMS REMEDY

When the transformer is throttled down, the soundswon’t play.

The brake features has not been activated. See thesection on activating the brake feature for moreinformation.The throttle voltage setting on thetransformer is either not starting high enough orending low enough to trigger the brakes sounds. Tryincreasing the throttle setting to 14 volts or higherbefore throttling down to 8 volts or less.

The brake sounds continue to play even after theengine stops.

The brake feature sound record lasts for threeseconds. With practice you can control how quicklyyou should stop the engine to keep it in sequence withthe sound of the brake’s squeaking.

The brake feature was activated in neutral after theengine was running in forward, but the brake soundswould not play when triggered after the engine wentback into forward or reverse.

The brake feature will only remain enabled if it istriggered in the first direction state you enter afteractivating the feature in neutral. You cannot interruptthe power twice to enter another direction state andstill have the brake feature active. Therefore, in orderto make the brake sound feature operate in forward,you must first activate the feature in the neutralposition that occurs after the engine was in the reverse state.

After triggering the brake sound and stopping theengine in neutral, the engine begins making passenger station sound effects.

After you trigger the brake sounds, you cannot stopthe engine in neutral and leave the track power onwithout activating the passenger station sounds. If you don’t want to hear the passenger station sounds afterentering neutral, turn the power off for three secondsto disable the passenger station sound effects.


FYS PROBLEMS REMEDY

The FYS feature does not begin even after stoppingthe engine and hearing the brake sounds.

The power was not turned back on once the engineenter the neutral state thus disabling FYS. Thetransformer throttle was interrupted too quickly inneutral thus disabling FYS. Leave the throttle on inneutral until after the FYS arrival message plays.

The FYS sound effects occasionally repeatthemselves.

ProtoSounds has a built--in random number generatorthat randomly selects each sound clip to play.Because there are only a total of 8 sound clipsavailable in each FYS event, it is probable that asound can occasionally be repeated one or moretimes.

Once in FYS, the engine never goes in reverse.

So that the passenger station sound effects andoperation is as realistic as possible, ProtoSoundsdisables the reverse unit state whenever FYS isenabled. This way the engine never goes into reverseas the operator cycles through the various FYSevents.

When the engine enters FYS event 5, the bellautomatically comes on.

FYS has a built--in command to turn on the bell whenthe system enters Event 5. After approximately 15rings of the bell, it automatically will turn off.

Whenever FYS is enabled, pressing the whistle andbell buttons has no affect.

Because FYS must control various effects in each FYS event, the bell and whistle functions are disabled untileither the FYS events have been completed, or theengine is shut down for 3 or more seconds.

I can’t get FYS to begin when the engine is stopped inthe neutral position.

It is possible that FYS was never enabled or has beendisabled. Try reactivating the feature by holding downthe bell button for three or more seconds.


PROTOSOUND RESET FEATURE CHART

The following chart lists the available features found in your ProtoSound® equipped locomotive. The default settings for each feature as well as theoperation sequence of the feature are listed in separate columns. You canreset all features to their original factory settings by accessing Feature 18 inRESET and press and hold the transformer whistle button until you hear asoft, warbled bell sound.

RESET # OPERATION DEFAULT CLANKS/CLINKS

6 Engine Volume Full Volume 1 Clank/5 Clinks

10 Coupler ON/OFF Coupler ON 2 Clanks/0 Clinks

18 Reset Default Settings 3 Clanks/3 Clinks

20 Remote Bell Button Bell Button Active 4 Clanks/0 Clinks

23 Cab Chatter ON/OFF Cab Chatter ON 4 Clanks/3 Clinks

25 Horn In Neutral Horn In Neutral OFF 5 Clanks/0 Clinks

27 RESERVED RESERVED

28 Brake/FYS Enabled Brake/FYS ON 5 Clanks/3 Clinks

40 Lockout Enabled Lockout OFF 8 Clanks/0 Clinks

45 Squeaking Brakes Brakes Always ON 9 Clanks/0 Clinks


TRANSFORMER WIRING CHART

ProtoSounds® is designed to work with any standard AC transformer thatuses a “Pure Sine-Wave" format. The chart below lists the many Lionel®compatible transformers, such as the Lionel KW or ZW models. Inaddition, the chart details how the terminals on these compatibletransformers should be attached to your layout. The Trainmaster systemfrom Lionel® (marked with an asterisk below) will not function correctlywith ProtoSounds® without disrupting the sound effects. Therefore,whenever ProtoSounds® senses that the Trainmaster system is being used,it automatically disables ProtoSounds® sound effects. The operator retainscontrol over the engine, but no sound effects will play.

TransformerModel Center Rail Outside Rail

Min/Max.Voltage

PowerRating

TransformerType

Lionel 1032 U A 5-16v* 90-Watt Standard

Lionel 1032M U A 5-16v* 90-Watt Standard



Lionel 1043M U A 5-16v* 90-Watt Standard


Lionel 1053 U A 8-17v 60-Watt Standard

Lionel 1063 U A 8-17v 60-Watt Standard

All-Trol Left Terminal Right Terminal 0-24v 300-Watt Electronic

Cab-1/Powermaster A U 0-18v 135V.A. Electronic

Dallee Hostler Left Terminal Right Terminal

Lionel LW A U 8-18v 75-Watt Standard

Lionel KW A or B U 6-20v 190-Watt Standard

MRC Tech II Left Terminal 2nd From Left 0-15v* 40V.A. Electronic

Lionel MW (notrecommended)

Outside TrackTerminal

Inside TrackTerminal 5-16v* 50V.A. Electronic

R.O.W. Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-24v 384-Watt Standard

Lionel RS-1 Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-18v 50V.A. Electronic

Lionel RW U A 9-19v 110-Watt Standard

Lionel SW U A Unknown 130-Watt Standard

Lionel TW U A 8-18v 175-Watt Standard

Lionel ZW A or D U 8-20v 275-Watt Standard

MTH Z4000 Red Black 5-21v 400-Watt Electronic

*ProtoSounds needs over 14 volts of power to work properly. Overloading or using in-lineaccessories with this transformer may lower the peak voltage below ProtoSound’srequirements.


P a r t sName and Number Part #

1.) Shell (CNW)(#126)(SW-8) FC-22000671.) Shell (CP)(#6706)(SW-8) FC-22000681.) Shell (UP)(#1834)(SW-9) FC-22000691.) Shell (BNSF)(#3505)(SW-9) FC-22000701.) Shell (C&O)(#5256)(SW-9) FC-22000712.) Handrail FC-2250012 ( green )( CNW )2.) Handrail FC-2250013 ( white )( CP )( UP )2.) Handrail FC-2250014 ( green )( BNSF )2.) Handrail FC-2250015 ( yellow )( C&O )3.) Handrail ( green )( CNW ) FC-22500163.) Handrail ( white )( CP )( UP ) FC-22500173.) Handrail ( orange )( BNSF ) FC-22500183.) Handrail ( yel low )( C&O ) FC-22500194.) Horn ( green )( CNW ) FC-22000724.) Horn ( red )( CP ) FC-22000734.) Horn ( gray )( UP ) FC-22000744.) Horn ( orange )( BNSF ) FC-22000754.) Horn ( blue )( C&O ) FC-22000765.) Bell ( nickel ) FC-22000446.) Bulb ( 18V )( black wires ) CA-0000015

( 70.0mm long wires )7.) Contact spring board BH-00000218.) Handrail ( green )( CNW ) FC-22500208.) Handrail ( white )( CP )( UP ) FC-22500218.) Handrail ( green )( BNSF ) FC-22500228.) Handrail ( yellow )( C&O ) FC-22500239.) Handrail (R)( green )( CNW ) FC-22500249.) Handrail (R)( red )( CP ) FC-22500259.) Handrail (R)( gray )( UP ) FC-22500269.) Handrail (R)( yellow )( BNSF ) FC-22500279.) Handrail (R)( blue )( C&O ) FC-225002810.) Screw IA-0000080

( M2X4.0mm )( washerhead )11.) Screw IA-0000069

( M3X14.0mm )( washerhead )( self-drilling )12.) Headlight lens FA-223001313.) Board (proto-sound)(top) AE-450000114.) Proto-sound chip N/A15.) Board AD-4500001

(proto-sound)(bottom)16.) Windows ( rear & left side ) FA-220000617.) Windows ( front & right side ) FA-220000418.) Rubber band BI-450000419.) Motor BE-0000019

( RS-365SH, 7.8X17.0mm worm gear )20.) Bracket ( volume pot ) IH-000008221.) Volume pot ( B10K, 1.2T ) BI-450000922.) Screw IA-0000073

( M3X6.0mm )( flathead )23.) Pilot ( green )( CNW ) DG-225001623.) Pilot ( black )( CP ) DG-225001023.) Pilot ( gray )( UP ) DG-225001723.) Pilot ( green )( BNSF ) DG-225001823.) Pilot ( blue )( C&O ) DG-225001924.) Screw IA-0000021

( 4/40X4.0mm )( roundhead )

Name and Number Part #

25.) Screw ( yellow zink ) IA-0000089( M2.5X6.0mm )( roundhead w/ lock washer )

26.) Motor mount BI-000000527.) Screw IA-0000012

( M3X14.0mm )( roundhead w/ lockwasher )28.) Screw IA-0000007

( M2X4.0mm )( panhead )29.) Switch ( large ) BB-000001030.) Screw IA-0000003

( 4/40X6.0mm )( roundhead )31.) Insulator ( washer ) ID-000003332.) Insulator ID-000002633.) Bracket ( proto-sound ) IH-000003734.) Heat sink AI-0000014

( 3.0X20.0X6.5mm )( cut in half, 13.5mm )35.) Screw IA-0000049

( 4/40X30.0mm )( roundhead )36.) Bulb CG-0000002

( 18V, small globe, bayonet base )37.) Socket CH-000000538.) Screw IA-0000090

( M2.4X12.0mm )( roundhead )39.) Motor ( RS-365SH ) BE-0000044

( 7.8X17.0mm worm gear )( 4.5X27.6mm flywheel )40.) Battery BG-400000141.) Battery leads BC-000000342.) Chassis ( green )( CNW ) DH-220002242.) Chassis ( black )( CP ) DH-220002342.) Chassis ( gray )( UP ) DH-220002442.) Chassis ( green )( BNSF ) DH-220002542.) Chassis ( blue )( C&O ) DH-220002643.) Screw IA-0000016

( M3X6.0mm )( roundhead )44.) Insulator (pick-up)(top) BD-000003545.) Screw IA-0000016

( M3X6.0mm )( roundhead )46.) Bracket IH-0000036

( speaker )( 12.0X12.0mm )47.) Speaker BF-4500013

( Unison, U4508BSR, 8W,0.9W )48.) Traction tires DE-000001849.) Fuel tank ( black ) FC-2200045

( CNW )( CP )( C&O )49.) Fuel tank ( gray )( UP ) FC-220007749.) Fuel tank ( green )( BNSF ) FC-220007850.) Nut ( 2.5X5.0X10.0mm ) IC-000000551.) Insulator BD-0000039

( pick-up )( bottom )( rect. )52.) Pick-up BD-0000025

( 8.0mm roller )( 28.0mm long )53.) E-clip IF-000000254.) Washer ID-000002655.) Spring IE-000001756.) Proto-coupler DD-0000004

( 44.0mm long )57.) T-bar IG-000000158.) Truck block ( 2 axle ) DA-205000559.) Wire strap ( metal ) IH-000001260.) Lock washer ID-0000049

( 3.0X5.0X0.7mm )

Rail King SW-8/9


P a r t sName and Number Part #

62.) Handrail (L)( green )(CNW) FC-225002962.) Handrail (L)( red )(CP) FC-225003062.) Handrail (L)( gray )(UP) FC-225003162.) Handrail (L)( yellow )(BNSF) FC-225003262.) Handrail (L)( blue )(C&O) FC-225003363.) Screw IA-000019064.) Contact spring board BH-000002265.) Number board FG-2200011

( sticker )( #126 )65.) Number board FG-2200012




( sticker )( #5256 )

13.) Board ( horn ) AF-450000415.) Board ( DCRU ) AC-000000430.) Screw IA-0000044

( M2.5X5.0mm )( roundhead )( DCRU mounting screw )33.) Bracket ( DCRU ) IH-000003935.) Screw IA-0000026

(4/40X18.0mm)(roundhead)(DCRU mounting screw)66.) Coupler ( mechanical ) DD-000000967.) Coupler armature DD-0000010

61.) Truck side ( black ) DB-2060002( CNW )( CP )( C&O )

61.) Truck side ( silver )( UP ) DB-206000661.) Truck side ( green )( BNSF ) DB-2060007

Horn Only Parts

*Requires Exchange



O-27 OPERATION

While the RailKing SW 8-9 diesel is more than capable of operating onO-27 curves and switches, you may find that certain light freight cars areprone to derailing when being pulled or pushed by the RailKing SW 8-9through O-27 switches. Should this occur, we suggest adding weight to thecars making them heavier and less likely to derail.

SERVICE & WARRANTY INFORMATION

HOW TO GET SERVICE UNDER THE TERMS OF THE LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY

For warranty repair, do not return your product to the place of purchase unless it waspurchased from MTH Electric Trains in Columbia, MD. Instead, follow the instructions below to obtain warranty service as our dealer network is not prepared to service the product underthe terms of this warranty.

1. First, write, call or FAX MTH Electric Trains, 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia,MD 21046, 410-381-2580 (FAX No. 410-423-0009), www.mthtrains.com, or e-mail [email protected], stating when it was purchased and what seems to be the problem.You will be given a return authorization number to assure that your merchandise will beproperly handled upon its receipt.

2. CAUTION: Make sure the product is packed in its original factory packaging including itsfoam and plastic wrapping material so as to prevent damage to the merchandise. The shipment must be prepaid and we recommend that it be insured. A cover letter, including your name,address, daytime phone number, Return Authorization number, a copy of your sales receipt and a full description of the problem, must be included to facilitate the repairs. Please includethe description regardless of whether you discussed the problem with one of our servicetechnicians when contacting MTH for your Return Authorization number.

3. Please make sure you have followed the instructions carefully before returning anymerchandise for service.

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY

This item is warranted for one year from the date of purchase against defects in material orworkmanship. We will repair or replace (at our option) the defective part without charge forparts or labor, if the item is returned to the address below within one year of the original dateof purchase. This warranty does not cover items that have been abused or damaged by careless handling, light bulbs or traction tires. Transportation costs incurred by the customer are notcovered under this warranty.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary fromstate to state.

ProtoSounds® is a trademark of MTH Electric Trains. DCRU® is a registered copyright ofQS Industries, Inc. Lionel® and Railsound® are registered trademarks of Lionel L.L.C.

Documents

RAILKING SW 8-9 DIESEL ENGINE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS