MTHTrains Dash-9 Engineer's Manual

M.T.H. HO Dash-9

Diesel Engine

Congratulations! You've just purchased the most feature-rich and technically advanced HO diesel locomotive ever produced! This highly detailed model includes a broader range of features than you’ll find on any other HO scale diesel, including smooth performance from a three-scale-mile-per-hour crawl to full throttle; “cruise control” for steady speeds regardless of curves, switches and grades; built-in decoders for DCC and the M.T.H. Digital Command System (DCS); and a full range of prototypical sounds. If you’re looking for motive power that’s accurately detailed, smooth running, and a great deal of fun to operate, it doesn’t get any better than this.

Operates on 18” radius curves with Code 70, Code 83 or Code 100 rails.

PLEASE READ THE MANUAL BEFORE USE AND SAVE

WWW.MTHHOTRAINS.COM

(PS3)

Engineer's Guide

PFA

Passenger/Freight

Announcements

This product may be protected by one or more of the following patents: 6,019,289; 6,280,278; 6,281,606; 6,291,263; 6,457,681; 6,491,263; 6,604,641; 6,619,594; 6,624,537; 6,655,640.

CAUTION: ELECTRICALLY OPERATED PRODUCT:

WARNING: When using electrical products, basic safety precautions should be observed, including the following:

Read this manual thoroughly before using this device.

- M.T.H. recommends that all users and persons supervising use examine the hobby transformer and other electronic equipment periodically for conditions that may result in the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, such as damage to the primary cord, plug blades, housing, output jacks or other parts. In the event such conditions exist, the train set should not be used until properly repaired.

- Do not operate your layout unattended. Obstructed accessories or stalled trains may overheat, resulting in damage to your layout.

- This train set is intended for indoor use. Do not use if water is present. Serious injury or fatality may result.

- Do not operate the hobby transformer with damaged cord, plug, switches, buttons or case.

Recommended for Ages 14 and up. Not recommended for children under 14 years of age without adult supervision. As with all electric products, precautions should be observed during handling and use to prevent electric shock.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

UNPACKING YOUR ENGINE ...............................................................4

Removing and Unwrapping Your Engine.........................................................4

What Else is in the Box?......................................................................................4

PRODUCT OVERVIEW...........................................................................5

Getting to Know Your Engine ...........................................................................5

Engine Diagram ....................................................................................................7

SET-UP ......................................................................................................8

Coupler Installation ..............................................................................................8

Snow Plow Installation.........................................................................................9

Lubrication.............................................................................................................9

MODES OF OPERATION.......................................................................10

FEATURES AND OPERATION .............................................................11

Analog DC (standard DC power pack).............................................................11

DCS Digital Command System ..........................................................................13

F-Function Table .................................................................................................20

23 23

SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................32

CARE AND MAINTENANCE ................................................................33

Troubleshooting Guide........................................................................................33

HOW TO ORDER PARTS........................................................................38

SERVICE & WARRANTY INFORMATION.........................................39

DCC DIGITAL COMMAND CONTROL................................................

Advanced DCC Operation..................................................................................

Configuration Variables .......................................................................................

Advanced Consisting............................................................................................27

Programming Track..............................................................................................

Service & Warranty Information........................................................................39

Limited One-Year Warranty ................................................................................39

Rev: _80dl18109i_HO Dash-9 Ps3 1/14/15

QUICK START GUIDE

Of course, you should read your manual over before running your engine. But if you just can’t wait, choose which control method that you use from the list below. Follow the steps outlined in your section, run your engine and enjoy! Now, after a few minutes, shut down the engine and read through your engineer’s guide.

I USE A REGULAR DC SUPPLY…

Step 1: Unpack your Engine. (refer to unpacking instruction on pg 4)… Step 2: Set the engine on the track Step 3: Apply 6-8VDC voltage until she starts up and then increase to pull out.

I'M A DCC OPERATOR….

Step 1: Unpack your Engine. (refer to unpacking instructions on pg 4)… Step 2: Set the engine on the track … Step 3: Power up your DCC system… Step 4: Select engine address 3 and press “F3” to start her up… Step 5: Turn the throttle and head on down the pike…

I RUN DCS….

Step 1: Unpack your Engine. (refer to unpacking instructions on pg 4)… Step 2: Set the engine on the track … Step 3: Power up your DCS system… Step 4: Add the engine to your system and start her up… Step 5: Turn the throttle and move out….

CAUTION: M.T.H. HO engines DO NOT OPERATE ON AC VOLTAGE. Applying AC power to your locomotive could cause permanent damage and will void your warranty.

Please note, when making setting changes in DCS or DCC, such as address, please wait a minimum of 5 seconds after removing power to insure the settings are stored in the engines memory. Reapplying power in less than 5 seconds may result in losing the setting changes.

M.T.H. HO Dash-9 Diesel Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0

UNPACKING YOUR ENGINE

Removing and Unwrapping Your Engine

Carefully remove and unwrap the model on a soft surface. By nature, models with high levels of detail have some small fragile parts.

Carefully remove any foam packing pieces that may be surrounding the model.

What Else is in the Box?

The following items are packed with your engine.

Engineer’s Guide

Mechanical Kadee-Compatible Couplers with mounting hardware

Snow Plow

M.T.H. HO Dash-9 Diesel Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Getting to Know Your M.T.H. HO Locomotive

Key Features

Your new HO Diesel Engine is equipped with the exclusive M.T.H. Proto-Sound®

3.0 digital sound and control system. In plain English, this means your locomotive contains state-of-the-art electronics providing realistic digital sounds, precisely controlled speed in increments of 1 scale mile per hour, and much, much, more.

Compatibility

The Proto-Sound 3 system is universally compatible with track power and/or signal combinations including analog DC (regular DC power pack), DCC (NMRA Digital Command Control), or DCS (MTH Digital Command System). Simply set your Engine on the rails, apply any one of these power/signal sources, and move out! The Proto-Sound 3.0 system automatically senses the track environment and adapts accordingly. No hidden jumpers, switches, magic wands, or programming required! A vast array of realistic operation is automatic when the Engine is run on analog DC. You can expand access to features in a DCC environment. Experience the most your new locomotive has to offer in the simple to use yet powerful world of DCS. To be clear, DCS is NOT a proprietary version of DCC, as some other

manufacturers offer. DCS is a comprehensive layout control system designed with one primary goal: make model trains do amazingly realistic things using a simple and intuitive controller. We put the complexity on the inside, and the fun in your hands!

Digital Sound

Your Proto-Sound 3 (PS 3) equipped engine contains over 100 individual recordings. These recordings are played back dynamically at appropriate times to create a symphony of realism for your ears. Hear the diesel roar automatically intensify or lighten when speeding up or slowing down, listen to the sounds of brakes squeaking and squealing as you come to a stop, or enjoy the random conversations of railmen working as your model sits at idle. It's all there and it's incredible.

Your HO diesel includes built-in realistic horn sound effects, including forward (two blasts) and reverse (three blasts) signaling and crossing signal sounds, all available with one-touch control from a DCS controller or through any DCC controller capable of accessing up to F28.

M.T.H. HO Dash-9 Diesel Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0

Digital Control

In standard analog DC mode, your model still operates under digital control. The PS 3 advance speed control system converts track voltage into digital speed commands. Your model will run smoothly and consistently at any speed regardless of load, hills, or curves. If you are a DCC user, you'll quickly learn to appreciate the precision of our speed control and linear speed curve. DCS users will enjoy the added benefits of controlling speeds in increments of 1 scale mile per hour displayed on DCS controllers or easily changing acceleration and deceleration rates independently without any discussion of bits or bytes. To be clear, DCS is NOT

DCC.

Lights

As you read on, you’ll notice there are no instructions for replacing light bulbs in your diesel. That's because there aren’t any. We use specially designed and controlled LEDs to create realistic lighting effects that occur automatically. Again, NO PROGRAMMING! Just come to a stop and watch as the headlight dims automatically in accordance with rule 17. Of course, as you pull away, the headlight returns to it’s fully bright, yet warm, glow.

More…

In analog DC operation, just flip the track polarity or direction switch at any speed and watch your Engine gradually come to stop, turn on the appropriate directional lighting, and smoothly accelerate back up to speed. No other HO locomotive has features like these. There are so many more things to learn and enjoy about M.T.H. HO Engines, we could write a book. But, that's no fun. So, if you haven't already done so, flip to the Quick Start Guide and let's run your new engine!!

M.T.H. HO Dash-9 Diesel Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0

ENGINE DIAGRAM

Locomotive

M.T.H. HO Dash-9 Diesel Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0

Control Hatch

Controls

Volume pot

To remove the Control Hatch,

gently pull it outward and lift it off

from the side.

Includes Remotely Activated

Proto-Coupler™ and

interchangeable magnetic

coupler, both Kadee®

Compatible

All wheels Powered

Detailed Horn

Metal See-Through Fan Vents

Installing Couplers

Your locomotive comes equipped with remotely controllable scale proportioned operating Proto-Couplers that can be triggered from any DCC controller or the M.T.H. DCS Digital Command System. Both the front and rear couplers can be individually triggered. These couplers will not work in conventional operation with magnetic arms.

For those who prefer standard mechanical couplers, we've also included a pair inside your locomotive's box. Follow the steps below to remove the remote control couplers and install the mechanical couplers in their place.

Removing The Remote Control Proto-Coupler From The Chassis

SET-UP

M.T.H. HO Dash-9 Diesel Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0

Pull Coupler Mechanism Out Through Pilot Hole

Installing The Mechanical Couplers

If you prefer the mechanical couplers over the remote control Proto-Coupler, remove the Proto-Couplers by following the steps detailed above and then install the included mechanical couplers or any other Kadee-compatible couplers by following the steps below.

Identify & Remove the 2 Mounting Screws

Pull off Cover Plate

Spacer Screws

Coupler

Pocket

Cover

Cover Plate Coupler Pocket Coupler

Lubrication

Using light machine or household oil, apply a very small amount to all axles points as shown.

Your gearbox is properly greased at the factory and probably never needs service, however, if you run excessive hours pulling heavy loads, it's a good idea to remove the gearbox cover and re-grease using M.T.H. gear grease or equivalent.

M.T.H. HO Dash-9 Diesel Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0

Lubricate Axles (L)

S E T- U P

Lubricate Axles (L)

Assembled Coupler (Shown Right Side UP)

Line up Coupler Pocket with Mounting Holes on Spacer

Apply the Cover Plate and 2 Screws from the Mechanical Coupler Part Bag and Tighten In Place

Align Spacer with Mounting Hole

Insert Coupler into Pilot at an Angle

Installing the Snow Plow

Slide the Snow Plow Up Through The Air Hoses And Press The Tabs Into The Holes

Completed Snow Plow Installation

Mounting

Holes

Modes of Operation

There are 3 modes of operation with different levels of features accessible in each. We refer to them as Analog DC, DCS and DCC. Here’s a brief explanation before we get into the features of each mode.

Analog DC

This is when there is nothing connected to the rails except a conventional DC power pack. These power packs generally have at least one variable output controlled by a throttle of some sort and a means of reversing DC polarity on the track to change the direction of your engine.

DCS or Digital Control System

While the acronyms are close, this is about where the similarities between DCS and DCC end. Yes, they are both digital control systems, however, M.T.H. DCS is NOT DCC. There are several proprietary versions of DCC on the market, but this is NOT one of them. M.T.H.’s DCS system is proven technology in the O and One gauge markets and now, we’ve brought its power and simplicity it to you.

First, the power signal in DCS is NOT the command signal. Next, DCS employs a fully functional bi-directional communication scheme opening a vast range of advanced features and yet, is so simple and intuitive, you can enjoy them! No programming tracks, bits and bytes, or conversion of binary to hexadecimal numbers here! To add an engine in DCS, just press “ADD ENGINE.” After that, If you want to start your engine, just press “START UP” or, to turn the sound on or off, just press “SOUND.” No combinations of letters or numbers to remember! We think you’re really going to like this!

Please note, when making setting changes in DCS or DCC, such as address, please wait a minimum of 5 Seconds after removing power to ensure the settings are stored in the engines memory. Reapplying power in less than 5 seconds may result in losing the setting changes.

DCC or Digital Command Control

DCC is a popular digital command control scheme wherein the track power is also a digital control signal. That is, using a DCC controller, you can communicate with multiple engines and have them all moving at different speeds or moving in opposite directions on the same track at the same time. The power/command signal remains constant and engines are “commanded” to perform as desired. M.T.H. is new to DCC but, we recognize it’s importance to many HO operators. So, we loaded our engine with more DCC features easily accessible to the operator than any HO engine ever built previously. You DCC guys are in for a real treat!

M.T.H. HO Dash-9 Diesel Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0

FEATURES AND OPERATION

Now, for the fun stuff! Your new M.T.H. HO Diesel Engine has more features and operating capabilities than any HO engine ever built by any manufacturer. We're going to walk you through everything she does in general, but you'll probably find a few we forgot to mention on your own.

Analog DC

Not much explanation is required here, and that's exactly why you run your trains this way! Here's the good news, even if you like to keep it simple, your MTH HO engine is packed with cool sounds, lights, and operating features, that you're going to love.

Running the Engine

Set the engine on the rails, and apply DC power. Refer to the Set-Up section of this guide for instructions on how to lubricate the chassis.

As you increase power, at about 6 volts, the lights and sounds will come on. Keep going on up to about 8 and she'll move out! About 16 volts DC is adequate for prototypical speeds however, your engine can handle up to 24 volts DC if you feel the need for speed!

Changing Direction

If you flip the direction (polarity) switch on your power pack while the engine is moving, it will gradually slow to a stop, and slowly accelerate back up to speed in the opposite direction. This is an exclusive feature of MTH engines that we're sure you'll enjoy. You can also change direction the old fashioned way by reducing throttle until the engine stops, flip the direction switch, and then increase throttle again. Either way is OK, we just thought a graceful transition from any speed would be cool.

If you switch track polarity too slowly, the engine may stop abruptly and not move in the reverse direction. This is normal. There is a feature we call “anti-jack rabbit” that prevents the engine from taking off at high speeds when high voltage is applied to the track instantly. Some direction switches have a “dead” spot where the power is completely off during polarity changes. This can invoke the anti-jack rabbit feature. The solution is to flip the direction switch more quickly or disable the feature in DCC. Please see page 23 for more information. Don't worry you won't hurt the engine.

M.T.H. HO Dash-9 Diesel Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0

Speed Control

Your engine is equipped with speed control. This feature is always active, even in analog DC mode. Basically, your engine constantly measures track voltage and converts this to a digital speed command. You should notice the speed remains constant up and down grades, around curves, and with varying loads. This is no accident. You've got the most precise speed control system available today.

Sounds

In this mode, sounds are pretty much automatic. If you’re moving, you’ll hear diesel sounds.

When your sitting at idle, there may be some maintenance done. You could hear someone calling for help on the radio. Don’t worry, all of this and more is just a normal part of everyday operations.

When you’re moving at a pretty good clip and you reduce the throttle quickly, you may hear the brakes squeak and squeal as the engineer applies them. Of course, they’ll stop when the engine does.

If things get too noisy, just locate the sound volume pot under the rear roof, adjust the volume from maximum down to off, whatever suits you. Turn it counterclockwise to reduce the volume or clockwise to increase it. Refer to page 7 for volume pot location.

Lighting

Now, this is an illuminating section (we couldn’t resist). Your model is equipped with a headlight, number board lights and ditch lights (where applicable).

The first thing to know about the lighting is there aren’t any bulbs. It’s all LEDs, so you should never have to replace them. As with sounds, in analog DC mode, lighting operation is fully automatic. They’re always on and behave appropriately.

The headlight functions under rule 17 and dims when stopped for a time or while backing up. Of course, just as you begin to move forward, it goes bright to show the way.

By default your ditch lights are set to ON. That means they are ON as soon as the engine starts moving in forward. When you sound the horn they will alternately flash and will continue to flash for 5 seconds after the horn button has been released. When you set the ditch lights to OFF they will stay off regardless of movement or horn sounds. NOTE – The Ditch Lights follow Rule 17 lighting. That means when your engine is stopped the ditch lights will go off. Once you start moving again in forward (when the headlight goes from dim to bright) they will come back ON, provided you have them set to ON.

M.T.H. HO Dash-9 Diesel Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0

On the GE Evolution version of the ES-44 there is a new lighting feature that existed on the Demonstrator model - Charge Lights. These lights showcase GE's hybrid dynamic braking. At idle and during braking these lights chase in towards the center of the body. When moving the lights chase out towards the traction motors. The LMK softkey in DCS controls this lighting effect.

+ 27 hidden pages

MTHTrains Dash-9 Engineer's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual