F40PH Diesel Operating Manual
12
TIPS ON USING THE PFA FEATURES
PFA 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. By reviewing following tips you
should find solutions or suggestions to the various operating scenarios you might
encounter when using PFA.
Tip #1:
You can escape the PFA sequence by interrupting the transformer throttle before
the first PA arrival message plays in Event 2 (neutral before reverse).
Tip #2:
You can terminate PFA at anytime by turning the transformer throttle off for 15
seconds.
Tip #3:
You do not have to be in the forward state to utilize PFA. For example if you activate
the PFA feature while in reverse and interrupt the throttle to enter neutral, you will be
entering neutral before forward rather than neutral before reverse as defined in Event 2
above. Consequently, the forward phase will be rendered inactive by ProtoSounds instead
of the reverse state as explained in Event 3. This will allow your train to leave the train
station in the same reverse direction that it arrived in.
Tip #4:
You can utilize PFA even if you are double-heading with another engine, regardless
of whether it is equipped with ProtoSounds or PFA. If the engine isn’t equipped with PFA,
the only thing to remember is that you not turn up the transformer throttle very high when
entering the reverse state found in Event 3. If the throttle is set too high, then the second
locomotive will begin vibrating on the track as its motors will be turning in the reverse state
since engines not equipped with PFA cannot disable the reverse state and will thus
continue powering their own motors. If your second engine is equipped with PFA, it can be
disabled by entering RESET function 28.
See the section on programming RESET
functions on page 17 of this manual to disable PFA.
Tip #5:
It is not necessary for the squealing brake sounds to be heard to play the PFA
sounds. For example, the brake sounds won’t be heard if the high voltage setting is below
13 volts and the power is interrupted to enter the neutral state.
Tip #6:
You can leave any of the event states at any time after entering the state by simply
interrupting the transformer throttle. Any sound effects programmed to play in that event
will simply not occur. The only exception is Event 2 and Event 5. In Event 2, interrupting the
throttle has no affect on PFA until after the PA arrival message has played and the doors
have opened. In Event 5, you cannot interrupt PFA until after the engine begins to move.
Interrupting the throttle before the engine begins to move has no affect on the locomotive.