Proto-Sound 3 and Diectional Running in Conventional Mode.

@rdg_fan posted:

I run my MTH engines in convential mode. I have a ProtoSound 3 F7 pair (20-20604-1). These have a switch that allow me to set one to start in reverse after neutral so I can run them back to back. I like running my diesels back to back so I have some questions:

1) Should the DCS polarity switch allow me to start in reverse in Proto-sound 3 diesels running in coventional mode? If not, what is it's function? Caution, the name of the switch here is INCORRECT. Polarity switch for DCS is on a PS2 engine, not PS3.

A motor direction switch is a different function.

DCS polarity is because PS2 needs specific polarity from the track and because in 2 rail, direction of the engine reverses that what wheel picks up from what rail.

DCS/DCC switch is specific to PS3 engines allowing them to be used on a DCC enabled track.

2) What happens on start-up with Protosound 3  Diesels locked in a direction? Do they first come up in neutral? Or do the start in locked direction as soon as capacitor charges? From the manual: "The engine will not change direction (including going into neutral) until you repeat the 1 horn, 3 bells code to return the engine to its normal condition, even if the engine is kept without power for extended periods of time.

3) Can I have someone with a DCS set-up set the engine to start in reverse in conventional mode? You could, but why? If you follow the manual it's not hard to properly set the switches.

Much Appreciation!

The manual is easily found on the product support page. https://mthtrains.com/20-20604-1

Direct link from above https://mthtrains.com/sites/de...ction/20dl18750i.pdf

page 18 locking a loco in a direction using conventional bell and whistle commands.

Much Appreciation, Vernon! But I think I confused things. I know how to run my F7's back to back. I was wondering how to do it in conventional mode for my PS3 GP30 (20-20670-1) amongst others.

With regard to Question 2, are you saying as soon as capacitors charge, the engine will start moving in the fixed direction? Can this cause problems if capacitors don't charge at same time?

Again, Much Appreciation!

@rdg_fan posted:

Much Appreciation, Vernon! But I think I confused things. I know how to run my F7's back to back. I was wondering how to do it in conventional mode for my PS3 GP30 (20-20670-1) amongst others.

Well, since that GP30 was not designed to run "natively" as a "set" of engines, then in conventional mode it does not have the motor wiring reversing switch, so then you would need to lock it into a direction (and really all the engines in that consist) or otherwise potentially program it using DCS. Honest truth is, most any recent Lionel engine would have similar requirements to either lock it into a direction or figure out a solution. Conventional operation is a limited control and configuration options. Trying to get high end results with a low end control system.

With regard to Question 2, are you saying as soon as capacitors charge, the engine will start moving in the fixed direction? Can this cause problems if capacitors don't charge at same time? "Common sense" easing up the voltage and watching the amperage draw as the system begins moving, while also observing for wheel slip would seem prudent.

Again, Much Appreciation!

Also, https://ogrforum.com/...conventional-lash-up

Thanks for all the clarifications. They are truly appreciated. It is just so convenient to have the motor reverse switch in the f-units and I would have been truly grateful to have it all my diesels. I know TMCC can do MU but I have had bad luck keeping the engines in synch. I'll just keeping sure to have some dummies around, but the extra power and sound would have been even nicer. Thanks, again!