User Guide

through the steps to a stop. You can also slow down by using the
opposite direction button. If the locomotive is in forward direction
and you hold the REVERSE button, the locomotive will slow to a
stop and then accelerate in reverse. Similarly, if running in
reverse, holding the FORWARD button will result in a slow to
stop and then an acceleration in forward. The ALT / SLOW button
results in an emergency stop.
If there seems to be a lack of response to the buttons on the
LocoMatic™ controller it is generally due to either poor electrical
contact between the pick up rollers and wheels and the track
because of dirt, or the lack of a choke (see "supplemental note"
below) in series with something that is getting its power from the
track.
NOTE: regarding multiple unit lashups - because of the
possibility of lack of response due to poor electrical contact it is
suggested that you do not attempt control changes to multiple
units while such locomotives are on track areas of poor contact
such as switches or crossings. If a multiple unit locomotive loses
synchronization between units either increase to full speed or
come to a full stop to restore synchronization.
Operating a locomotive, with this sound / control system
installed, under LocoMatic™ COMMAND CONTROL is simply
the use of the buttons on the LocoMatic™ controller to
implement the desired motions and sounds.
****** SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE ******
The signals generated by the LocoMatic™ controller may be
adversely affected by any powered device that is connected to
the track at the same time that the LocoMatic™ controller is
functional. This would include track powered accessories, lighted
cars or a lighted or powered locomotive operating from the same
transformer that is passed through the LocoMatic™ controller.
To eliminate this possibility it is required that all accessories be
independently powered by a separate transformer or
transformers. Lighted cars or other lighted or powered
locomotives that will be operating with a locomotive with this
sound / control system installed MUST BE MODIFIED by
installation of a choke in series between track pick up and the
lights and/or motor.
The most common installation would be to locate the wires
coming from the center rail rollers (3 rail operators) or right rail (2
rail operators) and disconnect them from the present location.
Connect these wires to one end of the choke and then connect
the other end of the choke to the same location that the wires
were originally connected to. Be sure to properly insulate your
connections and to mount the choke so that it does not move.
Double sided mounting tape makes a simple and neat
installation.
In some situations for two rail operators, it may be simpler to
connect the choke between the lamp base and the proper rail
previously going to the lamp base. Either method is acceptable
as long as the choke is in series between the track and the load
and the bases of each car are not connecting to each other with
metal couplers.
APPENDIX:
simultaneous operation of a LocoMatic™
compatible locomotive with a lionel trainmaster™ command
equipped locomotive. Since both of these control systems can
function with a fixed AC voltage it becomes possible to operate
simultaneously and independently with both systems on the
same track if certain conditions are met.
The fixed voltage power to the Lionel Trainmaster Command
System must be passed through the LocoMatic™ controller
before being connected to the track. The LocoMatic™ controller
does not interfere with the Lionel Trainmaster Command Control
System. All Command equipped locomotives or other devices
that are common to the fixed voltage power supply will require
the installation of a choke in series with power pick up. This
series connection can be made either on the center rail pick up or
on the ground, whichever is easier. Refer to SUPPLEMENTAL
NOTE, for additional information.
With the above installation completed and track power "on", the
Lionel Command equipped locomotive is operational via the
Trainmaster Command Control System. Another locomotive,
equipped with a LocoMatic sound / control system in the
LocoMatic™ COMMAND MODE, can also be operated at the
same time on the same track via the LocoMatic™ controller.
Motor Problems:
If your locomotive reset's to the forward
position when operating in standard mode, or lurches
intermittently when operating in LocoMatic™ command mode,
you will need to install a choke in series with each motor lead to
eliminate large motor noise from becoming fed back to the sound
system. The chokes functions best when placed at or as near to
the motor as possible. Chokes from item 702 or 703 can be used
in most cases. There is on board filtering for this problem but it is
best handled at the motor brushes. This is also why a capacitor
is placed across the motor brushes as shown in the wiring
instructions. This only happens with motors that produce severe
spikes or generate RF when operating.
DUAL MOTORS: When connecting to a locomotive with dual
motors, the motors are normally connected in parallel from the
factory. The filter capacitor should be placed on the motor
brushes closest to the LocoMatic™board. If the locomotive has
DC can motors, try connecting the motors in series instead of
parallel. Most locomotives have an extremely high rate of speed.
By connecting the motors in series not only reduces the top end
speed of the locomotive but also results in a lower motor current
consumption with better locomotive low end performance! To
make a series connection, simply place one power lead on the
motor#1 brush, then take the other brush lead to motor#2's brush.
The other power lead then connects to the other motor#2 brush.
If the motors rotate opposite of each other simply reverse the
brush leads of the motor that rotates opposite of the direction you
want the locomotive to go when in the forward state.
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