The non-DCC version F7 could be run conventionally with AC or DC, or "slave" to a 10-button Locomatic control box depending on how specific dip switches inside the A unit rear door were set. Check those. DCC versions must be used with a DCC system and came with supplemental documentation in addition to the aforementioned version Owner's Manual.
Click here for the the Conventional/Locomatic F7 Owner's Manual. Including MU cable use and a whole lot more. Here are a few excerpts:
Thank you for purchasing our F-7 diesel cab unit. Your new diesel comes ready-to-run on American Flyer® com- patible S gauge track with either AC or DC power.
3-6 AC/DC LocoMaticTM Sound Units
Your new SHS F-7 locomotives come complete with Loco- MaticTM Control. LocoMaticTM Control features total train control with the push of a button. To activate your Locomatic Sound Units, you will need to move dip switch- es #1 and #2 to the “on” position (these are located inside the “A” unit rear door.
3-8 DCC (Digital Command Control) Sound
One option for our F-7 is factory installed DCC sound de- coders made for us by Soundtraxx. Supplemental in- struction booklets are included with this option.
If you'd like to hear directly from Don Thompson, former owner of S-Helper (who along with his wife Robin were and remain two of the nicest people and greatest ambassadors of the S-trains hobby), join the showcaseline Yahoo Group. Don frequently replies to questions posted there with the same courtesy and nearly limitless detailed S-Helper product knowledge as ever.
