These keys are located above the f1-f4 keys which are circled in green on the image of the Piko Digi Fern.
The other confusing phrase from the manual is "the keys A to D switch the special functions f1 to f4 on and off." The A to D keys are circled in blue.
The upshot of all this is that I suspect that the function keys can be used to trigger sounds (among other things) that are pre-programmed in the loco decoder. I make this assumption because similar functions like cab lights (on/off) can be operated with these function keys.
However, since the Digi Fern (and this is the bad news) cannot be used to program a decoder, it's a bit hit and miss to figure out which key does what.
By the way, if you need more than 4 function keys, you can use the f+4 button to access functions higher up the order. There's still no guarantee that these will actually activate something, but that's all part of the trial and error game that is the Piko Digi-Fern.
The first step is to make sure that you're actually controlling the right loco, by selecting the correct transmission channel (with buttons A to D) and keying a known function. For example, press the loco key (it's top-leftmost on the Piko remote) and follow that with the loco address, and the desired function - say the + button to increase speed.
Cancel that operation, so you have a stationary loco, and can proceed to test the various f buttons.
Although the documentation states that the system will 'remember' the last loco that was used, I prefer to key the loco address each time when I'm doing trial and error operations.
So, key loco + address + f(n) and see what happens. Write down what happens, even if it's nothing. An easy test to make sure that the decoder accepts these functions is to start with f0 and off, which should enable you to turn the lights on and off.
Eventually, you should find the horn function, but without any way to visually see what you're doing, there's no actual guarantee! I'm personally saving up for something like the Sprog3 or z21 before I get into advanced functions like sound!
I found I needed some time to figure things out from the information in the piko manual. Its quite logical but you really need to concentrate. I gained access to the horn function right away (Bachmann dmu olivia fitted sound decoder). The only qualm I have is that although you can operate accessories easily they don't remain in the memory like locos do so its a question of reprogramming them each session but this is very easy on a small layout and only takes a couple of minutes for example to programme 8 accessories. Controlling locos etc with remote control is so much easier than say using Hornby Elite unit and of course its a walk about unit. From Modellbahnshoppe Lippe costs about £40 (cheaper than uk) and for what you get represents good value. You can obviously upgrade and do things like changing cv's. So as a starter digital system takes a lot of beating
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