Calling Train America EOB Experts

You might contact Mike Reagan at his new company. Nobody would know more about the TAS system than he would. 

It is my understanding their is a person here that makes a unit called a Super Chuffer board which should take care of this problem..... I have installed one for a friend in a K line Allegheny that had continuous smoke and it works great... The EOB board might just be like the K line and some Lionel and not have chuffing

NelsonW posted:

The EOB board might just be like the K line and some Lionel and not have chuffing

Actually, the EOB board does support all of that, just can't seem to convince this particular board to do so.   The old one does all the functions, it just has several problems and craps out when it warms up.

Hot Water posted:

You might contact Mike Reagan at his new company. Nobody would know more about the TAS system than he would. 

I did ask about some TAS issue some time back and Mike wasn't really interested in opening old wounds, I guess he's moved on.

No expert here but I have worked with a few. Have you tried this key sequence?

Yes, multiple times.  

I can select the chuffs with no issues, and everything sounds perfect.  I also went through the adjustment sequence to set the master chuff rate, that went as expected.  The only thing that doesn't work is I can't get the chuffing smoke, it just runs the fan continuously.'

All of the commands give the expected responses, including the toggle between steam and diesel fan operation.  The fan also stops when I turn off the smoke, so I know the board is able to control the fan.

They only puff ay low speed then its constant. I have a manual of you need one.

Rod Miller

I have the manuals, several versions.  This board doesn't chuff at all at any speed, just continuous smoke.  The old board (which craps out frequently) chuffed fine when it was working.  The two boards look to be identical, so I don't know why this one won't configure for the chuffing smoke.

Recalling some conversations I had with Mike R when TAS was in business, I remember him saying that MTH had a patent on software generated smoke chuffing.  TAS could include that feature in EOB's that they sold as upgrades, but EOB's used by train manufacturers could not include the chuffing feature.  I recall him changing a chip in my Atlas 0-6-0 so it would chuff smoke.  I don't personally know whether any Weaver steam locos with EOB have chuffing smoke or not.  I know that 3rd Rail began to use a cam on axle system for smoke.

Oh, MY!  I think you just answered the question!  This was a board out of an Atlas diesel, and I don't have an upgrade board.  That makes perfect sense, it loves the commands, just doesn't do anything with them.  I suspect the era of having access to the correct chip for this one is long since past.   Sadly, one of the issues with the old board is the uP chip flakes out after it gets warm...

Interesting Bob. I always wondered why most 3rd Rail engines used cams and switches in their EOB engines. Is the chip that Atlas swapped out in a socket or soldered in or don't yiu know?

Pete

Pete, it almost has to be the socketed PIC processor I would imagine.

I do remember buying one or two Turbo Smokes that had the Puff n Chuff feature built into it. It could be set up for diesel mode too. I can poke around tonight in my stash and see if I have one still.

Yes, it was the PIC that Mike swapped out. 

I do remember this being mentioned in the past, but I never personally ran across the issue.  I think most of the boards I was dealing with were upgrade boards, I never had a chuff issue.  However, it certainly explains why the Atlas one won't chuff!

There must have been a time when EOB chuff generators were used by some 3rd parties. The 3rd Rail NYC Mohawks have keystroke selectable chuff and puff with EOB, no cams or switches.

Pete

John I have a new in the box Puff N Chuff board I never used. Send me and email if you want to make a swap for a break on one of yours.

Here's the one I have with the puffing action:

Steve, if John doesn't want it, I'll buy it! 

You got it Norm. We'll see if John if John wants it first.