EOB Removal Question

Not sure of your exact configuration but with most EOB the motor driver board doubles as the motherboard for the radio and audio boards. You could just remove the motors though.

 Is the EOB dead? Why not just look for a dummy GP7?

Pete

For some reason, on my poorly wired layout, when I "lash-up" engines with vertical can motors, they quickly get out of sync.  Maybe it is bad track connections, maybe it is signals bouncing all over the place, or both or something else.  I really don't have the time to rebuild or rewire the layout and I just like to run my trains when I get a free moment.  Sound dummies don't seem as susceptible.  But I wanted to check, will the TMCC motor sounds still rev without the EOB electronics?

I believe it will still rev up as its a function of speed steps in command unless TAS did it differently. In conventional its proportional to track voltage.

Pete

You can disconnect the motor leads and leave the EOB board in to run the audio.  You really don't have to do anything else, pop one plug out and you're all set.  I'm thinking you'd probably want to disable the cruise control with the cruise on/off switch so the motor driver doesn't get confused about no tach feedback.

John, I am pretty sure you motors have to removed or they will lock up the wheels if left unpowered.

Pete

Of course, I thought that was assumed.   I was addressing the electronic issues.

Or remove the power transfer gear from the trucks.  If you wish to pull the transfer gears.  I will give you $50 for the pair of gears.  I have a Atlas unpowered GP-7 that I want to make powered and Atlas is out of the power transfer gears.

Norton,

Atlas dummies are fairly uncommon and not inexpensive. Buying a used powered unit and removing power is certainly less expensive than buying a dummy and adding TMCC/RS.  It is unfortunate that trains are depreciating but I am doing my best to make sure someone is having fun playing with them.

This Atlas GP7 with EOB works well with (4) SW9's that are standard TMCC.   Click on the image to access a video.   All units are powered.

Cool video.  The problem is my layout, not the Atlas engines.  I have the same problem with Lionel engines.  But interestingly enough, I do not experience the problem with Atlas switchers, with or without EOB. I run my MTH in conventional, so no problems there.

 Layout dead spot correction can be done with Atlas 6924 relay boards.  Information is available on the Atlas website.

I have been working on this Altas GP7 for rdg fan who started this thread.  I removed the motors.  The rear motor has a tach reader circuit.  I was able to retain idle sounds, manual RPM revs, crew talk and horn and bell.  But when throttle is applied. The engine sounds start to rev up, but then a loud steady horn sound will continue until the throttle is back to zero.  I tried this with cruise on and off.  Plus with the tach circuit plugged in and unplugged.   Didn't make any difference in the throttle up horn noise.  If rdg fan uses this engine in a multi unit (I didn't use the rope term!!) he will get engine idle and headlights, it just won't rev up with the other unit.  There are 3 removeable boards on the main motherboard.  Radio board, RS and ?EOB?  I didn't think to pull this board, If it is the EOB? nearest the smoke unit and rear trucks.  I have already put the shell back on and getting the engine ready to ship back to the owner.   But was wondering if I should try this?

Thanks,

Mike

..........But when throttle is applied. The engine sounds start to rev up, but then a loud steady horn sound will continue until the throttle is back.........   Usually indicates that the tack reader wheel is not moving.

The three boards on the EOB motherboard are all Lionel standard boards, the R2LC, RS4 Audio, and RS4 Power Supply.  All the EOB logic and drivers are on the motherboard.

You could try disabling the cruise capability, I haven't actually tried that with an EOB board yet.  From the manual, it appears it "sticks" through a power cycle.

Instructions from the EOB Manual.

For the Cruise Off mode;

ENG + ## + DIR + AUX1 + AUX1 + AUX1 + 3

(The horn will sound after the 3rd AUX1 and after 3.)

The Cruise Off mode will provide 100% lash-up compatibility with non-cruise equipped locomotives. In this mode the response to commands is exactly the same as any other command equipped locomotive without cruise control. You do not need to reenter the command at power up unless you want to change the speed step modes.

John,

You are the best!!  I did what you suggested.

ENG + ## + DIR + AUX1 + AUX1 + AUX1 + 3

(The horn will sound after the 3rd AUX1 and after 3.)

The engine RPM sounds now ramp up and down with the throttle.  The tach reader horn warning is gone!  The engine can be shipped back to rdg fan (Chris) in South Jersey. 

I only briefly spoke with you at Alex's open house.  Hope to stay longer next year and talk with you more.

Thanks so much, you made my day.  Now I can go to work and know that the engine is how the owner wants to run. 

Mike.

Glad it helped, it was a bit of a "shot in the dark", but it seemed logical that disabling cruise would change the behavior.

My 3 Wisemen; Mike, Gunrunner John and Brian Wowak. You gentlemen have made my year!

We'll all be waiting for the obligatory Christmas Card.