Train anerica studios question

I always thought that the 'chuff' sound was from a magnet on a wheel passing by the sensor. Maybe the magnet fell off. I installed a TAS sound board on a boxcar, but the magnet attached to the wheel never revolved, it would 'stick' at the sensor spot and not turn. Perhaps because it was a lightweight car..

Edit/Add link to EOB installation instruction manual.

If a complete EOB system was added, you may be able to reset it.  I have difficulties with one locomotive that needs reset on occasion.  There should be reset codes and details in the EOB installation instruction manual.  Click on the underlined phrase to access. 

A post from 2011.

  Check Master Chuff Reset Code (steam).  You should be able to do all setting with a Cab1 remote.

I believe this to be all the EOB codes.
I think this is all EOB adjustments that can be done with the handheld Cab-1

Setting the Chuff Rate for Steam Locomotives. Selection of 1, 2, or 4
EOB allows you to change the chuff rate of the locomotive, ....
ENG + ## + AUX1 + AUX1 + 5
Each time 5 is pressed you should here a series of horn/whistles. Continued pressing of 5 will cycle between the three choices.
One horn/whistle is one chuff per revolution.
Two horn/whistles is two chuffs per revolution.
Four horn/whistles is four chuffs per revolution.

Master Chuff Reset Code (Steam)
ENG + ## + DIR + AUX1 + AUX1 + AUX1 + 6 + ### (### is a 3 digit code)(The horn/whistle will sound after the 3rd AUX1, an coupler sound after the 6, a coupler sound after the 1st and 2nd # , and a horn/whistle after the 3rd #). The number may be something like 350.

Once set, operate the engine slowly, watching the drivers to see if (4) chuffs occur during a revolution. If not, readjust the number up or down. Use larger increments (50) to start. Getting close change the increments to (10). Record the number for future resets.

I recently saw a thread that suggested that the correct number was the number of marks on the flywheel times the number of motor revolution to turn a drive one revolution.

Master Chuff Rate Code (Diesel)

......... We recommend setting the Master Reset Chuff code to a predefined number this will prevent the diesel sounds from revving up and down randomly. This is done by the following commands.
ENG + ## + DIR + AUX1 + AUX1 + AUX1 + 6 + 0 + 5 + 0 ( The horn will sound after the 3rd AUX1, a coupler after the 6, a coupler after 0, a coupler after 5, and a horn after 0.)

After this is done using (Select the Chuff Rate) codes. Choose (4) chuffs per revolution. This should enable brake sounds even in 32 step mode or cruise off.

Pre-Pulse (affects the low end starting voltage).
ENG+##+DIR+Aux1+Aux1+Aux1+5+ #(#can be any number 1 thru 8)
The horn/whistle will sound after the 3rd Aux1, a coupler sound after 5, and a horn/whistle after the set #

Background Pulse (affects top voltage).
ENG+##+DIR+Aux1+Aux1+Aux1+4+ #(#can be any number 01 thru 99)
The horn/whistle will sound after the 3rd Aux1, a coupler sound after 4, and a horn/whistle after the set #

The scale is linear, meaning 99 is the lowest setting, 01 is the highest setting. The last digit is used to smooth out the slow end performance and eliminate any jerking.

Note: For locomotives that exhibit a slight jerkiness at low speeds....... The Pre-Pulse should be set at 1. The Background Pulse can be moved from 99 all the way down to 01 with out affecting the low end. The Background Pulse will smooth out any jerkiness seen at the first speed step.

You may want to note that EOB boards have changed. An earlier board adjustment for Background pulse was 01 to 20 different than current boards 01 to 99. Some jerkiness may have to do with the installation of the reader tape and optical sensor. Best to check with Sunset/Atlas/Weaver on this service before any adjustment. Also note that I have change this post to reflect most current adjustments.

Other settings of interest.

32 speed step mode.
ENG + ## + DIR + AUX1 + AUX1 + AUX1 + 1
(A horn/whistle will sound after the 3rd AUX1 and after 1.)

128 speed step mode.
ENG + ## + DIR + AUX1 + AUX1 + AUX1 + 2
(A horn/whistle will sound after the 3rd AUX1 and after 2.)

Cruise OFF mode.
ENG + ## + DIR + AUX1 + AUX1 + AUX1 + 3
(A horn/whistle will sound after the 3rd AUX1 and after 3.)

There may be other EOB setting that I am unaware of.


Best wishes,
Mike CT

Check the pinned thread in this forum for complete TAS documentation.

I would try what Mike says first.  I assume you still have speed control?  If so, the tach is working?  If no speed control, than you need to check continuity to the tach reader wires.

Via the instructions, one is 5VDC and one is ground.  If voltage is present the return wire needs to pulse +DC as the flywheels turns.  You can check to see that the tach is lighted via a camera phone.  That would at least prove power to tach, but it still may be bad and not read, or the wires in the tether have issues.

If bad you can replace it with another if you have one.  If not I think I have the components to replace the 2 main chips, reader and op-amp.   G