User Guide

ManualsBrandsDallee Electronics ManualsOtherSTEAM CHUFF VERSION 3

volts) to maximize volume potential and battery life. Rechargeable batteries can be used. When

connecting the battery (DC) power leads be absolutely certain that wires connect to the proper

DC input leads.

If any connections are not done properly, especially the power connections, you will damage the

sound system. This type of damage is not covered under any warranty. The sound system is

thoroughly tested and inspected before packing to insure proper function. There is a minimum

charge of $35.00 plus s/h for repair.

SOUND INFORMATION:

CYLINDER BLOW DOWN is required to remove condensate that accumulates in the cylinders

when a locomotive has been at rest. This condensate must be exhausted from the cylinders prior

to the pistons being powered by steam or there can be damage to the cylinders. CYLINDER

BLOW DOWN sounds will be generated by the sound system when requested. With the

LocoMatic™ Controller you depress and release the ALT & F3 button to turn on the CYLINDER

BLOW DOWN and then again depress and release the button to turn the CYLINDER BLOW

DOWN off. Toggle switch or remote function control does not require the PUSH ON - PUSH OFF

sequence. In either case of operation, the CYLINDER BLOW DOWN will automatically turn off

when the locomotive starts running (1.5 - 2 volts is required on the motor input terminals, J3 pins

2 and 3, to be sensed). If the input, J5 pin1, is constantly pulled low to J2 pin2 or via a function

control with a remote receiver, the sound system will turn off the CYLINDER BLOW DOWN when

needed and automatically turn it back on after the locomotive has stopped for a short time.

BALL COCKS are controlled with the CLYLINDER BLOW DOWN. When they are open

condensate is pushed out of the cylinder heads by steam pressure. When they are left open, a

different exhaust chuff is heard. This is that of semi-compressed steam. Steam locomotives must

evacuate all condensate before allowing the cylinder head to completely close and fully compress

steam or the cylinder heads will explode. By leaving the CYLINDER BLOW DOWN set ON when

the locomotive starts pulling out you will hear the air blowing out of the Ball Cocks in synch with

each exhaust chuff. After a few revolutions the ball cocks will automatically close or you can

manually close them with the ALT & SF3 or function as connected.

EXHAUST CHUFF is the most notable sound of a steam locomotive in motion. The sound is the

result of the used steam from the cylinders being vented through the stack. Each cylinder will

exhaust twice during each drive wheel revolution and since most steam locomotives have two

cylinders, the exhaust should chuff four times for each drive wheel revolution. EXHAUST CHUFF

sounds should vary from a very slow chuff rate to an almost continuous roar at high speed.

EXHAUST CHUFF should also vary as to the load on the locomotive with a heavy train making a

louder exhaust. This sound system will vary the EXHAUST CHUFF sound with actual movement

of the drive wheels or other axles via the optical pickup. Additionally, the EXHAUST CHUFF

volume will increase above normal during accelleration and will be lower when decellerating. The

pitch of the EXHAUST CHUFF can be hard wired as explained on page 2 for various pitches

desired. The selection is from thunderous large cylinder locomotives to that of small cylinders

found on switcher type locomotives.

SPEAKER MOUNTING: The speaker generally should be mounted so that the sound can

actually "get out" of the locomotive. A hole in the floor of the tender is acceptable but the front of

the coal bunker or even through a simulated coal load may be a better choice as the sound can

exit forward or upward rather than down toward the track. In some cases, particularly in the larger

gauges, mounting a speaker inside the front of the boiler with a open stack can enhance the

sound. Enclosing the speaker in a chamber will also enhance sound reproduction. A very simple

enclosure can be made with a tube. It is usually best to seal the end of the tube, so there are no

air passages to the rear of the speaker, thus creating a sound chamber. By carefully sealing all

IN LOCOMOTIVE STEAM CHUFF SOUND

for various track power by

CAUTION-THIS DEVICE CAN BE DAMAGED BY STATIC DISCHARGE. PLEASE EXERCISE

CARE DURING INSTALLATION TO AVOID THIS POSSIBILITY. DISCHARGE YOURSELF TO

AN ELECTRICAL GROUND (OUTLET COVER SCREW) BEFORE REMOVING THIS DEVICE

FROM ITS ANTI-STATIC BAG. PLEASE READ INSTRUCTION SHEET COMPLETELY BEFORE

ATTEMPTING TO INSTALL AND OPERATE THIS PRODUCT.

Save the anti-static bag for possible reuse of storing or shipping the sound unit!

Version 3.8

OVERVIEW:

This device is an electronic, self contained, sound system for installation in model steam

locomotives that are designed to operate with conventional track power, digital (DCC), or other

types of command control systems including radio with either track or battery power. Because of

its dimensions (2.5" x 0.9" x approx. 0.5" high) the sound system may be limited to larger gauge

models and may also require the use of a trailing car.

An on/off switch (not included) must be used to turn the sound unit on and off in some

applications. If there is sufficient input power, the audio amplifier can produce one watt of audio

power which is in excess of what most small speakers can handle. The speaker impedance must

be 8 ohms or higher. Sound volume is adjustable. This unit is designed with the intent of creating

exhaust chuff's required for compound engines or continuous exhaust chuff with other

monophonic sound systems. Since it's intent is for the locomotive to go beyond simple exhaust

chuff operation, it will only work with a synchronized input. Our optical synchronizer, #585, is ideal

for synchronized operation and is included with this unit. Since this unit is mainly used in

conjunction with other systems, a speaker is not included. Sounds produced include user

controlled cylinder blow down, ball cocks open / closed when first pulling out, and steam exhaust

chuff sound automatically adjusted to speed and load conditions.

This sound system, when used with conventional DC track power, requires the use of our

LocoMatic™ Controller (Item 755) to operate the cylinder blow down , ball cock's open (normally

closed), and main sounds on/off. In addition to the controller, an appropriate choke is required

(see item 702 or 703). If installing dual systems, only one choke is needed. The LocoMatic™

Controller and choke's are not included since they are for specific installations. DCC and other

command control operators can use remote functions on their systems to activate these

functions.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:

The sound system consists of a printed circuit board, five 2-pin connectors and two 3-pin

connectors with wires.

Refer to the drawing on page 2 to familiarize yourself with the connectors and controls on the

sound board. Then refer to the specific instruction sheets for the type of installation you intend to

make. Before proceeding with the installation read the balance of the instructions carefully so you

will be completely familiar with what is required and what sounds you should hear.

The circuit board should be mounted, usually in the locomotive tender, so that the volume and

other controls are accessible either through the frame or via a hatch or a hole in the tender body

shell. Be certain that the components on the circuit board do not come in contact with any metal

objects as such contact can destroy the sound system. A speaker should be mounted as per

available space bearing in mind that sound reproduction is enhanced when a speaker is properly

enclosed and baffled.

If a DC locomotive is not moving, there is no track power, therefore to have sound it is necessary

to have a separate power supply for the sound system. For in locomotive use, this separate

supply is a battery. We suggest the use of one 9 volt, 6 AA, or 6 AAA batteries in series (7.2 - 25

Summary of content (10 pages)

PAGE 1
volts) to maximize volume potential and battery life. Rechargeable batteries can be used. When connecting the battery (DC) power leads be absolutely certain that wires connect to the proper DC input leads. IN LOCOMOTIVE STEAM CHUFF SOUND for various track power by Version 3.8 If any connections are not done properly, especially the power connections, you will damage the sound system. This type of damage is not covered under any warranty.
PAGE 2
openings it may be possible to use the entire tender body shell as a sound chamber. A simple wall behind the speaker may be all that is possible or perhaps all that is needed. Speakers can be attached with double sided tape, with glue, or with "hot melt". Enclosures can be made with plastic, wood, card stock, or even metal. Film cans or medicine bottles make excellent sound chamber enclosures for small diameter speakers.
PAGE 3
DC track power installation using standard batteries & DALLEE controller #755 wires with a " " ARE a connection! speaker wires crossing over (without a " ") DO NOT CONNECT! Red + – Chuff Pitch: (J4) connect from: 1 (red) lowest pitch no higher pitch yes higher pitch no highest pitch yes 2 (gray) no no yes yes Red CHOKE * DC motor Gray Right Rail pickup either rail may be used. Right / Left only used for reference.
PAGE 4
DC track power installation #2 with DALLEE controller #755. With rechargeable or standard battery. When track voltage exceeds battery voltage, the sound system will operate from track voltage instead of battery voltage. speaker Red wires with a " " ARE a connection! wires crossing over (without a " ") DO NOT CONNECT! + – Red CHOKE * DC motor Gray lighting circuits Right Rail pickup either rail may be used. Right / Left only used for reference.
PAGE 5
speaker DCC receiver installation using synchronization for chuff and function control for Cylinder Blow Down, Main Sounds ON / OFF M Red DCC track power input Gray Gray Red + S4 S3 Function key: S3 - Cylinder Blow Down S4 - Main sounds off Connect motor if present Red Vraw - do not connect! See note1. receiver motor leads (Orange / Gray is standard practice). If you are using a seperate receiver merely connect the motor leads to pins 2 (red) and 3 (gray) of J3.
PAGE 6
Using dual sound systems with an auxillary amplifier. 1k, 1/4w (brn,blk,red) speaker output Gray Black M Switch key: S1 - Whistle (momentary) S2 - Bell All main sounds S3 - Cylinder blow down except exhaust chuff would be S4 - Main sounds off produced by this sound unit. White Connect only the switches or functions desired. Connect motor if present White + – Red Red ON / OFF switch Gray Black Gray #524 DPST switch. Switch shown in the OFF position. Drawn as a SPST.
PAGE 7
Using dual sound systems with DC track power, LocoMatic™ controller, and an optional auxillary amplifier. 1k, 1/4w speaker output Red Gray Black M Connect motor if present Right Rail pickup lighting circuits White All main sounds except exhaust chuff would be produced by this sound unit. White + – Left Rail pickup either rail may be used. Right / Left only used for reference. Red Gray #524 DPST switch. Switch shown in the OFF position. Drawn as a SPST.
PAGE 8
Using LocoMatic™ sound systems with Chuff board 711 and LocoMatic™ controller. Type 4 System Type 3 System Chuff sounds produced by this sound unit. Connect as per LocoMatic™ instructions for type motor in engine. Gray Red Gray to optional chuff sound settings Red Red Red Chuff sounds produced by this sound unit. to optional chuff sound settings Connect as per LocoMatic™ instructions for type motor in engine.
PAGE 9
Synchronization of Exhaust Chuff For optical coupler (item #585) synchronization: 1 ......connect Black and Green optical pickup wires together, this then connects to the Black wire from the SYNC input. 2......connect Red optical pickup wire to the Red wire from the SYNC input. 3 ......connect White optical pickup wire to the White wire from the SYNC input. see page 11 for picture of installation. Switch Synchronization: 1 - connect Common (C) of the switch to the White wire from the SYNC input.
PAGE 10
Synchronized Chuff Patterns for RIM READING for 4 chuffs per revolution. Synchronized Chuff Patterns for AXLE READ, 4 chuffs per revolution. Cut pattern that suits wheel diameter and cut large enough to cover inside flange. Mount pattern on inside flange (clearing center axle from pattern). Trim excess beyond flange. Align optics to read pattern. Any external light shining on the optical sense end will cause improper readings. mount optics inside chassis and read driver axle.