Large Scale Central

Outta Time? Optical Chuff Timer

Electronics Power and Sound
#1

As posted here:
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,5576.0.html

Mr. Ames writes the Optical Chuff Timer on the K, that has been touted as the most precise way to trigger chuff, may appear to be out of time-but it sounds right?..read below.

“If you use the optical chuffs for sound you may notice that the chuffs are slightly out if time which is exactely as most K27s actually sound.”

here is entire message:

StanAmes
Member
*
Posts: 21

Re: sound systems
Reply #3 on: May 21, 2008, 11:17:48 PM

The installation instructions are correct and have had multiple installations. Each installation was approved by the respective manufacturer prior to its being posted. They can also mix and match the installation approaches as they are rather generic. I have a P5 in my K and it works great.

The reason your installer recommended a P5 over a 2K2 is because your AirWire receiver is designed to control a sound board that has a DCC input. The P5 has such an input.

Another alternative would be to use the QSI sound decoder together with the GWire receiver as this combination will also work with your AirWire system.

If you use the optical chuffs for sound you may notice that the chuffs are slightly out if time which is exactely as most K27s actually sound.

Hope this helps.

Stan Ames

#2

Cale, did you have a question?

I have had several people say that the real K27’s do not have irregular chuff timing.

Regards, Greg

#3
Greg Elmassian said:
Cale, did you have a question?

I have had several people say that the real K27’s do not have irregular chuff timing.

Regards, Greg


Hey Greg…

no, no questions, just an observation; but your answer is intriguing…

#4

Soooooo what are the chances the Mr. Ames has ears with a builtin Doppler effect? Wouldn’t that explain “it”?

#5

My optical chuff sensor works great as long as light doesn’t shine under the tender. I fiddle with baffles and black paint. One of these days I’ll get it right :smiley:

#6

There were several cases early in the release of the K where there was a group of people that said “feature X is messed up”…

There was also a group that said “feature X is an intentional design element”

The list of “feature X’s” includes:

counterweights with 20 degrees of free play
chuff timing that was not every 90 degrees
a chuff interface that needs a transistor to work with almost anything
a drivetrain capable of 200 scale miles per hour at nominal LS voltages

(boy, will I get it for this!).

Regards, Greg

#7
Tom Ruby said:
My optical chuff sensor works great as long as light doesn't shine under the tender. I fiddle with baffles and black paint. One of these days I'll get it right :D
Wait a minute, Tom! I didn't know you chuff, I thought you huff and puff when you run? Just couldn't resist, SORRY!
#8

The easy fix is to remove the whole mess and use the reed switch and magets! Electronic are like computers they screw up every chance they get, no matter what you do for them. Oh for the world without them!!

Paul

#9
Quote:
Wait a minute, Tom! I didn't know you chuff, I thought you huff and puff when you run?
Nope. Wheeze. I seem to have caught a cold. Today's run didn't go so well.
#10
Greg Elmassian said:
There were several cases early in the release of the K where there was a group of people that said "feature X is messed up"...

There was also a group that said “feature X is an intentional design element”

The list of “feature X’s” includes:

counterweights with 20 degrees of free play
chuff timing that was not every 90 degrees
a chuff interface that needs a transistor to work with almost anything
a drivetrain capable of 200 scale miles per hour at nominal LS voltages

(boy, will I get it for this!).

Regards, Greg


Greg.

Why do you think you would “get it” for telling the truth?
I just wish there were other independent competent electronics specialists who would tell the (whole) truth.

#11
Greg Elmassian said:
The list of "feature X's" includes:

counterweights with 20 degrees of free play
chuff timing that was not every 90 degrees
a chuff interface that needs a transistor to work with almost anything
a drivetrain capable of 200 scale miles per hour at nominal LS voltages


With the folks who designed these ‘undocumented features’ into the product or defended them as being planned and / or perfectly acceptable now fully in charge, does this set the standard for all future Bachmann releases?

If so, too bad for us consumers!

Happy (Feature Rich) RRing,

Jerry