I’m considering purchasing two of the above subject locos, but before purchasing, would like to know how this locomotive determines driver synchronization with sound. Do these trigger off of a cam, or some other mechanism.
Thanks in advance,
Jerry Zeman
The only answer i can give you is the loco speed is the controlling factor
of the Chuff Syc but i’m not sure how this is done
From 0 to 5 mph there is a distinct double chuff as the loco’s speed
increases the chuff becomes synchronized into a single sound
The Bachmann Tsunami equiped Locos use a cheaper version of the Tsunami
heavey steam decoder
So you won’t get all the features
only 3 whistle choices instead of 7
and no Fireman Fred sounds
Here’s a link to the Tsunami users manual
http://www.soundtraxx.com/documents/manuals/tsunamisteam_users_guide.pdf
The chuff rate is controlled by a CV. So it is adjustable.
David B
The Tsunami sound from the Grizzly Northern’s latest acquisition, a Spectrum 2-6-6-2, is great. I’m happy with the choice of three whistles and can certainly do without Fred. The Dynamic Digital Exhaust features allow you to set up CV’s controlling timbre, volume and rate of chuff as well as side rod clank, and relate these to accelleration, constant speed and decelleration.
The Spectrum 2-6-6-2 represents a compound articulated in which the high pressure rear cylinders normally exhaust through connecting piping to feed the low pressure front cylinders. As a result only the front cylinders exhaust to the outside. If your being prototypical you’ll set up for one set of four chuffs per driver revolution.
However you can set the chuff CV to represent a simple articulated with two sets of four chuffs at different rates, or to represent a compound loco starting in simple mode for additional tractive effort (and fuel consumption).
The size difference between the front and rear cylinders on the loco isn’t evident in HO scale without a close look, therefore you can treat it as a simple articulated, if you or your buddies are not rivet counters. [:)]
There is no cam. It’s a user adjusted parameter in the Tsunami.
You can?!?!? I’ve been over the CV’s a couple times for a Tsunami programmer I’m writing on the computer. I remember an option for “Allowing drivers to go in and out of sync” and “Number of chuffs per revolution” but not a “compound or simple type” option. Far as I can tell, all steam decoders make no difference in sound between front and rear drivers in a compound arrangement.
For articulated action, set cv 112 = 64. To adjust chuff rate, play with cv 116 (values between 0 and 255).
David B
Pages 32 and 33, Exhaust Control, of the Spectrum (Tsunami) Steam Sound User’s Guide refer.
Actually, Decoder Pro. I dont need no stinkin’ manuals! [;)]
David B
I found the sections in question. However none of them cover making a difference in sound based off of compound or simple articulated type. Perhaps I’m misunderstanding what you typed.
Did you try programming the CVs I mentioned? It should work like a charm.
David B
Hi Dave:
As a compound, the four chuff / rev. is correct. I’d just like to know how it knows to trigger the chuff rate. Unless the decoder is tied into just the motor characteristics, there is no way for the sound system to know when a revolution has completed without a cam / switch, or some sort of feedback (encoder on flywheel) on the motor as to when to trigger.
On my Sunset locomotives, there is a four lobed cam.
Regards,
Jerry Zeman