I just got a Genesis FEF-3 in which you can drop a #9 (14V) or #10 (16V) Seuthe smoke generator. As far as I can tell the only diffenece is the voltage. Does anyone know what the differences are?
The 9s are available, the 10s are not and patience is NOT one of my virtues.
You going to run on DC or DCC? If DCC, wait for the 16V one, the 14V one will run too hot. If DC< use the 14V one, because then 16V one won;t get hot enough to smoke well unless you run full throttle.
And definitely put a small switch in series with it, either way, because running them dry is a sure way to burn them out. When you run the loco without putting smoke fluid in, turn it off.
–Randy
Running DCC so it looks like 16V is the answer.
I’ll have to find out if the Tsunami decoder is already set up to control the on/off od the smoke. I doubt it, but I’ll check anyway.
I don’t have any experience with these drop-ins, but can you remove them once you put them in? Is it as easy as tweezers?
Thanks for the quick response.
Decoder function outputs generally can not switch the current required for a smoke generator. You usually need to hook up a relay (with a diode across the coil to protect the decoder function output from the back-emf when the relay lets go). This can work, if you turn the function off before shutting down, it will remain off when power is applied.
–Randy
As always, Randy post some wise advice. BTW: #10 is marked as a steam unit.
But a #9 could work. Most Seuthe units are rated for DC current. Since you will be feeding off the main line and not the decoder, you should use a rectifier to avoid overheat issues. (AC heats up wire a lot faster then DC ones) 14.25VDCC - 1.4V (Rectifier) = 12.85VDC.
I’ve got a first-run PCM Y6b that I managed to install a (believe-it-or-not) smoke unit out of an OLD Bachmann N&W J that I bought nearly 20 years ago. The PCM obviously was meant for a smoke unit as F4 turns the unit on and off. I am running DCC, and the unit has been working for about 4 years now. so, obviously some DCC systems CAN turn a smoker on and off, AND a regular DC smoke unit CAN work on DCC. The old Bachmann smoke unit really smokes good on DCC, and I turn it off immediately when the fluid runs low, until I refill. Works far better than it ever did on DC!
The Loksound decoder in there can handle 250ma on a function output. Dunno about the bachmann smoke unit, but Seuthe has several that are 140ma or less, so yes, those would work directly off the function output. Which, by the way, is DC. Not all decoders can sink that much off a single function output. And even though there are 4 function outputs, each of which can handle 250ma, you cna only put a total function load of 500ma on the decoder. Luckily they use LEDs in the PCM locos so the headlight function only adds a few ma, so you are safe.
The Seuthe #10 is listed at 130ma, so depending on the decoder, you might be able to drive it directly.
–Randy
16V sucessfully installed. MAN do those things run hot!!! I will need to get a switch installed somehow or remove them when I don’t want the smoke.
It is much easier to remove the stack section part to get them out than to fuddle with removing them with tweezers.
Thanks everyone for your help.