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Can a smoke generator be wired up to work with DCC?
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Don't see why not. Decoders are basically remote on/off switches, so as long as they are rated high enough for the draw of the applicances connected to them (lights + motor + sound + smoke) they should work. You will need one with enough functions to include the smoke. This should not be a problem, since many decoders have up to 12 functions now, and even ones with fewer functions can be "remapped".
If you're thinking of smoke from a factory chimney, a stationary decoder should do the trick.
Andrew
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the problem is, a smoke generator in a locomotive is a direct short which generates heat causing the oil in it to smoke
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Well... maybe try it with a TCS decoder. They have a no questions "goof proof" policy that allows you to get a replacement in case you "let the smoke out" (of the decoder, not the smoke unit
).
Andrew
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I would sugest that you use a relay to control the smoke unit. Then use one of the function outputs of the decoder to operate the relay.
Most decodrs will handle only about 100 milliamps per function. I will bet the smole unit is way above that. That is why you should use a relay.
The decoder will turn the relay off or on - the n/o- n/c contacts of the relay could operate the smoke unit. Could operate off the track power.
Would be a drain of the DCC system power output.
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I tried going off the track power and it shut the system down. I think it is going to be more trouble than it is worth even if it is doable.
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I thought there were already locos available DCC with Smoke.....
There has to be some kind of isolation circuit that allows for the smoke under DCC control.
Also, I thought the "wire" inside is "Resistive" wire, not a direct short. and yeah - in G they use about 200 ma... a large load...
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I used 2 jumper wires with alligator clips, one on the smoke unit one on the wire. When I touched the wires to the rails the system shut down.
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The smoke unit is a dead short as far as a DCC system sees it. It is just like a heating element of a stove. If you check to see how many amps it takes to operate, I bet you will be suprised how much current it draws. Most systems will shut down, thinking that there is a short on the layout.
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