End of Train Device problem

[CPPedler]

Has anyone fitted a Jay Bee Bennett Enterprises EOT device kit to a Athearn Caboose. I want to fit one but as I am using DCC I'm not sure if I need to fit a resistor in the wiring . I have tried ringing the phone number for J B 's but only get an answerphone. They don't appear to have an E~mail address. Can someone come up with the answer ???? Thanks in advance CPPedler

[Don Gibson]

J.Bennett Enterptises - Jaybee - has an excellent Caboose lighting kit for the Athearn Caboose. It also has a flashing red roof tail light.

I can power a pair of Tomar ATSF lanterns (RYY) off of it, but WHY would anyone want to add an EOT device to a Caboose?

A reststor to drop DCC's 14V to a nomial 12 volts might greatly prolongd the life of the Tomar bulbs, but I don't know about his voltage regulator.

Leave a message on his machine and he'll call you back... Tell him the best hours to call.

BEST ADVICE is to buy his Caboose Lighting kit and use the EOD on a piece of modern equipment, and don't cut corners..

[Anonymous]

I thought they didnt use EOT devices on cabooses?
Only on the newer frieght trains....

[Javern]

interesting...I figured ANYTHING on the end of a train would have to have EOT device, then a few weeks ago i saw a long train go thru town with a old engine on the back, not sure if it was pushing or just being towed somewhere and it had NO lights at all lit up on the back

[CPPedler]

O.K. perhaps this is not an EOT just a red flashing light . I just need to know whether I need to fit a resistor in the curcuit for DCC operation . I thought an EOT was a red flashing light. ????? [*^_^*]CPPedler

[Anonymous]

My nickel's worth.
Some are called EOT, end of train, others refer to them as FRED, flashing rear end device.
These were used when cabooses went out.
http://www.greensteamproducts.com/EOT.html
Sorry, can't help with the electrical.

[trainboyH16-44]

Cabooses, in the modern era, need EOTs. I have many photos of a train that goes from calgary to the shell gas plant at Copithorne. it has a caboose, and there is always an EOT. I have also seen a similar train near my house, and it does tank car and grain switching. It also has a caboose, and an EOT.

QUOTE: Originally posted by Javern

interesting...I figured ANYTHING on the end of a train would have to have EOT device, then a few weeks ago i saw a long train go thru town with a old engine on the back, not sure if it was pushing or just being towed somewhere and it had NO lights at all lit up on the back

It might be a DPU, and there would need to be a EOT on it.
Trainboy

[Anonymous]

You need to know three factors. The track voltage or voltage available to light the bulb, the voltage rating of the bulb and the current the bulb draws. If the track voltage is higher than bulb voltage then you need a resistor or voltage regulator.

To determine the resistor value required, subtract the the voltage rating of the bulb from the track voltage. Divide that number by the current rating or draw of the lamp or device.

For example: 14 volts track voltage - 1.5 volt bulb = 12.5 volts. Divide by .02 (20 millamp) = 625 ohms.
Resistors can get warm so don't alow it to touch plastic. A 1/4 watt resister is fine for a low draw bulb but since you have plenty of room, use a 1/2 watt resister for better heat disaipation.

[CPPedler]

Thankyou gsetter, The instructions indicate that the LED will work at full brightness at 3.5 to 4 volts and the whole assembly, which includes two bulbs for interior lighting draws 150milliamps. I have no idea what the voltage of the bulbs are . I am using a Digitrax Zephyr at 12 to 14 volts AC. CPPedler