Ring Engineering End of Train Device User manual

END OF TRAIN (EOT) DEVICE
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Thank you for purchasing this End of Train
Device by Ring Engineering. We take pride in
detail, accuracy, and reliability of the products
that we produce and hope you find this EOT
device to be a great addition to your model train.
Please read all warnings and instructions
before installation and use. For the latest
information from Ring Engineering, please visit us
on the web at www.RingEngineering.com.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS CAN BE
FOUND ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS
SHEET.
1.0 WARNINGS
» This product contains small parts and is not
recommended for persons under the age of
FOURTEEN (14).
» Maximum Voltage: 24 Volts -Operates with
most HO Scale digital (DCC) and analog
systems.
» If insulation on wires or circuit board is
damaged, or wires are broken, discontinue use
and return to Ring Engineering, Inc. for repair.
» This product contains a chemical known to the
state of California to cause cancer and birth
defects (or other reproductive harm).
2.0 Description
The “real world” end of train device was
originally produced to relay brake pipe pressure
from the rear end of a train to the locomotive cab
by means of RF (radio frequency)
communication. The RF was transmitted through
the antenna on top of the EOT device. Train
operations personnel located in the caboose of
the train used to do this by watching a pressure
gauge and relaying the information to the
locomotive engineer by means of a hand held
radio.
During normal charging of the air brake
system, it can take up to 1 hour plus to charge a
100 car train to full operating pressure. The
pressure at the front end of the train can vary
greatly from the back end of the train, particularly
during charging of the air brake system. The
EOT device allows the locomotive engineer to
receive this very important air brake system
status information in the locomotive cab. The
EOT device has therefore made the need for the
caboose a thing of the past.
This EOT device product has been developed
to replicate one of the actual devices used in real
world railroad service. From its looks and scale
accuracy right down to the accurate flash duration
and flash rate of the red light, this HO scale
device is as prototypically correct as they get.
3.0 Operation
3.1 ANALOG OPERATION
When operating the EOT device on an analog
powered track, the unit will flash only when the
voltage on the track is high enough to activate the
electronic circuit. This activation voltage is quite
low and will normally activate the EOT device
before a locomotive will begin to roll. The EOT
device “WILL NOT” continue to flash when the
analog voltage is turned “OFF”, as when stopping
your train.
3.2 DIGITAL (DCC) OPERATION
When operating the EOT device on a digital
(DCC) powered track, the unit will flash
continuously, as long as the DCC track has
power.
3.3 RECOMMENDED PRACTICE
It is recommended that any power supply used
to power our End of Train Device be plugged into
a surge suppressor. Surge suppressors can keep
voltage spikes from the power line from damaging
the End of Train Device. A surge suppressor may
prevent voltage spikes from damaging many
other electronic devices used on your model
railroad layout also.
4.0 Maintenance
The wheels on the EOT truck will need to be
cleaned about as often as you would clean the
wheels on your locomotive(s) to ensure good
performance. Use a cotton swab with wheel
cleaner to clean the wheels for best results.
Make sure any remaining cotton swab “fuzz” is
removed from the wheels and axles before
returning to operation.
After every 100 hours of operation or twice per
year, a small amount of 30W motor oil should be
applied to each of the four bushings on the truck.
A toothpick or similar device can be dipped in the
oil and used to apply the oil to each axle bushing.
Before applying oil, remove all debris such as
carpet fibers, hair, or anything else that may have
wound around the axles from normal use. The
axles have been factory assembled and
should not be taken apart. Damage to the
device can result.
Note: The unit comes pre-oiled from the
factory and will not need to be oiled for 100
continuous hours of operation.
Clean track is important to reliable operation of
any model train. It is also important to the reliable
operation of this EOT device. If the EOT device
operates intermittently, cleaning of the track may
be required.
5.0 Troubleshooting and Installation Check
List
»VERIFY ALL FOUR (4) WHEELS OF THE
EOT TRUCK ARE CONTACTING THE TRACK.
If the truck does not rest squarely
on the track, poor electrical contact and poor
performance will result.
»Make sure truck rotates freely. If the truck
does not rotate freely, loosen the mounting screw
that attaches the truck to the car body.
»Verify that all wheels on the car are the same
size as those on the EOT truck. If all wheel sizes
are not the same, poor contact with the track may
result. For example, if you are using the EOT
with 36-inch scale wheels be sure the front truck
also has 36-inch scale wheels.
»If the car body or bottom of the car is metal
(electrically conductive), make sure that the tops
of the wheels do not touch the bottom of the car.
This will result in a short circuit and prevent the
EOT from flashing and locomotives from running.
»Check to see that the wheels of the EOT truck
are free from contacting the under frame of the
car when going though the tightest turn on your
layout. Under frame contact will typically cause
poor operation in curves.
»Remember, if operating the EOT device on an
analog powered track, the EOT will not flash until
the throttle is approximately 25% or greater.
6.0 Limited One Year Warranty
Ring Engineering, Inc. (Ring Engineering)
warrants that for a period of one year from the
date of purchase, this product will be free from
defects in material and workmanship. Ring
Engineering, at its option, will repair or replace
this product or any component of the product
found to be defective during the warranty period.
Replacement will be made with new or
remanufactured product or component. If the
product is no longer available, replacement may
be made with a similar product of equal or greater
value. This is your exclusive warranty.
This warranty is valid for the original retail
purchaser from the date of initial retail purchase
and is not transferable. Ring Engineering
dealers, distributors, or retail stores selling Ring
Engineering products do not have the right to
alter, modify, or any way change the terms and
conditions of this warranty.
The warranty does not cover normal wear of
parts or damage resulting from negligent misuse
of the product. Further, the warranty does not
cover Acts of God, such as fire, flood, hurricanes,
and tornadoes.
Ring Engineering shall not be liable for any
incidental or consequential damages caused by
the breach of any express or implied warranty or
condition. Except to the extent prohibited by
applicable law, any implied warranty of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose
is limited in duration to the duration of the above
warranty. Ring Engineering disclaims all other
warranties or conditions, express or implied
statutory or otherwise. Some states or
jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages
or limitation on how long an implied warranty
lasts, so the above limitation or exclusion may not
apply to you. This warranty gives you specific
legal rights, and you may also have other rights
that vary from state to state.
How to Obtain Warranty Service
Send the product with a copy of the
original sales receipt included by UPS or
Parcel Post with insurance prepaid to:
Ring Engineering, Inc.
228 W. Lincoln Hwy. #167
Schererville, IN 46375
Make certain that your End of Train Device is
properly packed to avoid damage in transit to the
factory. Please allow four to six weeks for
service. Please also make sure to include return
and contact information (Your name, address,
phone number and e-mail address if you have
one).
If your End of Train Device is not covered by
warranty, or has been damaged, an estimate of
repair costs or replacement costs will be provided
to you for approval prior to servicing or
replacement.
TM
DOC1004 Revision 10 © 2009 Ring Engineering, Inc. www.RingEngineering.com

TM
Step 7
Installation Instructions
Use 1/8 inch Flat Blade Screw
Driver and free axle farthest from
EOT.Important: See next picture.
Gently, pry each side frame out just far
enough to free the axle from the side
frame pocket.
CAUTION: The axles are attached to
the circuit board by a light gauge wire that
can be damaged if care is not taken
during this step and step 7. Physical
damag
e will be considered abuse and will
not be covered under the limited
warranty!
The circuit board can now be
flipped out of the way to expose
the mounting screw hole.
Use 1/8 inch Flat Blade Screw
Driver and gently pry each side
frame out just far enough to re-
insert the axle into the side frame
pockets. See caution from Step 2.
Remove a truck and coupler.
Note: Keep the coupler centering
spring plate to use with the End of Train
Device.
Attach Truck to Train Car with
Screw.
Position wire as shown.
Swing circuit board into position.
Support Truck assembly and
install coupler to train car.
Note: We used a spool of thread to
support the Truck (any object about the
size of a spool of thread will do).
Step 1
Step 3 Step 4
Step 6
Step 8
Ready To Roll!
Step 2
Pry outside of axles only (as shown
in Step 2)!
Step 5
IMPORTANT:
When finished, be sure wire is not rubbing on the axle
and the wire does not drag when going over turnouts!
DO NOT PRY LIKE THIS!
DOC1004 Revision 10 © 2009 Ring Engineering, Inc. www.RingEngineering.com
Tip!
If the wire length needs to be
shorter, add a few twists to the
wire. Untwist wire to lengthen.