Sync Disk

When we see the model of a steam loco in motion we want that the timing of the exhaust chuffs corresponds with the movement of the pistons. For a two cylinder loco we must hear four chuffs per revolution, for a three cylinder six.

 

To achieve that the OSSYNTHS steam system sends an extra signal via the track to the loco. Four times per revolution  of the drive axles (two cyl engine) this signal is "chopped" by the synchronisation cam. Each time when this is sensed by the synchronisation electronics in the system, a chuff is produced. This way the exhaust is always perfect in sync with the movement of the pistons. It will be clear that for a three cylinder engine there must be six chuffs per revolution.

                          

The OSSYNTHS Sync Disc is a special type of cam. Instead of contacts that "drag" over a cylinder with conducting and isolating areas, as is the case with classic cams, there are reed contacts that react at the field of an array of little magnets. The secrets are the arrangements of the N and S poles of the magnets and the way it is mounted on the axle: the wheels need not to be removed.

 

This cam has a significant advantage over the classic cam, it does not suffer from dirt contamination.