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Offline Tom

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Smoke Unit
« on: January 31, 2026, 05:19:49 PM »
Just an idea and not sure if hard to program. Often any engine on start-up emits more smoke.  A cool idea would be a "start up"
tab to allow full fan speed for an adjustable amount of seconds . One could also add a rough start up sound to work with the extra smoke until it reduces smoke output at warmed up idle.

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Offline LukeZ

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Re: Smoke Unit
« Reply #1 on: February 02, 2026, 11:49:40 AM »
Hi Tom, that is not a bad suggestion, however I do not have time for further development on this project, only ongoing support and bug fixes if any are found.

Several years ago when Torro decided to produce the TCB they asked me to create an effect where the smoker "sputters" on startup, and this was implemented (and is still active). It occupies about the first 2 seconds after startup, and the basic idea is something similar to what you propose, but the way it works is that the smoker speed is alternated between max and off for brief intervals, to create "sputtering" or "puffing." It is not terribly effective, because most of the available hobby smoker designs are not reactive enough to make short, abrupt changes in speed very evident.

At any rate, there are no doubt all kinds of various smoker embellishments that could be experimented with, but I am going to leave those for others to work on if they have the desire and ability.
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Offline Tom

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Re: Smoke Unit
« Reply #2 on: February 02, 2026, 12:03:51 PM »
Thanks Luke! Yes maybe somebody can implement that idea :)

I also agree that the fan on off quickly wouldn't look great. But a higher idle for a preset amount of seconds would give the extra smoke and I feel,
mimic a cold/choked engine. This could be combined with a rough start up sound before settling into the repeat idle.

I appreciate you still looking and maintaining the site!  I had a very old PC and when it broke stopped messing with the TCB. I got a new PC to handle a 3D scanner for my sculptures but decided to jump back into the TCB for fun and then found Torro making the board so got one for the tank I had without. Weather is nasty, so it is a fun indoor
thing to mess with again :)

 

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