Can you really install the End of Train Device in 5 minutes?

 YES.  Because there is no need to drill any holes in your freight car or connect any wires, the installation is simple.  Check the installation instructions on the End of Train Device page.
 

Does the End of Train Device really work well even though the End of Train Device only uses four wheels for electrical pickup?

 YES.  The End of Train Device has special mechanical and electrical design which allows for flicker free operation even on moderately dirty and slightly uneven track.
 

Does the End of Train Device require any maintenance?

 YES.  For good operation you will need to clean the End of Train Device's wheels about as often as you clean your locomotive wheels.  The good news is, unlike a locomotive with 8 or 12 wheels, you will only need to clean 4 wheels on the End of Train Device.  Also, you will need to lubricate the bushings once in a while.  Please see instructions for complete details.
 

Does the End of Train Device work with DCC?

YES.   The End of Train Device works well with DCC (Digital Command Control).  Even when a train comes to a stop the End of Train Device continues to flash at the same brightness, flash rate and on time.
 

Does the End of Train Device work with an Analog Power Supply?

YES.   The End of Train Device works well with an Analog Power Supply.  When the Power supply gets to about 20% the End of Train Device begins to flash.  Then as the Power is increased to 100% the End of Train Device brightness, flash rate and on time, stay the same because of special on board electronics.  If the Power Supply is less than 20% the End of Train Device stops flashing.  If you have a fairly heavy load for the locomotive to pull, you can often bring up the power supply to the position where the End of Train Device flashes continuously but the train remains still.
 

How long should it take to get my order from Ring Engineering?
If the product you are ordering is not displayed on the web site as backordered then typically your product will ship within two business days of receiving your order if the order is received before 10am CST.  Business days include Mon. - FRI. and exclude holidays.  Orders received after 10am may take three business days.

Customers in USA will typically receive their order in 1-2 shipping days. Shipping days include Mon. - Sat.  Customers in states closest to Indiana can receive packages in one shipping day. 

Customers in Canada and Australia usually receive orders in one to two weeks.

It is very unlikely but possible that the web site backordered status is not updated quick enough to reflect actual on hand stock.  If an order is placed and your product is not going to ship by the expected date, we  will send you an email informing you when your product is expected to ship. 

Will I know when my order shipped?
YES.   We will send you an email confirmation when your products are shipped.  Therefore, be sure you entered a correct email address.
 

The End of Train Device does not come with a centering spring plate that goes on top of the coupler, should I install the centering spring plate?

YES.   We expect you are removing a #5 coupler which has a centering spring plate to install the End of Train Device and the centering spring plate should be installed to keep the End of Train Device pointed straight toward the back of the train like it should be pointed.

The wires for the End of Train Device are a little too long.  What can I do?
You can effectively shorten the wire length of the End of Train Device by adding a few twists to the wire.

The wires for the End of Train Device are a little too short.  What can I do?
You can effectively lengthen the wire of the End of Train Device by untwisting the wires a few turns.

How long was the End of Train Device designed to last?

Under normal conditions, the End of Train Device was designed to last for many years. The circuit board consists of all solid-state components and the light is a LED (Light Emitting Diode). These types of components usually last a lifetime without any problems. In fact, the only wear components are the axles and bushings that have been tested for hundreds of hours with practically no detectable wear.
 

Is the End of Train Device coupler functional?

YES.  If you needed to move a freight car you can use a train with the End of Train Device installed because the End of Train Device coupler is functional.
 

I see you offer EOTs with two different wheel sizes.  How can I tell which wheel size to buy?

The very best way is to use a dial caliper and measure the largest diameter of the wheel tread.  If the measurement is closest to 0.414 inches then the wheel is a scale 36" wheel. If the diameter is closer to 0.379 inches then the wheel is a scale 33" wheel. 

If you do not have a dial caliper, then another way would be as follows.  The type of freight car will give a good indication of which EOT is most likely to be the best fit.  For example, if the car is a modern tank car, coal car, grain car the 36" EOT will be the best choice.  If the freight car is an intermodal type (well car, stack car or spine car), the 33" is probably the best choice. 

Looking at the pictures on the web site might help.  If you see the type of car you would like to equip (such as a tank car) then look at the heading at the top of the column.  Above the tank car the heading reads "Typical Installation of EOT with 36" wheels". 

You could also ask your local hobby shop personnel which size wheels are on the freight cars that you would like to install EOTs.

There is actually very little difference in the 33" and 36" wheels (The radius difference is only 0.017") therefore it is likely that a 33" will fit an original 36" freight car and vice versa.
 

Are EOTs repairable in case I accidentally damaged the unit?
YES.  If you damaged your EOT, we do offer a flat rate repair.  For $15.00 we will repair your end of train device. The fee includes shipping back to US destinations. The EOT must be in a repairable condition.  Some reparable EOT conditions include one of a broken antenna, broken carry handle,  broken EOT case, bent springs, broken wire or wires.