Question about Bachmann DCC Decoders

[Anonymous]

Hi all

I'm looking to buy a few of the Bachmann E-Z Command decoders when I convert to DCC, as they seem to be really good value. However, I'm not sure what CVs they support - could anyone say where can find this out? I'm particularly interested to find out if they support CV19 (consist address).

Also, I will be fitting these to three Proto 1k cab units (2 C-Liners and an Erie-Built). I've taken a look at the existing circuit boards and noted the parts that need to be cut for DCC, and also the large resistor that seems to be connected to the headlight in such a way as to be "in circuit" when a decoder is installed - does this mean that I don't need to change the headlight bulbs?

Thanks in advance for any help recieved!

[rrinker]

I believe these are similar if not the same as the Lenz LE1000 series low-cost decoders. Basic NMRA decoder, not a lot of extra bells and whistles (literally and figuratively).
As for the P1K - I have briefly looked inside one but haven't converted one yet. If the resistor stays in the circuit it MIGHT be ok - depends on the resistor value. I don;t have one handy to look at, but you should be able to get the resistor value fromt he colored bands on it. If you're not sure how that works, post the band colors here and someone can tell you the value, or if someone else happens to have one of these units with the shell off and could post that info it would be great.

--Randy

[simon1966]

I converted a pair of P1K F units with the Lenz LE1000W (You can get a 5 pack of these for $60 from Bruce at www.litchfieldstation.com ) They were an easy installation with a good picture of a TCS decoder install at http://www.tcsdcc.com/decoderpics/llf3a.html

The headlights work without any modification.

[SteelMonsters]

I wouldn't call the Bachmann DCC system or it's decoders a good value. It's a cheap system as in the cost is very low, but as Randy mentioned, you don't get features that the higher end systems have. The main reason I don't like this system is that it's not expandable. If you get a larger railroad later on, you buy a whole new system. A starter system such as Digitrax Zephyr can be expanded later on. The Bachmann decoders lack functions that adds a lot of realism to the locos, and a mechinism to reduce noise.

A good value to me are high quality or quantity parts/system for a lower than "normal" cost. I'm sure there will be a lot of people happy with this system. I wouldn't be if I got it.

In the end, you get what you pay for.
"The sweetness of low cost is long forgotten when the bitterness of low quality settles in"

[Anonymous]

I believe he's asking about the Bachmann decoders, not the command station, Marc. [:)]

[RMax1]

It all depends on what you want. I put TCS TH150DP's in my E units. They seem to be very good. I am using the Bachmann DCC and it works fine. I will probably go with the Digitrax in the near future and pass the Bachmann down to my nephew. If you are not going to have a need to upgrade or can't afford to upgrade get what you can the nicer the better or best that fits your needs or budget. The Bachmann loco that came with my DCC runs fairly good. I'm also thinking of converting my fleet of Proto 1000 F's. It doesn't make a lot of sense to drop $25 on a decoder for a simple $25 locomotive when basic functions would be just fine. TCS and Loy's Toys have great web sites with all kinds of information. Service was very good and selection was great. I'll most likely put good decoders in them but check the feature list for things that I won't need. Expansion is in the future and just carrying over my fleet is the idea without having to redo it. If you have good decoders and good locos it should make it easier if and when you do decide to upgrade. There is also nothing wrong with buying a bunch of Bachmann GP40's DCC equipped at $25 a piece and renumbering them if that makes you happy.. It's all about what you want.

RMax

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the help - as jsalemi said, I'm only planning to use the decoders (which are basically rebranded Lenz products) from the Bachmann range - my base unit/throttle will be a Lenz Compact which seems to be the best entry-level system (can handle 100 locos, can program decoders to some extent, can also connect to their X-Bus system so I can use it as a throttle if/when I buy one of their more expensive systems).

I've since taken a closer look at the resistor in the P1k Erie-Built, it's fitted in such a way as to only be "in circuit" when a decoder's installed, so it must be intended to allow the original bulb to be kept - I'll try to find out the value on it at some point (used to have a chart of resistor values, hoping there are similar things online), as it might be useful as a starting point for sorting the lighting out on other locos. Again, thankyou all for the help!

[rrinker]

As Simon1966 pointed out with the link to the TCS decoder install, it would appear that the resistor is just fine for leaving the existing bulb. Me, I'm just insane, I would check the value even if someone showed me the exact same loco working fine. So don't mind me... [:o)]

--Randy

[Anonymous]

Ok, have taken another look inside the loco - the resistor bands are orange, 3 black, then brown (reading from the front of the loco to the back) which is apparently a 300 Ohm resistor - or 100 Ohms if I'm reading it backwards! Given "300" is printed on the circuit board next to it I'd guess it's a 300 Ohm resistor (printing presumably intended to help factory workers put the right value in). Thanks for all the help recieved!

[rrinker]

It's 300. Only the first 3 bands count for the actual resistance value. The others are tolerance and reliability markings.
300 ohms is good for the Proto bulbs, unless you run with an abnormally high track voltage - you have a Set90 or Set100, or a Compact? The track voltage on the Compact IS excessively high, all other Lenz systems allow you to adjust it. Assuming your track voltage is set to a normal 12-14v, the 300 ohm resistor will be just fine.
Note for anyone else following along: That's for THIS loco. Other brands, with different light bulbs, will likely require a different resistor value. The key to figuring out WHAT resistor value is knowing the current draw and voltage rating of the lamp in question.

--Randy

[Anonymous]

Ah. I'm planning to buy one of the Compacts as my control unit! The set I'm looking at is their own start set of the Compact, one of their transformers, 2 loco decoders and a stationary decoder. Any ideas on how to get it to run at a sensible voltage if it is too high? Thanks for the advice!

[rrinker]

Yes, you need to put some high-speed diodes in between the track output and the track. See this information from Tony's:

http://tonystrains.com/technews/soundtraxx_heats.htm

Note: The Lenz Compact is sold in the US under the Atlas name.

--Randy

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the information - I'm planning to hook it up (without any locos on the track) and check the track voltage with a multimeter - it may be the Atlas version (or the 110v transformer) has this problem but the 230v version doesn't have - at least, I've never heard about this problem over here. If the voltage is too high I'll hunt down some diodes and sort it out - thanks for the help again! Current plan is to buy the system in early February - have exhausted my model rr budget for this month!

[Anonymous]

Yes the decoders used in the Bachmann engines are Lenz LE1000W incorporated in the circuit board. These are the lowest end of the Lenz line, and you should note, that they are not silent decoders.

My Bachmann GP50 that came with the EZ Command System was very noisy, and I ended up taking the circuit board out, and replacing it with a silent running TCS A1decoder board. I now have a smooth and very silent running engine. I still use the EZ Command controller, but have also purchased an NCE Powerhouse Pro System which is a dream to use.

David