Programming Bachmann decoder with Zephyr

[Anonymous]

Hey all,

I am completely new to DCC so please, bare with me.

I have a newly purchased Bachmann DCC onboard equipped EMD FT A-unit diesel that I am trying to get programmed with my Zephyr. I managed to program my other Digitrax decoders ok, but I didn't get the manual when I bought this Bachmann engine and I am totally lost. I really only want to change 2 things for now, loco address, and lighting control. It seems that the front headlight is stuck on dim. On/Off works with f(0), but it just stays dim (unless that is just the way it is supposed to be). I'm hoping that I can change that so it is bright all the time instead of dim(default setting?)

I read a little about adding a resister to one of the programming track leads, but I'm still a little confused on that. Also, what programming mode should I use? Page, Dir, Ops,Phys? Page is the only one that I have used so far to change address on the Digitrax decoders, and that's about it.

I have no experience with editing CV's or even reading them for that matter, so please go slow... [:D]

Thanks for the help,

[wjstix]

For the address, first (of course!!) put the loco on your programming track, then hit "Prog Mode" then scroll thru to "Page". Then hit "Loco" for the loco ID, you can choose either 2 digit or 4 whichever you want, I'd maybe start with 2 digit. Hit "CV-RD" to read the current ID no. If everything is OK it should come up with an address of "003". Then just enter the ID number you want to use and hit "CV-WR" to write the new address to the decoder. That's it !![:)]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by wjstix

For the address, first (of course!!) put the loco on your programming track, then hit "Prog Mode" then scroll thru to "Page". Then hit "Loco" for the loco ID, you can choose either 2 digit or 4 whichever you want, I'd maybe start with 2 digit. Hit "CV-RD" to read the current ID no. If everything is OK it should come up with an address of "003". Then just enter the ID number you want to use and hit "CV-WR" to write the new address to the decoder. That's it !![:)]

Thanks, I did that with all my digitrax decoders and everything went well. However, with this Bachmann DCC -onboard equipped loco, I just get an error, like d -nr, or something like that. I have tried it on a seperate programming track, and also on the main with all other locos removed.

Thanks for the help though!

[jxtrrx]

Hi mokatz,
I had the exact same problem with the exact same loco (Bachmann FT -- 30-bucks including decoder), exact same DCC (Zephyr) and exact same error (dnR). You're on the right track with the resistor comment. Apparently the low cost decoder in the Bachmanns doesn't work and play well with others. (Can't beat it for the price, though). By the way, I don't know diddly abouyt resistors either, but here's what worked:

Use Page programming mode. Set the loco on your programming track. Since I don't own any resistors, I used a miniature Christmas light cut from a string. Alligator clip each of the two leads from the light, one to each rail on the programming track. Was able then to change the address (2 digit only) as normal. (If you have a resistor, you could clip it across the track in the same manner).

I don't know about the dim light question.

Hope you have good luck with it.

-edited for typos-

[howmus]

Does the locomotive run on address 03? If it doesn't (and maybe even if it does), you may have a bad decoder. I would contact Bachman.

[rlandry6]

Check with bachmann's technical Service. Good luck on that one. Ask them if the headlight is wired to the decoder or directly to the frame. My bet would be on the latter. it's cheaper to do it that way, because it's already done in manufacturing. One of the characteristics of that type of decoder installation is that the light burns at half brilliance..My connie did that after i installed the decoder. Not an issue with me, in fact the light will probably last longer that way..

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys!

I guess I'll start with the resistor and see how far that gets me. Just to clarify though, do you connect one end of the resistor to rail (A) lead and then the other end to rail (B) lead, or do you connect the resistor "in-line" on just one of the rail leads?

As far as the light goes, I just thought that maybe it had a dim function like some decoders do while in neutral or something. Then again it was cheap, so maybe I just have to live with it.

Does anybody have a link to Bachmann technical support? All I can seem to find is the "Bach-man" forum.

Thanks !

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by howmus

Does the locomotive run on address 03? If it doesn't (and maybe even if it does), you may have a bad decoder. I would contact Bachman.

Yea, it runs fine on 03. I just hate for it to be stuck on 03 though.

[jxtrrx]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mokatz3

I guess I'll start with the resistor and see how far that gets me. Just to clarify though, do you connect one end of the resistor to rail (A) lead and then the other end to rail (B) lead, or do you connect the resistor "in-line" on just one of the rail leads?

Yes, connect one end to each rail... (across the rails). I connected with alligator clips directly to the rails themselves since it's a temporary thing.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jxtrrx

QUOTE: Originally posted by mokatz3

I guess I'll start with the resistor and see how far that gets me. Just to clarify though, do you connect one end of the resistor to rail (A) lead and then the other end to rail (B) lead, or do you connect the resistor "in-line" on just one of the rail leads?

Yes, connect one end to each rail... (across the rails). I connected with alligator clips directly to the rails themselves since it's a temporary thing.

Thanks! I'll give it a try tonight.

[Anonymous]

I have a Bachmann GP50 DCC Onboard Loco. the lights (LED's) are attached to the decoder which runs the length of the locomotive. Lights on /off is function 0, lights dim on function 1. The LED's are yellow and unsure of the voltage but changing them to white LED's should improve the output if F1 doesn't. Changing LED may void your warranty so it should be your last option. Hope this helps.

[Tom Bryant_MR]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jxtrrx

QUOTE: Originally posted by mokatz3

I guess I'll start with the resistor and see how far that gets me. Just to clarify though, do you connect one end of the resistor to rail (A) lead and then the other end to rail (B) lead, or do you connect the resistor "in-line" on just one of the rail leads?

Yes, connect one end to each rail... (across the rails). I connected with alligator clips directly to the rails themselves since it's a temporary thing.

Note. This is not unique to Bachmann. I purchased a new N scale Atlas a few months ago and had the exact same problem on my Zephyr. I sent it back before learning about this resistor across the tracks trick from another thread here somewhere. Another Atlas loco I had worked just fine.

[rrinker]

For some reason this seems to be an issue with Lenz decoders, which is what the Bachmann and some Atlas ones are. Yet I've had no problems programming Digitrax, NCE, TCS, and even QSI sound decoders with my Zephyr. Go figure.

--Randy