Hello Group,
I recently purchased a "N" scale Bachmann H16-44 locomotive with the new Bachmann light board. I wired a Digitrax DZ143 to the light board per Bachmann's instructions. I then was able to program the decoder to use a new 2 digit address plus I was able to modify the default values in CV2, CV5 and CV6 for start mid-range and full speed values. I then placed the loco on my layout, the lights and direction responded as expected. I then set the throttle to 25, to allow the locomotive to make a few break in runs around the layout. On the third lap around my small hollow core door layout, the engine quit and as Digitrax states, I let the smoke out of the decoder. I had made sure before even placing the locomotive on to the programming track that all of the wires were insulated. Not only was the decoder damaged and needs repaired, the actual circuit board was damaged as well. Has anyone else run into a problem like this with the Bachmann H15-44 light boards?
Thanks in advance,
Rich S.
Not with that particular locomotive but I did have this happen to me when I did a DZ123 into a lifelike SW8. The problem was I did not have the correct 680 ohm resistor on the bulb and it fried that and luckily I shut everything down before the decoder was fried too. I think that what happened was when you activated the lighting function on the decoder that the bachmann lighting board wasnt able to handle the amps coming from the dcc transformer. Unfortunately the decoder was fried but luckily your motor in the locomotive didn't go.
Ry-
Oh, brave internet soul, I feel a connection to this year old post.
The answer is yes...
I have no idea what happened. Did you ever solve your problem?
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TrainboyH16-44, Sad to say, no I have not. I've gone through 3 Digitrax DZ143 decoders to date I've even gone as far as removing the factory installed light board and wiring the decoder directly to the motor and the frame. I made sure all connections were insulated with heat shrink tubing, but still after about 6 months of flawless running, everything goes up in smoke. This has been very disappointing, as not only did I custom paint and decal this locomotive, but every time it happens it means I have to ship another decoder back to Digitrax for repair. The only bright spot so far in this whole ordeal has been the Digitrax no fault warranty. Also to clarify, the engine runs fine on DC power, so at this point I'm not sure why the decoders only last about 6 months before going up in smoke? The only thing I can say is each time before the decoder went up in smoke, the engine started running erratically. This is a shame as Bachmann has produced a good looking model of the H16-44 with very nice shell detai. When I first purchased the model it was a bit of a growler, after a litle bit of break in, its slow speed is pretty good and it pulls very well. Now if I could only keep a decoder in it, I'd be set.