Programming a Bachmann HO GE 44 Ton Switcher (Factory DCC)

[newhavenroad]

Hi all,

So I bought a Bachmann 44 ton Critter with factory installed DCC. I played around with it on my layout and it worked fine with the factory programmed "3" address. However, when I went to reprogram the address and voltage CV's on the programming track of my MRC Prodigy express system, the factory CVs were unchanged. The same went for when I tried programming on the main. Does anyone know what I can do to change the factory CV's?

P.S. Saying "get rid of the junk decoder: or "get a better DCC system" is not what I'm looking for. If I have to I will install a new decoder, however, unlike the rivet counters that lurk around these forums, I cannot just buy expensive decoders willy-nilly.

[richg1998]

I do not have your DCC system but some clip a 1k resistor across the rails for an extra load if trouble programming.

I have used Bachmann decoders successfully.

By the way, TCS has an excellent non sound dual mode decoder for $20.00 if you ever want a better decoder.

Rich

[tstage]

newhavenroad

P.S. If I have to I will install a new decoder, however, unlike the rivet counters that lurk around these forums, I cannot just buy expensive decoders willy-nilly.

newhaven,

Other than having the correct air horn or bell for a particular locomotive, I'm having a hard time seeing a correlation between "rivet counters" and decoders - particularly if it's a non-sound decoder.

Getting to your issue: Does the MRC PE come with both POM (programming on the main) and Programming track modes?  Are you able to read the CV default values with your MRC PE?

Tom

[newhavenroad]

I tried the resistor thing on the programming track and in ops mode. No dice.

[newhavenroad]

Tom,

I am using the term "rivet counters" loosely to mean those who make snide remarks to all us "lower class railroaders" whose layouts are less than 100 square feet, have less than 25 years experience, and are just trying to get some help. The image of the Pharisees comes to mind. But anyway, no, the PE does not have two-way communication between Command station and Decoder.

[richg1998]

You can ask at the Bachmann forums also.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php

And the MRC Yahoo Group.

[url]http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MRC-DCC/[/url

Just watch out for the rivet counters. lol

There are people who relish, “straighting out” others. lol

Rich

]

[Geared Steam]

newhavenroad

I am using the term "rivet counters" loosely to mean those who make snide remarks to all us "lower class railroaders" whose layouts are less than 100 square feet, have less than 25 years experience, and are just trying to get some help. The image of the Pharisees comes to mind. But anyway, no, the PE does not have two-way communication between Command station and Decoder.

"Rivet Counter" means nothing of what you describe, but I'm guessing it really doesn't matter to you.

Good luck getting some help.  

[rrinker]

 Ops Mode shoudl always work. You could try programming CV17 and 18, then setting CV29, if it's a long address you want. If the automatic method doesn't work, this individual CV method should

 NCE has some very low cost decoders that are light years beyond the Bachmann ones. You cna improve performance even with the Bachmann decoder by removing the unecessary capacitors.

                   --Randy