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spectrum witt streetcar total malfunction...

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  • Member since
    November 2012
  • 5 posts
spectrum witt streetcar total malfunction...
Posted by amay1630 on Thursday, May 9, 2013 3:24 PM

Need some advice...

Purchased a Spectrum (Bachmann) witt trolley with dcc and found the assembly instructions totally inadequate... that is, none existent.  Just three exploded part drawings was all that came with the kit.  Since I was making some modifications to the exterior of the trolley I didn't assemble the electronics until the unpainted kit was painted and assembled.  I use MRC prodigy radio control (new unit) with other locos and have no problems... the trolley is totally dead, no lights or any indication that the dcc board is functioning at all... bad dcc??? don't know, any advice   AL

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • 34 posts
Posted by redram58 on Thursday, May 9, 2013 5:49 PM

Well if other engines work ok, its either the decoder or the install.

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
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Posted by richg1998 on Thursday, May 9, 2013 6:11 PM

I just download the three page documents from the Bachmann site. Much easier to read than a hard copy as the document can be expanded for easier reading.. They are adequate if you understand the basics of NMRA DCC.

The 8 pin connector is shown where you plug in the adapter for only DC or plug in a decoder for DCC. No problem.

Check all the wiring, pickups and get your ohm meter out for some continuity checks.

No idea of your level of DCC experience.

If run with DCC, get a better decoder. The Bachmann EZ Command is low end Lenz. Digitrax, NCE and TCS make good non sound plug in decoders. I believe TCS is a better one, especially the one with Stay Alive. Check the TCS site.

Rich

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

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  • From: Northeast OH
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Posted by tstage on Thursday, May 9, 2013 6:11 PM

Is the trolley "DCC-equipped" or "DCC-ready"?

Tom

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
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Posted by MisterBeasley on Thursday, May 9, 2013 6:33 PM

I have one of these.  I assume you bought the "undecorated" model, because that's the only one that needs assembly.  You're right.  The instructions have no value for putting the trolley together.

As I recall, though, the chassis was pretty much assembled, and the only thing you had to do was the body.  Am I right on this?

Did you test the chassis before you put it together?  As I recall, it would have run.

Ah, a light just went on.  There is a small toggle switch somewhere that selects the wheels or the roof-mounted trolley pole as the "other" side of your power circuit.  If this switch ended up in the "pole" position, you wont be able to run the trolley from the two rails.  I think that's one thing that is in the instructions.  Flip it back and forth a few times, leave it in the "wheels" position and see what happens.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Thursday, May 9, 2013 6:42 PM

The switch is clearly shown in the adequate instructions. That should have been obvious.

Again, the instructions are much more adequate when viewed with your PC. I have other Bachmann locos and I prefer the PC digital versions much more.

Rich



If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

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