I have the above loco with factory decoder, #60607. Tried to call Bachmann but they are closed indefinitely. NEED HELP.
I have tried to reset the address for this loco several times with inconsistent results. Here are to results I get, such as:
I have an NCE 5amp system. Can some one give me the secret recipe for permanetly setting the address and possibly other CV's. I would like to at least get the address changed and have the loco continue to operate on that address.
Thanks
All I can offer is a decoder reset. Set CV8 = 8, cycle the power off and on. The address at that point should be 3. Change the address. It should remember that address and run.
It may need 1000 ohm resistor across the programming track if the above fails.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Hello All,
Bachmann decoders are extremely simple and only support 13 Configuration Variables (CVs) while most other decoders support over 60 CVs.
I have a Bachmann GE 70 tonner in my roster. I also use JMRI Decoder Pro through a Digitrax PR3 to a separate programming track from my desktop Mac.
My DCC system is the Bachmann Dynamis with the 5 A booster and the ProBox.
I added a NCE Auto SW Program Track Auto Switch so I could have a programming track on the pike through the Bachmann DCC system.
Having the Bachmann DCC system is no advantage when dealing with the decoders of the same brand.
Are you "programming on the main" (POM) or do you have a dedicated programming track?
First, I would recommend a decoder reset; CV 8 to a value of 8. This will set the address to the default of "3" and restore the factory-set CVs.
The decoder needs to be set to accept 4-digit addresses. These are controlled through CVs 17 & 18.
Even if you don't have the ability to run JMRI to a programming track you can still download the program and use it as a CV calculator.
To do this, download and install the Decoder Pro program; available for Windows and Mac.
When you open the application don't worry if you get an initial error message of "Unable to connect to Loco Net..." Choose the "Start With New Profile" option.
Once open hit the "New Loco" button in the upper left. This will open a list of supported decoders.
From the list toggle open the Bachmann folder, toggle open the E-Z Command decoders folder and choose the 2-function decoder (36-552).
At the lower left you will see a button marked Open Comprehensive Programmer. Hit this to open the programming window.
On the top of this window there will be several page options. Go the Basic page.
Choose the radio button marked Long (two byte) address. Under that there is a window labeled Active Address. Enter the address you want; eg. 5678.
Under that you will see the primary address window. Leave this as "3".
The window below that will auto-fill with the long, 4-digit address; 5678.
Some windows will be highlighted orange and some will be highlighted yellow.
Next, choose the CV page. You will see the thirteen (13) supported CVs for this decoder, again some will be highlighted orange and some will be yellow.
The CVs will have a value in the window next to it. The yellow highlighted values are ones that do not need to be changed.
Values highlighted in orange are the ones you will need to program through your DCC system.
Put the loco on your pike.
If you have a dedicated programming track make sure the loco is on this track. Choose the programming mode; Program On Main or Program On Programming (Service) track.
Go into the programming mode and manually call up the CVs and enter the values highlighted in orange from Decoder Pro.
Make sure that the values for the CVs are recorded to the decoder.
CVs 17 & 18 should program the decoder to the 4-digit address. CV 29 is the direction- -a value of 34 is "forward" a value of 35 is "reverse".
In this example, the Long (two byte) address values for 5678 are; CV 17-- 214, CV 18- -46.
There is also a Bachmann Forum that you can join if you have more questions.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
Yes, the EZ Command decoder is very basic. The specs are in the DCC page at the Bachmann site.
I have the loco but ripped out the decoder after trying it with my NCE Power Cab. It did work.
I put in a sound decoder.
Below is a non sound if you have the ability. You can pull the caps.
https://tcsdcc.com/installation/ho-scale/1244
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.
If you're trying to assign a three or four digit ID to it, it could be you need to change the setting in CV29 to allow long addresses. I'd maybe try doing the decoder reset, and then set it to a two-digit number and run it for a few days and see if it retains that number.
I have had decoders where the long address changes, but the short address remains 03. That can cause a problem, especially if using the engine with a different DCC system.
Industries1I have an NCE 5amp system.
Now I'm confused
I assume the OP has a Procab. I have a Powercab, and while there are important differences between the two has regards high numbered CV's, using the Powercab for loco setup, on the programing track, I don't need to know anything about CV's 17, 18 and 29. Nor do I need JMRI.
It asks me if I want to program the short addy or the long one. The way the messages appear on the screen, makes it seem like you could have both long and short addresses, but that has never happened to me.