DCC CVs

[unionpacific4]

I've recently purchased a blueline AC6000 and want to change the functions. I've installed a bachmann dcc decoder. I've heard of CVs and how you can use them to change settings, but how do you change them. I have a bachmann e-z command.

                                             Thank you for your reply,

                                                           UP4

[selector]

Regrettably, the EZ-Command is limited to activating CV functions, but not to programming them.  It can change addresses for you, but it can't alter CV's for inertia and momentum.

[unionpacific4]

 So is there anything I can buy to change CVs besides a whole new dcc system?

[CSX Robert]

There is a standalone programmer available that connects to a computer and uses JMRI software for programming. It's called SPROG and you can get more information about it here:http://home.comcast.net/~bbmgroup/sprog/. MRC is also supposed to be coming out with a Pocket DCC Programmer, but they have not announced a date or given any specs on its capabilities.

[Otis]

If you ever do get some system to program the decoder you may have to do some extra work.  Why?, unfortunately your decoder (and all the Lenz decoders Bachmann uses) is not very sophisticated.

The decoders are made by Lenz, and are very basic.  That is why they are so inexpensive.

With all mine (which came in the DCC Onboard Bachmann locos) I had to clip a 1000 ohm resistor across the two programming tracks or the decoder will not respond.  It will sit there and give "no decoder present" error messages.  That has been my experience with every one.  I don't think they are capable of ops mode programming on the mainline.  I am not sure how they will respond to the programming systems mentioned in posts above.

Below I have pasted some info I found on the Bachmann Trains forum and a link to a specs page for a Lenz decoder very similar to all Bachmann decoders.

Member Posts: 249 Enjoying electric model railroading since 1950.

Re: Bachmann Decoder CVs « Reply #1 on: September 04, 2007, 11:33:57 AM »   The only lising I am aware of is at http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/newez/1_Amp_Decoder_Instr.pdf

Note the CV Bit No. labels are 8 to 1, replace with 7 to 0

Hope this helps.  Mine all work.

[tstage]

The decoders are made by Lenz, and are very basic.  That is why they are so inexpensive.

With all mine (which came in the DCC Onboard Bachmann locos) I had to clip a 1000 ohm resistor across the two programming tracks or the decoder will not respond.  It will sit there and give "no decoder present" error messages.

Otis,

That may have more to do with your DCC system than with the Bachmann decoders.  This also happens with some DCC systems when attempting to program sound decoders on the programming track.  The resistor method works in that situation, too.

Tom

[MisterBeasley]

I have a new Bachmann Peter Witt trolley that came with a Bachmann decoder.  I've got a Lenz DCC system, and I've had no problems programming that decoder on my programming track.  It may be that the newer ones are better.

My experience with the BLI/Quantum sound decoders, on the other hand, is that the resistor doesn't help at all when programming them.  Someone suggested using a 10-ohm resistor in series with the programming track (rather than 1K in parallel) does the job.  I haven't tried that.  (Although I did go out and buy a 10-ohm resistor.  But, it's on the workbench somewhere.)

Do you have an LHS nearby that you go to?  Even better, did you buy the engine there?  Many good LHS's have at least a programming track set up in the shop, and they can help you set up CV's.  After all, this is what "service" is all about, and it's one thing that sets an LHS apart from a "virtual" store on the Internet.  If you let us know where you live, maybe someone can recommend a good LHS in your area.

[Otis]

The decoders are made by Lenz, and are very basic.  That is why they are so inexpensive.

With all mine (which came in the DCC Onboard Bachmann locos) I had to clip a 1000 ohm resistor across the two programming tracks or the decoder will not respond.  It will sit there and give "no decoder present" error messages.

Otis,

That may have more to do with your DCC system than with the Bachmann decoders.  This also happens with some DCC systems when attempting to program sound decoders on the programming track.  The resistor method works in that situation, too.

Tom

Yeah, Tom, that is a good bet.  I know that those of us with Digitrax Zephyrs need to do this.  Although I have never had a problem programming others.  It makes sense that even the Lenz 100s must work properly somewhere or they would not be able to sell any of them.

[amsr]

Has anyone experience with JMRI? It looks like a good way to program decoders. I have a couple tsunamis I want to install.. Does JMRI deal with these well?

thanks

AMSR