My son recieved a brand new 44 ton diesel switcher for Christmas. It's got a factory installed dcc decoder. When it sits on the tracks it's making a chirping kind of humming noise. Not a flat out hum. It does not respond at all to address # 3 as it should. I tried to change the address, but I get a "Circuit" error on the screen of my Power cab and it asks me if I want to continue anyway. I went no further. So this sounds like a bad decoder to me. Beofre I called Bachmann I though I would try here and see if it's something simpler.
But what is the issue? Just a bad decoder? I'd rather be one to diagnose the issue than replace it. I'm trying to get beyond the "send it back to the manufacturer for replacement" newbie method of diagnosing and solving problems. Or am I nuts?
But to counter myself, assuming it is a bad decoder why not spend $5.00, ship it back to Bachmann and have them replace it? Why spend $30.00 and do it myself?
And the decoder you suggested is for z scale. http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dz125ps.php. Or maybe I really am nuts.
From the description of the noise it actually sound like it doesn't have a decoder in it at all. Have you verified that it actually IS DCC equipped?
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
sparkyjay31 But what is the issue? Just a bad decoder? I'd rather be one to diagnose the issue than replace it. I'm trying to get beyond the "send it back to the manufacturer for replacement" newbie method of diagnosing and solving problems. Or am I nuts? But to counter myself, assuming it is a bad decoder why not spend $5.00, ship it back to Bachmann and have them replace it? Why spend $30.00 and do it myself? And the decoder you suggested is for z scale. http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dz125ps.php. Or maybe I really am nuts.
Decoders really aren;t for a specific scale. The 44 tonner is a TINY HO locomotive - a standard "HO scale" decoder isn't going to fit inside there. The "Z scale" decoder is just a lot smaller, and sometimes the smaller ones have a lower power capacity,, but 1 amp is plenty for the 44 tonner.
Bachmann non-sound decoders are really low end Lenz decoders, and Lenz's low end decoders are exactly that - low LOW end, lacking even basic features liek a high frequency motor drive. There are far better quality decoders out there for no greater cost than the low end Lenz. However, see my previous mesage - it reallys sounds like there isn't a decode in that loco at all.
Jay,
Are you sure it has 'DCC On Board' labeled on the box? It sure sounds like it does not have a decoder installed. That 'chirping' sound is a clue. If it says 'DCC Ready', there is no decoder(just a socket).
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
The box says DCC Installed. Looks like I need to open the old girl up and see what's under the hood. Wouldn't that be a surprise huh? This gives me something to ponder this afternoon!
Bachmann's web site indicates that this locomotive is DCC READY, NOT DCC Equipped. It has no decoder in it unless the person from whom it was purchased has installed one. You'll have to put your own decoder into it.
The Bachmann Spectrum 45 Ton switcher comes DCC EQUIPPED, but not the 44 tonner.
I'm an idiot. It's official. Dcc ready not dcc equipped. Thanks for the time, even though I wasted it.
Sorry guys. I do know the difference between the two, all I need to do now is learn to READ!
for quick reference, the 44 tonners in the black box are DCC READY, and the one that are in the blue window box are DCC ON BOARD
I find it interesting that the list price for the non-DCC 44 tonner is $95, and the list for the DCC 44 tonner is less, $75.