programming Bachman DCC turnout with Digitrax Super Empire Builder

[Bluenote1960]

From Digitrax Website

KB341: Bachmann DCC Turnouts

This article was last updated on May 10, 2012, 3:56 p.m. | Print Article | Leave Feedback

In H0-Scale, several manufacturers offer unified track with roadbed; these track systems allow the modeler to get operating quickly and reliably.

Two of the manufacturers, Kato and Bachmann also offer turnouts which have built in DCC decoders for remote operation.

Here, Joe Burns helps out with information for the Bachmann E-Z Track® turnouts.

*****

I recently purchased a couple of Bachmann's E-Z Command® Decoder-Equipped DCC Turnouts.

My 6 year old daughter and I are sharing some model railroading, and the E-Z Track® "holds things together".
Of course, the instructions for use with the E-Z Command® system are all that is included.

I spent about 30 minutes trying different steps with my DT400/DCS100, and finally figured it out.

I wrote it down so I wouldn't forget in the future, and thought you might find this information useful for the Tech Support Depot.

1. Connect the turnout (or wye or crossover) to a powered section of track.

2. Turn on DCS100 to "run" (track should be connected to the Rail A / Rail B posts).

3. Apply PWR to track using DT400.

4. Press the programming button of the E-Z Command® turnout/wye/crossover until switch toggles twice (release programming button).

5. Press SW button on DT400.

6. Set desired number using the DT400 keypad (1-100 for this device).

7. Press OPTN button - switch should toggle 4 times.

Other notes:

• You should ensure that there is no power/momentum on any selected locomotives before starting these steps (if you have power applied, set all to zero).
  
• This particular stationary decoder is very sensitive to button presses outside of this specific sequence.
  
  If you inadvertently press other buttons or functions, it is best to let the turnout/wye/crossover exit from the programming mode (switch toggles twice), and start over.
  
• There is no apparent way to reset the turnout/wye/crossover decoder to the factory default of "3" using the DT400 or other methods.
  
• The E-Z Command® turnout/wye/crossover will not respond to any DT400 commands (even SW=003) "out of the box".
  
  You must program the decoder using the DT400 first (at least that is my conclusion after trying to use the advertised default of SW=003 on four brand new turnouts).
  
• This procedure does work with other equipment on line.
  
  However, it was a little frustrating for me initially, so I tried this a few times with no locos or other devices in use to improve my confidence.
  
• The E-Z Command® Decoder Equipped DCC turnouts apparently do not hold their programming for much more than 15-30 minutes after power is turned off.
  
  You will have to reprogram them for use during your next session.
  
  (We are researching this and will update this comment when we determine why, Editor)

[rrinker]

 Would have had problems runnign trains like that - blinking power dot means there's a DCC signal but no commands are being sent - after an Emergency Stop.

                                            --Randy

 

[D&RGWRR476]

 I found the problem: I noticed the Track Power Indicator dot was blinking on the throttle, although the Track Power Indicator light was on and solid on the Command Station/Booster. I toggled the track power off then back on from the throttle, and the Track Power Indicator dot was then on and solid. From there, I followed the Bachmann and Digitrax programming instructions and the turnouts programmed and are now operating.

[rrinker]

 Shouldn't be a problem - unless there's a short, the power is directly connected via the relay contacts. To avoid the timeout, hit Switch and dial up the address you want BEFORE pressing the program button on the turnout. Then set the turnout in program mode and hit Closed or Thrown. These just seem to be troublesome, I've never had a problem programming other devices that work in a similar manner (meaning, press a button on the device, and then send a switch command to the address you want the device to be set to), like NCE Switch-Its.

                                                             --Randy

 

[D&RGWRR476]

 Well, like an idiot, I did not read the Bachmann instructions. When you press the programming button on the turnout, the turnout moves twice. When it moves twice again in about a minute, the programming mode is over.

However, I still cannot get my Digitrax to program those turnouts. Followed the Digitrax instructions as well. Contacted Digitrax Tech Support - they gave me the same instructions as what is in the manual.

 Just a thought - has anyone had trouble programming through the PM42 power management system? Should programming go directly from the command station/booster, bypassing the PM42?

[D&RGWRR476]

 Randy,

Sorry I did not get back to you sooner. I had an electrical short with the crossover I had to resolve.

Now, programming the Bachmann decoder did not work. I held the program button down for a few seconds, the the turnout moves twice instead of four times. About one minute later, the turnout moves twice again on its own without holding the button down. I followed the steps written above but the turnout will not work after attempting to program.

Thoughts?

 

[rrinker]

 What you need to do is press the program button on the turnout for a few seconds until the turnout moves 4 times. The hit Switch on your throttle and key in the desired address and hit either T or C. The turnout should move twice. I found another reference that said they only seem to like addresses over 100. As in, 2 does not work, but 102 would.

                                       --Randy

 

[D&RGWRR476]

 Hi,

I have a Digitrax Super Empire Builder. I recently bought two Bachman Decoder Equipped E-Z Command DCC Crossover Turnouts. 

 I looked through the Digitrax manuals and emailed them for instructions on programming these stationary turnout decoders. They emailed back to say they did not have information about this and to contact Bachman. 

I searched the Bachman website but cannot find step by step instructions on how to program the decoders (expect for using Bachman DCC).

I need step by step instructions on how to do this. Any resources?