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Programming a Bachmann HO GE 44 Ton Switcher (Factory DCC)

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  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 8:49 PM

 Ops Mode shoudl always work. You could try programming CV17 and 18, then setting CV29, if it's a long address you want. If the automatic method doesn't work, this individual CV method should

 NCE has some very low cost decoders that are light years beyond the Bachmann ones. You cna improve performance even with the Bachmann decoder by removing the unecessary capacitors.

                   --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Big Blackfoot River
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Posted by Geared Steam on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 6:18 PM

newhavenroad
I am using the term "rivet counters" loosely to mean those who make snide remarks to all us "lower class railroaders" whose layouts are less than 100 square feet, have less than 25 years experience, and are just trying to get some help. The image of the Pharisees comes to mind. But anyway, no, the PE does not have two-way communication between Command station and Decoder.

"Rivet Counter" means nothing of what you describe, but I'm guessing it really doesn't matter to you.

Good luck getting some help. Whistling 

"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."-Albert Einstein

http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 3:32 PM

You can ask at the Bachmann forums also.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php

And the MRC Yahoo Group.

[url]http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MRC-DCC/[/url

Just watch out for the rivet counters. lol

There are people who relish, “straighting out” others. lol

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.

  • Member since
    July 2011
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Posted by newhavenroad on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 3:24 PM

Tom,

I am using the term "rivet counters" loosely to mean those who make snide remarks to all us "lower class railroaders" whose layouts are less than 100 square feet, have less than 25 years experience, and are just trying to get some help. The image of the Pharisees comes to mind. But anyway, no, the PE does not have two-way communication between Command station and Decoder.

  • Member since
    July 2011
  • 30 posts
Posted by newhavenroad on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 3:20 PM

I tried the resistor thing on the programming track and in ops mode. No dice.

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  • From: Northeast OH
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Posted by tstage on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 2:33 PM

newhavenroad
P.S. If I have to I will install a new decoder, however, unlike the rivet counters that lurk around these forums, I cannot just buy expensive decoders willy-nilly.

newhaven,

Tongue Tied Other than having the correct air horn or bell for a particular locomotive, I'm having a hard time seeing a correlation between "rivet counters" and decoders - particularly if it's a non-sound decoder.

Getting to your issue: Does the MRC PE come with both POM (programming on the main) and Programming track modes?  Are you able to read the CV default values with your MRC PE?

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
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
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Posted by richg1998 on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 2:12 PM

I do not have your DCC system but some clip a 1k resistor across the rails for an extra load if trouble programming.

I have used Bachmann decoders successfully.

By the way, TCS has an excellent non sound dual mode decoder for $20.00 if you ever want a better decoder.

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.

  • Member since
    July 2011
  • 30 posts
Programming a Bachmann HO GE 44 Ton Switcher (Factory DCC)
Posted by newhavenroad on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 1:42 PM

Hi all,

So I bought a Bachmann 44 ton Critter with factory installed DCC. I played around with it on my layout and it worked fine with the factory programmed "3" address. However, when I went to reprogram the address and voltage CV's on the programming track of my MRC Prodigy express system, the factory CVs were unchanged. The same went for when I tried programming on the main. Does anyone know what I can do to change the factory CV's?

P.S. Saying "get rid of the junk decoder: or "get a better DCC system" is not what I'm looking for. If I have to I will install a new decoder, however, unlike the rivet counters that lurk around these forums, I cannot just buy expensive decoders willy-nilly.

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