Decoders normally do get hot when operating, so that in itself doesn't mean there's a problem.
If I have trouble with a decoder ID, I put it on the programming track and read back the ID no. Easy to do with a Digitrax Zephyr, not sure how it works on other systems. It can happen that when changing other CVs you could accidently change one of the CVs that control the ID no.
If it's still under warranty (and maybe even if it's not), contact Bachmann.
Although I've never dealt with their service department, I've heard they're very good at resolving issues such as this in the customer's favor.
Put in a better quality decoder. The decoders in the Bachmann DCC on Board are not very good so it may have just been a bad decoder from the get-go.
I would try a compatible NCE or TCS decoder. Each site should have a locomotive cross-reference chart for their decoders.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Another problem. The decoder in my bachmann gp35 went south. I was running it just fine and then it slowy slowed down at top speed. So I changed the start voltage and a couple of other things such as kick rate and depth and after I did the kick depth it didn't acknowledge it (I was in programming track mode). I tried to run it and it wouldn't even make a motor sound. I opened the shell and put the chassis on the track and cranked up the speed. I ran my finger over it and there was a hot spot. What can I do to prevent this?
cncsxbnsfrailway2 Thank you so very much! I didn't realize that it mattered what port you put it in.
Thank you so very much! I didn't realize that it mattered what port you put it in.
Try to make a habit of reading all the manual carefully. I have the NCE Power Cab and the procedure is spelled out very clearly.
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.
Hi,
Sounds like your immediate problem is solved, but it brings to mind a similar situation I had awhile back.
One of my loco sets would not respond to what I thought was the proper ID number. I had not written it down at that time for I knew I "could never forget". Well, I messed with it for some time until I had a "Duhhhhh" moment. Yup, I just reprogrammed the loco to the number I wanted it to be...................
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
CNC,
Two essential questions for you:
I think the Bachmann DCC on board locomotives are outfitted with inexpensive Lenz decoders. Here's a good cheat sheet from Tony's Train Exchange for any decoders you need to reset to factory settings:
How to Rescue a Faulty Decoder
If it is those Lenz decoders, CV8 = 33 should reset it.
I got my dcc today (nce power cab) and put my bachmann dcc on board gp35 on the track and tried to run it. It did not respond to the factory setting, 3. I tried 5003 (the loco number) and it still didn't respond. Is there a way to find/wipe a decoder address?