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EM-1 first look

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Posted by tschwarz on Sunday, December 18, 2011 8:21 PM

bogp40

So will this run on DC or is it DCC running analog?  Not good if that's the case for DC users.

 

Yes, it will run on DC.

Tom

 

Modeling the Pittsburgh Division of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad from Glenwood Yard to New Castle Yard following the old P&W Mainline.

Visit my website at: http://www.baltimoreandohiorr.com

 

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Posted by richg1998 on Sunday, December 18, 2011 10:58 AM

So far, it seems the new value priced sound locos will be on board DCC with an optional sound module. So far, one fellow with the EM-1 has that setup. Right now, no idea on how that can be modified but I know some will want to.

It is common knowledge that most DCC on board are dual mode. They run on DC and DCC. The issue is, some have to turn up the DC power pack quite a lot. Some maybe 50 percent, some higher. Also, do not use a power pack that has pulse power option. It sometimes cause running issues when using DC.

If you buy a loco with dual mode decoder from a private sale, some disable the DC option because it is known to sometimes cause runaway issues when using a DCC controller.

Dual mode decoders where thought up many years ago by the NMRA because they knew some will not have DCC controllers or even want them. It is a second best way to run DCC equipped locos but it works.

Never forget, we are boys playing with toys.

Take time and go to the Bachmann forums. There is one fellow with loads of photos and info on the EM-1.

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.

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Posted by bogp40 on Sunday, December 18, 2011 10:23 AM

So will this run on DC or is it DCC running analog?  Not good if that's the case for DC users.

Modeling B&O- Chessie  Bob K.  www.ssmrc.org

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Posted by twhite on Sunday, December 18, 2011 10:12 AM

richg1998

One person with this loco just ran his on DC and needed about 80 percent on his power pack. That is normal for DCC on board on a DC layout.

Rich

Whoo!  Well, that lets me out, then.  But it's still a beauty of a loco.

Tom

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Posted by cold steal on Sunday, December 18, 2011 7:49 AM

running D.C. also.Nice loco right out of the box!!

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Posted by richg1998 on Sunday, December 18, 2011 7:44 AM

One person with this loco just ran his on DC and needed about 80 percent on his power pack. That is normal for DCC on board on a DC layout.

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.

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Posted by richg1998 on Saturday, December 17, 2011 6:11 PM

Motley

NO, if you install the QSI, it will have to be a hard wire install. You can't just plug it in. As if it was a DCC ready loco.

I don't know how to do DCC installs, so I'm sending this to my DCC install guy. That's what he said will need to be done.

He's also going to install a red LED in the firebox!

I figured that but had to be sure. Guarantee, someone is going to try and ask questions later.

I posted the same question in the Bachmann forums. Some people jump right into DCC with little or know knowledge.

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.

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Posted by richg1998 on Saturday, December 17, 2011 6:08 PM

Forgot to mention, Dec 15th, The Bach Man said in Bachmann forums that the sound modules are shipping.

The module is around $74.00,

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.

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Posted by Motley on Saturday, December 17, 2011 6:04 PM

NO, if you install the QSI, it will have to be a hard wire install. You can't just plug it in. As if it was a DCC ready loco.

I don't know how to do DCC installs, so I'm sending this to my DCC install guy. That's what he said will need to be done.

He's also going to install a red LED in the firebox!

Michael


CEO-
Mile-HI-Railroad
Prototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989

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Posted by richg1998 on Saturday, December 17, 2011 5:52 PM

Will the QSI drop right into the tender with no issues? As I understand this loco, the loco is already under control of the on-board decoder.

Bachmann says that both decoders are suppose to be in sync for proper chuff's.

This is not something I will be buying but I am sure some will want to know.

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.

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Posted by Motley on Saturday, December 17, 2011 5:36 PM

tschwarz

 

 Motley:
 

 

 

Geeeez Tom, 4 of them. Holy cow that must be awesome!

What sound are you getting? or not...

 

 

I haven't decided yet but with the pricing I am debating between the Titan and the Bachmann add-on board.  They are very close in price.

These EM-1's run great!

Tom

 

Very nice. I'm getting the Titan. If you order it from Tony's, it comes with your choice of two speakers free.

I'm hearing that the synching with chuffing sounds is better on the Titan. Also the Tsunami's don't have the articulated steam sounds, only large steam, where the Titan has specific articulated version.

Michael


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Posted by tschwarz on Saturday, December 17, 2011 4:35 PM

Motley
 

 

Geeeez Tom, 4 of them. Holy cow that must be awesome!

What sound are you getting? or not...

I haven't decided yet but with the pricing I am debating between the Titan and the Bachmann add-on board.  They are very close in price.

These EM-1's run great!

Tom

 

Modeling the Pittsburgh Division of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad from Glenwood Yard to New Castle Yard following the old P&W Mainline.

Visit my website at: http://www.baltimoreandohiorr.com

 

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Posted by Motley on Saturday, December 17, 2011 10:47 AM

tschwarz

 

 Motley:

 

I have decided to get the Bachman EM-1.

But heck, thinking about it. Bachman has the tsunami sound module for $119. I'm thinking no way on that, why not get the QSI Titan for $109. ???

 

 

Well on Friday my LHS came through and I got my 4 (four) new EM-1's.  Talk about an awesome sight seeing 4 EM-1's in a row.  I couldn't decide which number to get so I got one of each.  Problem solved, no issue with picking a number.

Tom

 

Geeeez Tom, 4 of them. Holy cow that must be awesome!

What sound are you getting? or not...

Michael


CEO-
Mile-HI-Railroad
Prototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989

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Posted by tschwarz on Saturday, December 17, 2011 1:00 AM

Motley

I have decided to get the Bachman EM-1.

But heck, thinking about it. Bachman has the tsunami sound module for $119. I'm thinking no way on that, why not get the QSI Titan for $109. ???

Well on Friday my LHS came through and I got my 4 (four) new EM-1's.  Talk about an awesome sight seeing 4 EM-1's in a row.  I couldn't decide which number to get so I got one of each.  Problem solved, no issue with picking a number.

Tom

 

Modeling the Pittsburgh Division of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad from Glenwood Yard to New Castle Yard following the old P&W Mainline.

Visit my website at: http://www.baltimoreandohiorr.com

 

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Posted by richg1998 on Friday, December 16, 2011 11:20 AM

Bachmann is a big seller in the UK and EU. They have to comply with the CE EMC requirements and to keep cost under control, all the PC boards are alike.

Only experts who have run model railroad loco companies disagree.

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.

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Posted by richg1998 on Friday, December 16, 2011 11:14 AM

Motley

Interesting. So do the sound modules install in the tender?

 

THe sound module plugs right into the loco decoder module. Go look at the photos in the Bachmann forums.

Rich

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Posted by DigitalGriffin on Friday, December 16, 2011 8:27 AM

richg1998

 DigitalGriffin:

They aren't needed for Europe anymore because of the DCC decoder.  *sigh*

They are required because of DCC.

Rich

Rich,

No they are NOT.  They make it worse. 

1.  Large Pulse currents spikes are what give the train running at low speed.  Some call this kick.  This is messed up because the capacitor messes with the current spike.

2.  The BEMF measures current draw by the motor and adjust accordingly.  You can't get an accurate current draw if there is a capacitor there.

Capacitors were thrown in across motor terminals to comply with european regulations.  The old motors used to generate RF because of the track and motor movement.  The capacitor helped solve this.

The only reason a capacitor would be needed  for DCC is to serve as a keep alive circuit.  But it most definitely wouldn't be placed across the motor terminals!

I wish I knew what Bachmanns electrical guy was thinking.  I wrote Bachmann personally and on their forum and NEVER once got a reply.

 BTW: The CV8=8 thing to get the sound module to work sounds like a Blue Line sound system redux.  I'm hoping it's only to reset the sound decoder address.   A perfect sound sytem would CAM the wheel.  (Standard on BLI Paragon)

I think it's time for a QSI Titan replacement.  It just offers so much more in terms of sound.

Bachmann did a good job with a model, but they always mess up somewhere. (ie: Lacking weight (2-8-4, 2-6-6-2), or sound, or plastic gear teeth that last 1 year of regular use before they need replacing)  I like Bachmann I really do.  I own 10 of them.  But they always just fall one important thing short of being "perfect"

Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions

Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!

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Posted by Motley on Thursday, December 15, 2011 9:52 PM

Interesting. So do the sound modules install in the tender?

Michael


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Mile-HI-Railroad
Prototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989

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Posted by richg1998 on Thursday, December 15, 2011 9:25 PM

The sound modules are shipping.

Your locomotive must be in factory default settings for the sounds to synch!
If you've changed anything, return to defaults by setting CV 8 to 8.

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.

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Posted by richg1998 on Thursday, December 15, 2011 5:00 PM

DigitalGriffin

WTHeck does bachmann put a capacitor across the motor terminals for?  SERIOUSLY.  It messes up BEMF readings because the decoder can't get a good reading on the motors true labor effort through current.

They aren't needed for Europe anymore because of the DCC decoder.  *sigh*

 

They are required because of DCC.

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.

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Posted by DigitalGriffin on Thursday, December 15, 2011 4:45 PM

WTHeck does bachmann put a capacitor across the motor terminals for?  SERIOUSLY.  It messes up BEMF readings because the decoder can't get a good reading on the motors true labor effort through current.

They aren't needed for Europe anymore because of the DCC decoder.  *sigh*

 

Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions

Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!

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Posted by richg1998 on Thursday, December 15, 2011 3:38 PM

This will be interesting. The motor filter, two inductors and caps are in the loco and taking the boiler off is not for the faint of heart. This may not be an issue anymore. We shall see.

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.

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Posted by CB&Q Modeler on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 6:56 PM

Yes'i mean normal as in not blinding as the video showed.

And yes Bachmann is now using LEDs

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Posted by Motley on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 1:46 PM

Meaning the brightness is normal? Or not normal?

Is the lighting LEDs?

Michael


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Mile-HI-Railroad
Prototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989

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Posted by CB&Q Modeler on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 1:16 PM

Speaking of the brightness of the headlight I bought the model with the small sander covers and it has the dual headlight installed and it seems to be a more normal brightness.

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Posted by richg1998 on Monday, December 12, 2011 11:52 AM

This is for those who may miss the thread with the Bachmann forum link where the user has opened his.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,18857.0.html

This is a lot better than a few words about what is in the tender. Bachmann will be selling the 21 pin decoderr. A QSI will fit.

Wait until we hear from some trying to run this on 18 inch curves.

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.

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Posted by Motley on Monday, December 12, 2011 11:30 AM

selector

Michael, I have finally acquired my first Mountain, and it is the Spectrum Heavy version with Vandy tender for the C&O.  I have five or six Tsunamis now, but I am finding their sounds to be as generic as those of the QSI's up to the Revolution with its newer sounds...some, anyway.  So, I have ordered a Titan U from Tony.  Tony is shipping a second min-oval to his customers who have to wait until his next shipment...apparently there is quite a list.  The idea is that the mini is to go in the smoke box to get the chuffs 'up there'.

Worth a thought or two.

Crandell

Crandell,

I called Tony's regarding the Titan. They come with 2 speakers, and they said the speakers should be seperated to get the stereo sound. But I think one speaker in the front side of the tender, and one in the rear end tender should be fine.

Having the speaker in the locomotive will require the speaker wiring to be used outside and into the tender.

Michael


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Mile-HI-Railroad
Prototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989

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Posted by selector on Friday, December 9, 2011 9:39 PM

Michael, I have finally acquired my first Mountain, and it is the Spectrum Heavy version with Vandy tender for the C&O.  I have five or six Tsunamis now, but I am finding their sounds to be as generic as those of the QSI's up to the Revolution with its newer sounds...some, anyway.  So, I have ordered a Titan U from Tony.  Tony is shipping a second min-oval to his customers who have to wait until his next shipment...apparently there is quite a list.  The idea is that the mini is to go in the smoke box to get the chuffs 'up there'.

Worth a thought or two.

Crandell

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Posted by Motley on Friday, December 9, 2011 4:36 PM

I have decided to get the Bachman EM-1.

But heck, thinking about it. Bachman has the tsunami sound module for $119. I'm thinking no way on that, why not get the QSI Titan for $109. ???

Michael


CEO-
Mile-HI-Railroad
Prototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989

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