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Change the 28 step decoder in a Bachmann 4-8-4 Ho loco

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  • Member since
    September 2007
  • From: Nesodden, Norway
  • 65 posts
Change the 28 step decoder in a Bachmann 4-8-4 Ho loco
Posted by OlavM on Friday, September 19, 2008 4:38 AM

Hello

I am considering to buy a Bachmann HO 4-8-4 steam loco, that is delivered with a 28 step decoder.

Is this a plugged decoder, so that it is easy to change to av 128 step decoder for even better speed control? Or do I have to do a soldering job to do this?

Regards, Olav in Norway

Olav M, Nesoddtangen, Norway HO scale, mid fifties, Eastern U.S., Digitrax Chief
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
  • 13,757 posts
Posted by cacole on Friday, September 19, 2008 7:40 AM

The decoder used by Bachmann in a DCC On-Board model is made by Lenz of Germany and should support 128 speed steps, even if Bachmann doesn't advertise it as such.  Practically every modern-day decoder supports 28/128 speed steps, because 128 is more a function of the command station than the decoder itself.

If you purchase a Bachmann Sound On-Board model it will contain a SoundTraxx Tsunami decoder.

  • Member since
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  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Friday, September 19, 2008 10:10 AM
All the Bachmann decoders I have (and that's a lot) support 28/128 speed steps and two and four digit addresses. They're set up for ops mode programming, advanced consisting, accelaration, deceleration and start voltage adjustments. You shouldn't have to do anything to it.

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  • Member since
    September 2007
  • From: Nesodden, Norway
  • 65 posts
Posted by OlavM on Saturday, September 20, 2008 11:03 AM

Cacole & Jeffrey

Thanks for the replies! I have bought the beast, so now I just have to wait for it to arrive. The info on the www and from the seller was a bit confusing, so your anwers clarified the issue for me!
Olav in Norway

Olav M, Nesoddtangen, Norway HO scale, mid fifties, Eastern U.S., Digitrax Chief
  • Member since
    September 2007
  • From: Nesodden, Norway
  • 65 posts
Posted by OlavM on Sunday, September 21, 2008 12:11 PM

Hello

I have a Digitrax Chief, 8A version, with PM42's, playing around in HO scale. 

Best regards, Olav

Olav M, Nesoddtangen, Norway HO scale, mid fifties, Eastern U.S., Digitrax Chief
  • Member since
    September 2007
  • From: Nesodden, Norway
  • 65 posts
Posted by OlavM on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 1:18 AM

Hello

Yes, PM42, and dividing 8 amps into 4 sections. Honestly it was a bargain, and cheaper than the other version at my dealer. But running steam engines with sound and lighted passanger trains the 8A is ok.

Big Smile [:D] and yes I use a coin for checking that the trip values work, not an axle or two...

Thanks for your concern!!

Olav in Norway

Olav M, Nesoddtangen, Norway HO scale, mid fifties, Eastern U.S., Digitrax Chief
  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Mpls/St.Paul
  • 13,892 posts
Posted by wjstix on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 10:39 AM

The decoder should work with a 128 step system, but it is a 28 step decoder. If you do decide to change it, it's a simple "plug and play" change. I have one Spectrum engine that came with the dual-mode decoder. It's OK but I put in a better one after using it for a while, it to allow for more programming options.

Mange Tukk!!

Stix
  • Member since
    September 2007
  • From: Nesodden, Norway
  • 65 posts
Posted by OlavM on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 10:25 AM

wjstix!

Almost right Wow!! [wow]- it should have been Mange takk!!

Any Norwegian connection as you at can that?

Best regards, Olav

(Vennlig hilsen fra Olav!)

Olav M, Nesoddtangen, Norway HO scale, mid fifties, Eastern U.S., Digitrax Chief

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