I'm sure that title got some attention. lol
So in trying to fill out our fleet for modeling Cass Scenic Railroad, I picked up the last of our logging locos, a Bachmann Climax (3 truck). I had read, and been told, that we could run a DCC equipped loco on our DC layout, but that we would not be able to make use of all of the many functions. Made sense and I was okay with that so I proceeded with the purchase. That was all well and good until this loco arrived and was promptly put on our test track.
The sound is, well, annoying. The constant chuffing might be okay if it didn't sound like it was recorded in a tin can. Perhaps it's the speaker? Either way, I do not want to hear that the entire time the train is running. I can handle the 'bell' and the 'whistle' sounds that occassionaly occur, but the chuffing has to go.
According to my sources, the only way to adjust the sound is to put it on a DCC layout, but there is nothing that I have read that says that the changes will stay set when moved to a DC layout. Is this possible?
I guess I could just disconnect the speaker/chip/board, but then I have something that is useless to me, a fancy DCC loco. Maybe a trade with someone for a non DCC loco is possible. Of course the only catch there is that it would have to be the Cass Scenic RR road name.
Anywho, if there is a way to adjust this DCC model on our DC track I'd appreciate any insight/help that you all could provide. I don't want to relegate it to display duty at C.S.R.R..
There should be instructions with the engine explaining how to either turn down the volume or silence it altogether. I don't have any Bachmann sound value locos, so I can't advise you. You might consider going to the Bachmann forum site and asking for help there.
Sorry to hear the bad report.
.
I only own one Bachmann locomotive, my EM-1 2-8-8-4 with a dual mode decoder. My only complaint is that it does not begin to start moving unit about 10 volts, and then by 12 volts it is moving too fast. That only gives me a small range of control on my throttle. However, in that range it runs like a dream.
I hope you get your issues resolved, but I can offer no advice.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
SeeYou190 Sorry to hear the bad report. . I only own one Bachmann locomotive, my EM-1 2-8-8-4 with a dual mode decoder. My only complaint is that it does not begin to start moving unit about 10 volts, and then by 12 volts it is moving too fast. That only gives me a small range of control on my throttle. However, in that range it runs like a dream. . I hope you get your issues resolved, but I can offer no advice. . -Kevin .
All dual mode decoders work that way. They need some minimum voltage to operate, usually between 6-10 volts. And many such locos need 14-16 volts DC to reach reasonable speeds.
The worst offender in this regard is MTH, requiring even higher voltages.
Simple fact, dual mode decoders do not generally work very well on DC and some will not work at all on some types of DC throttles.
As a DC operator I remove all decoders....and I have no interest in onboard sound. If I wanted sound I would have DCC.
Sheldon
ATLANTIC CENTRALAs a DC operator I remove all decoders
I considered removing the decoder. However, the MARS Gyralight effect on the front headlight is wonderful. I am afraid if I remove the decoder I would lose this.
SeeYou190 ATLANTIC CENTRAL As a DC operator I remove all decoders . I considered removing the decoder. However, the MARS Gyralight effect on the front headlight is wonderful. I am afraid if I remove the decoder I would lose this. . -Kevin .
ATLANTIC CENTRAL As a DC operator I remove all decoders
I'm not sure how that loco is wired, but in the past most Bachmann locos had a seperate light board and the decoder can be removed and jumpers installed. But that might not be true with the new sound versions.
Another DC operator here. I remove the circuit boards and the lights (I don't run night operations, and daytime headlights weren't used in my operating era). I then re-wire the locomotives so that they'll run without a tender - not much use in operations, but very handy for maintenance or troubleshooting. I also install mini-plugs between tender and loco for better electrical continuity.
With the circuit boards removed, locomotive response is much better, and control and the speed range is vastly improved at both the low- and high-ends.
Wayne
bibbster Anywho, if there is a way to adjust this DCC model on our DC track I'd appreciate any insight/help that you all could provide. I don't want to relegate it to display duty at C.S.R.R..
You need a DCC system to make changes to the microprocessor data.
Dual mode decoders require at least five volts just to wake up the microprocessor and maybe a couple more volts for the loco to move.
Too my knowledge it would retain the changes but I would carefully read though the documentation for analog operation.
You can also join the Bachmann forums as there are users there and Bachmann reps.
The NMRA knew this was second best when they came up with the dual mode option.
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.
I read about this loco sometime ago in the Bachmann forums and I believe it has a motor, lights decoder and a sound module.
The link to the loco parts.
http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=66_68_153
Thanks for the input everyone. The loco did come with some paperwork but it didn't seem to cover this type of thing. Maybe the DVD has some info on it, I didn't look at it at all, just tossed it to the side. lol
I'll head to the Bachmann forum and see what I can find out there. Had I known it would be this much hassle, I'd have just waited to find a non DCC model. Oh well. I'll post an update once I have one.
It's not really a hassel. All you need is a DCC system. Don't get the Bachmann EZ Command. It cannot change CV's. Only program the loco number. Right in the manual.
When you get to the Bachmann site, you will find all kinds of info. pictures. diagrams
Manufacturers expect users to have some knowledge of DCC.
richg1998 Manufacturers expect users to have some knowledge of DCC. Rich
I'm in trouble then. My knowledge of DCC is that it stands for Digital Command Control. Outside of that, nada.
Bibbster maybe you live close to someone who can help. In what part of the country are you?
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
BigDaddy Bibbster maybe you live close to someone who can help. In what part of the country are you?
Someone - I can't remember who now, maybe MRC? - makes a gizmo you can hook up that allows you to adjust the CV settings in a DCC decoder without having to buy a DCC system. That would allow you to adjust the volume settings of the chuff down to where it's more palatable. Although I imagine the Climax has a pretty small engine, you may be able to get better sound out of it - some sound decoders have EQ settings where you can boost or reduce the treble, midrange and bass.
I think a couple of companies make devices you can connect between your power pack and track that allow you to access some DCC function buttons. I have a old BLI one that just has bell and horn/whistle (F1 and F2), I used it one year running a small train around the Xmas tree using a DC power pack and a DCC-sound engine. Works well.
wjstix Someone - I can't remember who now, maybe MRC? - makes a gizmo you can hook up that allows you to adjust the CV settings in a DCC decoder without having to buy a DCC system...
Someone - I can't remember who now, maybe MRC? - makes a gizmo you can hook up that allows you to adjust the CV settings in a DCC decoder without having to buy a DCC system...
That's interesting. I'll see what I can dig up about that while trying to figure out what to do in the meantime.
bibbsterI've tried signing up on the Bachmann page but have yet to get the activation code email. Tried it three times and checked all my other folders including Junk/Spam. How long does it usually take to get that email?
I had the same problem. You have to email their customer service. I don't have the email addy any more, to the right dept., but they will connect you to the right people that will let you in. I was told there was a huge spam problem, and now you need the OK from their web site manager, or something like that.
Mike.
My You Tube
I found it, here's the addy for the forum:
webstore@bachmanntrains.com
Send them an email about your problem, they will set you up.
Thank you, Mike!
wjstixSomeone - I can't remember who now, maybe MRC? - makes a gizmo you can hook up that allows you to adjust the CV settings in a DCC decoder without having to buy a DCC system.
Edit: corrected link
MRC Tech 6 Handheld
This plugs into a separate controller that goes to the track. MRC's website makes it a bit hard to find things, so reseller sites can be easier.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
cuyama wjstix Someone - I can't remember who now, maybe MRC? - makes a gizmo you can hook up that allows you to adjust the CV settings in a DCC decoder without having to buy a DCC system. Edit: corrected link MRC Tech 6 Handheld This plugs into a separate controller that goes to the track. MRC's website makes it a bit hard to find things, so reseller sites can be easier.
wjstix Someone - I can't remember who now, maybe MRC? - makes a gizmo you can hook up that allows you to adjust the CV settings in a DCC decoder without having to buy a DCC system.
The consensus so far, from the one reply on the Bachmann forum, is that I have to have a DCC system to program the loco, which is what you guys said. So I guess I'll set it aside until I can find someone to program it for us.
bibbster The consensus so far, from the one reply on the Bachmann forum, is that I have to have a DCC system to program the loco, which is what you guys said. So I guess I'll set it aside until I can find someone to program it for us.
Alternately you could convert the locomotive to DC operation only and either place the decoder in the box for later when you may wish to purchase a DCC system, or you could sell said decoder on Ebay. Just some other ideas. Depends on how comfortable you are with taking things apart. Considering that you said your knowledge of DCC was what the acronym means only, maybe not the best option for you.
A bit of an update on this. I was able to purchase an MRC Prodigy Express system for what I thought was a fair price ($65) that we can use to program the Climax and our other DCC loco as well. We'll setup an off-track programming station to do this.
It may seem rather silly to buy a DCC system just to turn off the sound on a loco, but when we don't have anybody we know that runs DCC and the loco we wanted for our layout only came in DCC, well, ya gotta do what ya gotta do. That, and, I don't trust myself to dismantle the loco to remove the DCC chip(s).
When we actually get around to programming I'm sure I'll have questions. Looking at the manual that came with the Climax, well, it is a bit overwhelming.
Thanks, as always, for all of the help thus far. We appreciate it very much.
It is not silly at all. This is the difference between digital and analog.
Analog has no pulses, data information.
There is a learning curve with DCC.