I have a bachmann 2-8-0 and I have tried to install a dz123…anyways I get all the wires connected and then I place it n the track trying to test the operations and the led flickered on and off and made a clicking noise…thena bit of smoke came out…any idea why this happened? I realize its probably fried now just I did everything to the connections it should have and no go…frustrating
What scale engine are you talking about? If it’s the HO scale engine, I don’t think the DZ decoder is suitable for it. If you have the Spectrum 2-8-0 in HO scale, there is a socket in the tender into which you simply plug a decoder, and no connection of wires is necessary.
Well, clearly you did something wrong. Like cacole said if its a spectrum it should just plug in. Does bachmann standard make a 2-8-0? When you try again be VERY careful to solder all the wires in the right places and insulate them well. Too bad it wasnt a TCS decoder, you could have got a free replacement. (here I go on TCS again[:D])
Rune_74,
I hate to say it but it sounds like you fried your decoder. About using a Z decoder in your HO. I have a Lenz Z decoder in my P2K S1 and I’ve had no problems with it. It would entirely depend on the initial maximum draw of the Bachmann.
Rune, did you put the locmotive on a programming track or the main track?. (I’m guessing the main track.) It’s always best to put a new untested, installed decoder on a programming ONLY track for initail programming because a proper program track will only send a fraction of the current needed for programming vs. running your locomotive on your main layout - which would be at full AC. That way, if anything is wrong - i.e. a short, miswiring, etc. - it won’t fry the decoder.
Tom
sorry guys should have made it clear its a N scale loco…so no plugs…I think I may know what I have done wrong…the main chasy is metal and the chip was resting against that…think that did it? or the two wires that go t o thepower pickup touched…not sure
Possibly. You should always insulate (buffer) the decoder to keep it from inadvertently touching any metal. Is the motor isolated from the frame on the Bachmann 2-8-0?
Tom