Decoder problem in Bachmann HO GE 70 Diesel DCC NEED HELP

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

I have the above loco with factory decoder, #60607. Tried to call Bachmann but they are closed indefinitely. NEED HELP.

I have tried to reset the address for this loco several times with inconsistent results. Here are to results I get, such as:

  • No change to address, address 3 remains
  • No assign address, loco does not respond to any address
  • Changes to new address, … for a while it works ok. then reverts to address 3 or no address.

I have an NCE 5amp system. Can some one give me the secret recipe for permanetly setting the address and possibly other CV’s. I would like to at least get the address changed and have the loco continue to operate on that address.

Thanks

2

All I can offer is a decoder reset. Set CV8 = 8, cycle the power off and on. The address at that point should be 3. Change the address. It should remember that address and run.

It may need 1000 ohm resistor across the programming track if the above fails.

3

Hello All,

Bachmann decoders are extremely simple and only support 13 Configuration Variables (CVs) while most other decoders support over 60 CVs.

I have a Bachmann GE 70 tonner in my roster. I also use JMRI Decoder Pro through a Digitrax PR3 to a separate programming track from my desktop Mac.

My DCC system is the Bachmann Dynamis with the 5 A booster and the ProBox.

I added a NCE Auto SW Program Track Auto Switch so I could have a programming track on the pike through the Bachmann DCC system.

Having the Bachmann DCC system is no advantage when dealing with the decoders of the same brand.

Are you “programming on the main” (POM) or do you have a dedicated programming track?

First, I would recommend a decoder reset; CV 8 to a value of 8. This will set the address to the default of “3” and restore the factory-set CVs.

The decoder needs to be set to accept 4-digit addresses. These are controlled through CVs 17 & 18.

Even if you don’t have the ability to run JMRI to a programming track you can still download the program and use it as a CV calculator.

To do this, download and install the Decoder Pro program; available for Windows and Mac.

When you open the application don’t worry if you get an initial error message of “Unable to connect to Loco Net…” Choose the “Start With New Profile” option.

Once open hit the “New Loco” button in the upper left. This will open a list of supported decoders.

From the list toggle open the Bachmann folder, toggle open the E-Z Command decoders folder and choose the 2-function decoder (36-552).

At the lower left you will see a button marked Open Comprehensive Programmer. Hit this to open the programming window.

On the top of this window there will be several page options. Go the Basic page.

Choose the radio button marked

4

Yes, the EZ Command decoder is very basic. The specs are in the DCC page at the Bachmann site.

I have the loco but ripped out the decoder after trying it with my NCE Power Cab. It did work.

I put in a sound decoder.

Below is a non sound if you have the ability. You can pull the caps.

https://tcsdcc.com/installation/ho-scale/1244

Rich

5

If you’re trying to assign a three or four digit ID to it, it could be you need to change the setting in CV29 to allow long addresses. I’d maybe try doing the decoder reset, and then set it to a two-digit number and run it for a few days and see if it retains that number.

I have had decoders where the long address changes, but the short address remains 03. That can cause a problem, especially if using the engine with a different DCC system.

6

Now I’m confused

I assume the OP has a Procab. I have a Powercab, and while there are important differences between the two has regards high numbered CV’s, using the Powercab for loco setup, on the programing track, I don’t need to know anything about CV’s 17, 18 and 29. Nor do I need JMRI.

It asks me if I want to program the short addy or the long one. The way the messages appear on the screen, makes it seem like you could have both long and short addresses, but that has never happened to me.