Do I need a new Decoder?

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

One of my Bachmann Climax would not run.

  1. Lights worked.

  2. I could see a slight movement ( Forward and Reverse)

Here is what I have done so far.

  1. Tryed to Reprogram using the same address

  2. Entered CV8. Set to8 It went to Address #3

Everything stayed the same as above.

Is my Decoder shot?

While I have your attention. If the decodere has to be replaced is there room in the Bachmann Climax HO to install sound?

2

If it moves some, first thing I would check is there is no binding anywhere in the drive. Decoder I have wasted has been no movement when the drive section failed.

Try it on DC as well.

Ken

3

There is No binding of the drives.

4

What you need is a decoder tester in order to test the various functions.

Meanwhile, try a reset to factory defaults.

Rich

5

1 MAke sure analog running is OFF

2 Is the decder set for 28 speed steps and you’re trying to use 128 speed steps?

3 What system are you using?

Joe

6

Try removing the decoder and reinstalling the DC dummy plug and see if it works OK on DC. If so, it’s probably the decoder.

7

Tryed all speed settings.

Using Prodogy Advance

All other engines are responding

I don’t have DC but maybe I can take it over to the LHS

8

I should be at the factory setting when I did the CV 8. It did go back to Address #3

9

Reomve the decoder, get a 9V battery and get a battery snap with wires at Radio Shack (or cut one out of some broken electronic device that uses 9V batteries), and touch the wires to the motor leads. WITH THE DECODER REMOVED. You WILL fry the decoder if you try this with the decoder installed. A 9V battery should have plenty of power to runt he motor, espcially with the loco up on blocks. If the motor doesn’t turn - it’s probably not the decoder, but somethign in the mechanis that is jammed. You cna try turnign the gear ont he motor by hand and feel if it’s jammed or if it turns freely. If you can freely turn the gears but it won;t run on a 9V battery, the motor is probably shot.

–Randy

10

Do you have a meter?

If so, measure the voltage at the motor leads as you increase the throttle. This should go from zero to about 12-14 volts DC. If you see that, the decoder is doing its job.

If you don’t have a meter, get one. They’re pretty cheap now at places like Harbor Freight. Once you’ve got one, you’ll wonder how you ever did without it.