Well I made the leap and went with DCC, I bought the MRC prod. Adv2 and I also picked up a DCC equiped loco ( bachmann spectrum sd45 from micromark for $39.00 ) so I could try it out.
so my questions are how do I know what values go into what CV’s, the only one’s I have set so far is the address and the start voltage (30) and max voltage (179) I got these two numbers from a MRR mag. DCC corner article on maching loco speeds Sept. 06.
The prod. adv2 has settings for start, acceleration, decelleration, max speed but I don’t know what values to use.
How do I turn on momentum and change the lighting so that both ends are lit with one end dimmed.
I believe that the loco has a bachmann ez DCC (lenz?) decoder, but it did not come with any real decoder papers.
Was there no literature or manual on the topic that came with your PA2? If you have one of the E-Z Command locomotives, you may be limited what you can do with them anyhow. I would check either the Lenz or Bachmann web sites to see if they don’t have a manual for you to download for those particular decoders.
Word of advice: Other than momentum and deceleration, don’t be too quick to start playing with CVs. Take your time and learn your DCC system FIRST. If you don’t learn your DCC system first, you’ll be more likely to press a sequence of buttons that will require you to reset the decoder to the original settings, which is CV8 = 33 for Lenz decoders. Bill, I wouldn’t start changing CVs until you can get more literature on that specific decoder.
tstage gave you some good advice. Figure out your DCC system before you get too deeply into decoder programming. Your system manual should give you the basic steps for programming a decoder. The CV settings you are looking for are largely a matter of personal choice or the mechanics of the locomotive involved, and will require some fiddling on your part to achieve the desired results. Not all decoders have the same features.
The Bachmann decoders in ready to run DCC locos are basic Lenz decoders. Usually, 2-function decoders. Motor control and lighting. Check out the Lenz website for the manual for their low cost 2-function decoder.
I have used a couple of these decoders and have the data sheet for them. Unfortunately, I am at work now so I can be of little assistance. As I recall, the Bachmann/Lenz decoders have basic capablility, start V, max V, etc. I’m not sure about momentum, mid V, or the choices for lighting. The lighting capabilities are usually set up in CV 29. You don’t want to go messing about there until you understand the basics and have a manual, or at least a data sheet, for your decoder in hand. This is the link to the Lenz site. Look in the Manuals section for their ‘value line’ of decoders.
Bill, I’d first e-mail Bachmann to find out which Lenz decoder is used in the Spectrum SD-45. (Most likely it’s the LE1000W.) Once you know that, you can then download the ma
I have a couple of the Bachmann SD45’s, purchased through Micro-Mark and use a PA to run the layout. As mentioned, the decoders are basic units and limited in what they can do. I have only set a two and three digit address on mine and modified the start and top speeds. The decoders do not have BEMF. They can be consisted but appearently don’t support transfering lighting functions to the consist. I don’t believe the decoders allow advanced lighting effects.
The actual units are pretty good pullers not bad detail and work fine in a consist, currently I have the two of mine running as a set.
As mentioned, limiting programing to addresses and consisting while learning about the capabilities of the PA system us a good idea.
To see the difference between the factory default in CV’s 3 and 4, inertia and momentum respectively, programme in a value of 40 in each and see the difference in start-up and then coasting to a stop. (Caution, this is a guess, since I don’t know which decoders you are using, and don’t also know the range of possible values for those two CV’s in your decoders…your manufacturer should have a website from which you can download a manual).
For my sound QSI’s, the range goes up to 255, if I have that right, and I tend to use a figure near 90 for my coal drag engines. On the other hand, my little yard switcher has next to nothing, maybe 30.
It is not unsound advice to get the feel of what DCC can do over time, and before you programme CV’s extensively to actually spend 30 minutes browsing through a manual, either on screen or in a three-ring binder.
Hey thanks for the great advice everyone, I think I have found some of what I was looking for on the Lenz web site.(thanks Tstage & BRVRR)[bow]
Min & max values for CV’s
Selector I’m looking forward to trying out some things friday night or saturday morning, after I read the PA2 manuel again.
P.S. Tilden is right anyone looking for a good deal on a very nice loco goto Micro-mark and check out the SD-45’s , I thought I was getting a cheap entry level job, but it turned out to be extremely nice and for only $39.00[:O]