Hi there,
I just got two DCC Bachmann HO GP 35 diesel loco’s, and I can’t figure out how to decode them our make them run? I have a Digitax Zephry Basic set, and can’t just figure out. Can anyone give me a hand on this. Thanks
I don’t have either your engines or DCC system; however you just put one on the track, turn on the DCC system and run the loco according to the instructions with your DCC system. Normally, new loco’s are supplied with an address (loco number) programmed to 3 (or 03 if you need two digits). You will have to follow the instructions, for your DCC system, to change the address (loco number) on one of the locos’s to something other than 3 of you want both to be on the track at the same time.
This only applies if you got DCC locos’s. If they are just DCC ready, decoders will have to be installed in the loco’s.
Good luck - read the loco instructions and instructions for your DCC system.
Yes I have read and are fellowing the instructions. I’ve gotten one of two running now, now I need to get a second peacie of track to huck up to the DCC box to program them. First when I was reading the instructions I couldn’t understand what to do, then I ask my borther and he figured out what to do. So now its all good. The one i’ve been running runs great, has a nice brake effect from full speed to a lower speed to stop.
Dan have you ever used the Zephyr before? Are you familiar with selecting a loco with the Zephyr system?
Let us assume that the locos are set to a default address of 03 from the factory.
Let us also assume that the Zephyr is setup and wired to the track correctly.
First make sure that the track power is on. Press the “power” button and the “track status” LED will show steady red.
Place one of the Locos on the track.
Press the “loco” button once
Enter “0” then “3” with the keypad to display 03 on the LCD display.
Then press “loco” button once more.
Move the direction padle switch to the “Forward” position and then increase the throttle and the loco should move.
If this does not work, look in the documentation that came with the Bachmann’s and see what the default address is. Just substitute that number for 03 in the sequence above.
The default address for ALL Bachmann DCC onboard and spectrum locomotives is 3 (03), factory preset.
You may already have discovered this, but you can only run one at a time, until you change one of the addresses.
HI Dan,
Glad to hear you have a couple of DCC locos. I remember your thread a few weeks ago where a few of us were suggesting to you that it’s the way to go.
Sorry I can’t help much. I have the “other system” NCE Power Cab. Have to say their manual is quite comprehensive and not too hard to follow. Don’t rush it. I am sure the Digitrax instruction is just as good. The guys in front of me have told you all that I could say. Hope you pinged to that one that you need to program your locos. Give them a number like the cab side nmber. You can leave one of them as 3 if you want, but why not program their visible number in?
Yeah there address to as 03, all I need is a second huck up peice to the track so the two locos can be programed. I bought them on ebay last friday, both were 33.99$. Here some pictures of them running.
Do you really need a separate programming track? I just program mine on the mainline. I simply set the loco on the track, an dsince none of my locos has a 3 (03) address, I don’t have to worry about accidently programming another one. I just program it right there on the main track. Now that I have my layout completely rewired, I can isolate that part of the main line. I use the Bachmann EZ Command system, so programming is quick and easy, takes about 30 seconds, at the slowest.
IIRC, Digitrax uses the dedicated programming track to read back CV’s. It also uses a broadcast method in Service Mode Programming, which broadcast commands to all decoders on the rail. So, it is good practice to have an isolated track.
My 2 cents worth.
Chris
But for now, if there are only two why not just put one on the track, take care of getting it set up, take it off and do the other. In the long run, that is not a good solution, but for now, why not?
Dan,
From the Pics it looks like you’ve figured it out.
I have the same two locos, got them at a train show back in April. I did have problems with #4402. It squealed and made a bunch of racket so I sent it back. The replacement did the same thing after running it for about half an hour. I sent it back also, the third must have been the charm. It runs just fine. Hope yours don’t give you any problems.
Looks like you’re off to a good start with your layout. Have fun running the new locos.
Bill
Place one engine on the track. Turn on the command control system.
Power to the tracks need to be turned on.
Is Power at the tracks? If (No) find out why no track power.
Select: Select loco number 03
Turn up the throttle does the loco move? (YES) finished run loco for now.
Do the head lights come on? If (NO) turn them on. If still (NO)
The engine decoder may be in one of the shut down modes.
You need to issue a decoder start up command.
such as pressing a key pad number (6) for digitrax decoders.
Did engine start up? (Yes) done. Turn up the throttle and run the loco.
If (NO) Find the start up key press.
If the locomotive runs ok. Find out how to Program the Engines Decoder address.
You can get a Manual for the Zephry from:
http://www.digitrax.com/manuals.php
Thanks guys I’ve gotten the two locos running together on “03”, and one DC loco running on “00”. 4402 runs fine, the only problem is a section of track is some how dropping power or somthing, cuz when ether I run the newer locos on it or older ones it happens to all of them. I have the section maked off and are trying to find out whats going on. And its so cool seeing the DCC ones running forward with forward headlights on, then switching it to go backwards, it turns off forward lights and turns on rearward lights.
You might have loose rail joiners. Don’t make fixes to them. Add new rail Feeder connections to both tracks. Place insulators in both rails at about three to four feet apart. around your layout or longer than
the longest train you plan to run.
Now add wire Feeders from the main wire buss to the rails in each of these track sections.
This is a must when running a layout for DCC. This will stop any voltage drops in the system.
After wiring the feeders if you have voltage trouble in a section then you might need a booster pack
or a pack with a higher amp output.
Do not hook up excessories to operate off your track power. Use a separate power pack for that
including for the wiring of your switch machines.
[quote user=“Vail & Southwestern RR”]
But for now, if there are only two why not just put one on the track, take care of getting it set up, take it off and do the other. In the long run, that is not a good solution, but for now, why not?
Quote is supposed to end here, but forum has screwed up — AGAIN!
Because one gets into the habit of doing things that aren’t good for the long run. Eventually, one will end up programming a locomotive sitting in the round house by mistake. Better to develop good operational habits right from the git-go.
I have been trying to program both locos, the only problem is the DCC command doesn’t see the loco and shows a error. We do the programing steps right but the command can’t see the locos. Now Im lost.
You must select the DCC loco’s address on the throdle. It should be 03
Press program key to enter into the programming mode.
The display should show the last CV and CV values Programed.
Select opernations Mode by pressing the program key till if shows OP.
The Engine number being preparied to program is on the Right side of the display
Use the L side to Dial up the CV you should see Ad2= this is a 2 digit address
you want AD4= this is a 4 digit address. when you get AD4= use the R side to select the numbers.
example: to make 4402 an engine address you will dial up AD4=4402 then enter
That codes the engine to respond to address to 4402.
If the engine won’t respond to the new address prograned say 4402 then some times you need to
also change the value in the configuration register: CV29
Look in your manual for the value to place in CV29.
Hay thanks Modeloldtimer for that step-by-step walk thought, I’ll have to try that the next time I get a chance. Well I’ve pulled up the inner track and cork to reform it and fit it, the track wasn’t on center.