I recently purchased a Spectrum GE 45 ton switcher. I found a dealer selling them at a train show, and thought the little critter looked pretty interesting. Those side rods are what really won me over. Though I was happy with my purchase I was skeptical about how well the unit would operate. I’ve operated the critter for several hours both running light and pulling a short train to get it broken in. The little loco seems to operate well. It runs better than I expected. The only problem I’ve had is that so far I can’t reprogram the decoder address with my Digitrax Empire Builder. For the time I’m operating the loco using the 03 address. If necessary I can live with that as my layout is small with only one or two locos on it at a time. If needed there is a dealer nearby that installs decoders and sound systems, and he would program the address for me. Other than the decoder address issue I’m pleased with my new little critter.
Has anyone else had any experience with these units? Thanks!
Did you try all four of the programming modes? pg, ph, pd, and po. I have the SEB and sometimes I have to try them all before some decoders (even Digitrax decoders) will accept the address programming.
I’ve only tried the pg mode which if memory serves correctly is the Digitrax preferred method. Somone (can’t recall who at the moment) said to try the direct or pd mode. I’m not too worried about it as I can take the unit to Harvey’s Trains at Hollister, MO and he’ll get it squared away. I’ve had issues with a couple of other decoders in the past and Harvey always manages to rescue me.
I sometimes have some difficulty programming a new loco, usually the newer Bachmann locos. For these I attach a resistor to the end of the program track. Problem solved.
