I know this is probably a stupid question but i need to know. I just bought the bachmann dcc train set with the GP40 and FT and i was wondering if you could take the decoders out of the locos and put them in different ones like a kato SD70MAC for example or an athearn rtr SD40-2 or Dash9? If anyone knows i would really appreciate it!
Bachmann decoders are compatable with any DCC system. They work fine, but they are very limited in what they can do (just like the Bachmann DCC system).
Why not just buy new decoders for your Kato and Athearn and install them instead of doing twice the work? Removing factory installed Bach decoders might void your lifetime warranty.[2c]
Im not really conerned about the warranty, i have had so many bach. locos im not even worried about them. The thing about it is the only loco of the 2 i was thinking about keeping up with is the ATSF GP40 but, the ATSF only had 1 in there fleet so im just going canabilize the loco’s for there decoders and parts if needed. This is going to be fun stepping into the world of DCC! Finally!
SD60M, if that is the case, go out and spend 25 bucks and get a decent decoder. One of the pleasures of DCC is the ability to consist and speed match locomotives. I am afraid that Bachmann EZ decoders do NOT have CVs that help you speed match.
I’ve used some of the Bachmann Bach1 DCC OnBoard decoders in Athearn and Proto 2000 locos. At the moment I have them in two Proto 2000’s and and three Athearn’s, all car body units.
I’ve got a Bachmann decoder that came with my Peter Witt trolley. I added on a Digitrax sound-only decoder. In order to program the sound decoder, I have to disconnect the Bachmann decoder, because they aren’t compatable on the programming track. If you put in a Digitrax decoder, you’ll have an easier time upgrading to sound, if that’s in your plans. (And if it’s not in your plans, well, then you just haven’t tried sound much. Addictive, that’s what it is.)
The Bachmann decoder chooses to use F1 to dim the interior lights of the trolley. Since F1 is used for the “Bell” sound in all the sound decoders I’ve seen, I have to live with the lights going dim when I ring the bell. (If anyone knows which CV’s to play with on the Bachmann to re-map this function, I’d appreciate knowing.)