Do I Have to Install a DCC Card, if I Just Purchased a DCC Ready Loco (Bachmann)

[Ottawa HO Guy]

Hello.  I just set up my track and E-Z Command controller.  I programmed button "1" to run the locomotive, according to the instructions.  The loco does not move.  Just a humming noise from the loco as I turn the control knob clockwise. I used a voltmeter to check the track (plus and minus sides) and the voltage increases as I turn the E-Z command control knob clockwise.  I removed the voltmeter, operated the E-Z Command controller and the locomotive remains stationary with a humming noise. Did I forget to install a DCC card, or is it already installed?  Thanks!

[BobZ]

DCC Ready means that the DCC Socket Connector is installed in the loco but you have to install the DCC Decoder.

[trainman203]

And a speaker too, if you got a decoder with sound

[jward]

DCC Ready means that the DCC Socket Connector is installed in the loco but you have to install the DCC Decoder.

DCC ready does NOT mean there is a socket installed in the locomotive. It means the motor has been isolated from the chassis. There may or may not be a socket to plug in a decoder. In many cases, you have to hard wire a decoder into the locomotive, or use one of the drop in decoders that replace the PC board in the locomotive.





If your locomotive has a socket you're ahead of the game. Be sure you know which socket it has. There are 6 pin, 8 pin, 9 pin and 21 pin versions out there, with 8 and 21 pin being the most common.

[trainman203]

"DCC ready" is in reality a pretty ambiguous and possibly misleading term.