Hi folks, has anyone done a decoder install in a Bachmann Ballast regulator?
The hook up seems straightforward enough for hardwiring but where do you put the decoder??  I am using a Digitrax DZ125 which measures 1/2  X  5/16  but there still does not seem to be anywhere to hide it in the motor compartment. Any suggestions will be gratefully received.

Limey.

 I had a similar problem with a Spectrum 3 truck Climax DCC equipped.  The Climax is a Demonstrator #3 and I wanted to program it for # 3000 but the decoder would not accept it on the 4 digit address system. I ended up just programming it for #300 still on the 4 digit system.  This seems to be some kind of quirk with Bachmann decoders.
      My system is a Digitrax Zephyr DCS50 and I followed the manual to the letter and of course used the required 1000 ohm half watt resistor but after seven or eight tries I just gave up on it.

Regards, Limey.

I have had similar probs. with the Climax and DCS50.  Although my Climax is non sound it came with a factory installed decoder.
I tried innumerable times to program it for #3000 but each time I got the error  d nd.  Then it seemed to clear up and seemed to accept that number but when I read it back it still showed 03.  Finally I programmed it for #300 instead of 3000 and it worked fine.  BTW. I find that the 1000 ohm. resistor MUST be put across the tracks BEFORE you go to Program Mode on the program track.

Once again, thanks Joe.
Limey

I have an FB2  ( DCC ready ) and I want to install a decoder, how do I remove the shell. I searched this site but can't find specifics on the FB2.
      Do I have to remove the 4 screws, or the couplers or are there tabs to be pried out ??

Thanks, Limey.

I finally cracked it, I changed out the decoder for a Digitrax DH123 and every thing works great.
Thanks to all for suggestions. 
   Better have a word with the quality control boys Mr.Bachmann, this unit was brand new out of the box.

Regards Limey.

Hi Bapguy,
 
Before I got your last message I tried one more thing, I put the tender back together and set it on the track, turned the track power on ( It reads 12v. on the AC scale which is the output of my Zephyr.) Then I measured the voltage from the solder pads on the board where the track power comes into the board, 12v. AC. so that would indicate that the pickups ARE working. I tried this with the decoder connected and disconnected and got the same 12v. reading both ways.  So now I am thinking it is either a bad decoder or something wrong with the board.

          You mentioned about the decoder being set up for DC only, how would I check for that.

Hi guys,
             I think I have found the trouble, when I checked the truck pick ups on the tender they are wired correctly, however,
     when I put the ohm meter on the wheels to the board there is no response, likewise from the axles that the wipers are touching , no response. I checked the wire from the pickups to the board and that reads O.K.  but for some reason the wipers are not making good contact.  Yep tried the meter again, still no reading btn. the solder pad on the pickups and the wheels or axle. Is there some coating that Bachmann puts on those parts   they look O.K.
Limey.

Hi Bapguy,
                  Thanks for the tips, I removed the tender shell, all looks good there, the decoder is plugged in. I tried the 9 volt battery test and the loco wheels turn when battery power is applied to the tender pick up wheels. So I put all back together again and retried on the layout. Still nothing, no lights no motor noise.  I have other decoders ( not Bachmann ) would it damage the other manufacturers decoder if I switched them???

Thanks Limey.

A while back I bought a 2-8-4 Berkshire, Bachmann # 50948.  This loco is DCC equipped.  My layout is still under construction so I didn't get chance to try the loco when I first got it.  Yesterday I put on the test track ( Program Mode ) and could read back the address as 03.   So I switched to (Run Mode) and tried to power it up,  Nothing,  no lights no sounds from the motor nothing.
This loco is brand new out of the box, I checked the plugs and both are in securely.  Any suggestions plse.

BTW.  The power to the run mode is O.K. as I tried other units and they work fine, both in 03 and 4 digit addresses.

Regards, Limey

Hi folks,
              I have just received my 3 truck Climax and when I tested it on my Digitrax Zephyr on 03 for DC operation it didn't start to move until about 80 % of throttle input was engaged.
       While I realise that this little loco is no express I think it should respond sooner than that.
      Can anyone tell me what CV would increase this response and any suggestion regarding the numbers for the CV would be helpful.

Many thanks, Limey.

BTW. This is a sweet looking little loco, keep em coming Bachmann.

I know C.N. had Baldwin 2-8-0's so count me in for at least a couple.

Limey.

While reading Eisenhower's Crusade in Europe I was interested to see that the American forces transported a lot of their supplies by train. From England they were loaded on to landing craft outfitted with rails and then off in France by a flexable track system from the landing craft to the main rail system. Apparently because of the lack of locomotives left serviceable in Europe after the invasion they even shipped locomotives from the U.S. as well.
     Does anyone know what configuration these locos where.

Regards, Limey

JRG1951 you got it right, Ihave an A unit which is DCC ready and I wanted to marry them up and use the B unit sounds.         Hunt,  I have not tried the CV's yet but thanks for the info.  and thanks to all who contributed.       Regards, Limey.

I recently purchased Bachmann item 64901 (HO Alco FB2 diesel loco with sound) I have been able to program it for 4 digit address and the normal engine sounds come on but I am unable to get the bell and diesel horns to operate.     My system is a Digitrax Zephyr so as per. their instructions I programmed on the program track using a 1000 ohm resistor across the tracks.   Has anyone else had any similar problems with this item or have any suggestions as to how to rectify it.    Thanks. Limey.