Quote from: Jim Banner on March 06, 2009, 02:31:00 PM
Even though I use a Zephyr for programming (including programming "on the fly" in OPs mode) I do like JMRI's Decoder Pro when I am near my computer.

With many decoders, it is possible to program the locomotive with a 4 digit address and still run it on a 2 digit system like the E-Z Command.  The trick is to program the 2 digit address into CV19 (the Advanced Consisting CV).  Use that address on the 2 digit system but reset CV19 to zero for 4 digits.  I also use this trick with Digitrax when I use one of the older, 2 digit throttles.

Jim thanks for the tip, I'll give it a try!

Tom I have just now finished "playing" with cv's in a DCC Bachmann GE 70 ton switcher and all is well, per your question about Bachmann using  Decoder Pro and the PR3. Here is a picture of part of the Decoder Pro program and you can see Bachmann on it.

Granted if you add the costs up and do not already have an E-Z Command the full function systems may result in a similar capital outlay but this does tend to negate the arguments that E-Z Command is not expandable.

I know what you mean about similar cost, but what I'm finding out is that you can configure cv's on the fly so to speak, as the train is operating on your layout. But most users are saying to program on an isolated section. which I do have on my layout I use to program loco's to my EZ Command and the portable one I made, so I feel as I don't want to buy another computer or move my computer to the train room, what I've done by purchasing the Digitrax to program was the best for now. If and when I do step up to a more complex system than Bachmann EZ it's still no loss for me. I am interested in the Bachmann Dyamis system, but they too have no interface/internet capability but I would like to see that system being used and I have a lot of questions this time before I purchase it. I like the idea of 4 digit programming so you can program your loco with the road number that's on the loco, just makes more sense than trying to figure out what engine is #7 on the Bachmann controller. I now have 27 DCC loco's after installing my first decoder in the 70 ton diesel. Keeping track of 27 loco's would be easier using the road numbers.
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Quote from: boomertom on March 05, 2009, 11:21:57 AM
In another thread, Rangerover wrote"I have added this to my system, just received it yesterday and was up till the wee hours of the morning "playing" with it. I can now simply plug this in a USB on my computer, no need to have the computer in the train room. I nailed a piece of flex track to a piece of 1X4 pine hook up the wires, plug it in go to a website and put the loco on the track, turn on the power and it reads on my computer screen all the cv's in both sound and non sound decoders installed in the loco. FANTASTIC !!!!!!! I didn't realize how many different sounds there are and levels of. I can finally turn off my mars lights or even leave them on in the yard with the engine idling, the mars light dims when idling and brightens up when in motion. Even the ditch lights work now. Got a lot to learn yet, but this makes it all so much more worthwhile and better for under $80.00."

I am interested in this concept of using mu computer to read and program CVs, this would seem to solve the "problem" with E-Z Command that you are not able to adjust acceleration rates, speed tables, and many of the fine tuning that the more expensive systems allow.

Granted if you add the costs up and do not already have an E-Z Command the full function systems may result in a similar capital outlay but this does tend to negate the arguments that E-Z Command is not expandable.

Tom

Hello Tom, Rangerover here, yes to your question if you purchase the Digitrax PR3 you can do this, you will also need to go to another site and download this:

http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/html/apps/DecoderPro/index.shtml

There are two types of configuration files:

Decoder configuration files - These carry the description of a specific type of decoder, and control how the programmer displays the variable information.
Locomotive configuration files - These carry the specific information on a single locomotive.

I am very pleased with the results so far, but so much to learn yet. I will probably step up to a more comprehensive system, but due to the recession, I'm holding off for a while. I am retired and though my pension is secure, there's always that possibility that things as far as income, would go haywire and I don't want to buy something and then have to sell it due to the loss of income if it should happen. I can sell my Bachmann system on eBay, so I won't be losing anything, I've had it 4 years now and far as I'm concerned, the Bachmann EZ command paid for itself the first year I used it.

Bridgeport...Rt 79 to Bridgeport exit 121. Look up the hill as you come off the exit ramp Meadowbrook Mall, that's where it is!

I may get in trouble for this but....I bought the Bachmann EZ Command 4 years ago and then 3 years ago I bought the 5 amp booster. I haven't had any problem with the system at all, that's including Bachmann factory installed DCC loco's both steam and diesel. You can't beat the price! I also have many other DCC loco's, more expensive including some with sound, 26 in all. I love the simplicity of the Bachmann system and I have no regrets.

However after defending the Bachmann system that I use on another forum, I mentioned the fact about another poster saying I couldn't adjust cv's. with lights or sound or speed control and other goody's. I mentioned that I can turn the lights off and on, dim or bright and what else is there. I also mentioned the mars lights that work with the Bachmann system. Ok my post is getting long...after arguing about cv's, I have been reading a lot about other DCC systems and dwelling on the problems occurring adjusting cv's and computer interface systems.

I have added this to my system, just received it yesterday and was up till the wee hours of the morning "playing" with it. I can now simply plug this in a USB on my computer, no need to have the computer in the train room. I nailed a piece of flex track to a piece of 1X4 pine hook up the wires, plug it in go to a website and put the loco on the track, turn on the power and it reads on my computer screen all the cv's in both sound and non sound decoders installed in the loco. FANTASTIC !!!!!!! I didn't realize how many different sounds there are and levels of. I can finally turn off my mars lights or even leave them on in the yard with the engine idling, the mars light dims when idling and brightens up when in motion. Even the ditch lights work now. Got a lot to learn yet, but this makes it all so much more worthwhile and better for under $80.00.

I will keep my Bachmann system along with the digitrax interface, I'm very pleased and happy with it!

http://www.ulrichmodels.biz/servlet/the-352/PR3-USB-LocoNet-Interface/Detail

I also purchased this power pack which digitrax recommed's for $12.00
A 12-15V DC Power Supply (Digitrax recommends the PS12).

I wonder why Bachmann doesn't offer computer interface even with the Dynamis system ?

Am I the only one who still uses regular old testors glue in the red and white label ?

I tried 2 different CA adhesives sold to me 4 years ago when I first came back to the hobby from a hobby shop. I couldn't get it to work. I have buildings I put on my layout that I built, plastic, over 30 years ago and they are still together in spite of extremely hot and sub zero temps in attics using the red and white regular old testors, course I apply it with a tooth pick and have no problems using it. I'll be one that will stay with what I found out works for me.

I think it would be wise to check the lube in the gear boxes, some are overlubed and some are dry from the manufacturer.  Also steam loco's should have the rods and levers lightly oiled with a plastic friendly oil. Auto trans fluid, hair clipper oil or labell.

Quote from: jward on February 24, 2009, 02:28:56 PM
i have 1 f40ph, 3 h16-44, 1 gp50. 2 gp40. 2 gp35. 1 gp30, 1 sd45 all bachmann. i love the dcc on board. in this day of $200 locomotives, it's nice to get one with dcc for $50 or so......the only problems i have ever had with them is getting my digitrax to program the bachmann/lenz decoders.

those who think these are toys do not remember the crap AHM and tyco were putting out in the 70s.

Oh how well I remember, LOL, I still got them old crappy stuff from even the 50's. I stil have them. I can't comment on the lenz decoder problem programing for digitrax. I use Bachmann EZ command!

Gene.. sorry, now I know what you see that I didn't before. I had an S curve in the worst possible place, just before it switched on to my removable bridge between isle's. I had to move the switch back 12" and put in a straight piece. Can't have S curves!

Quote from: mf5117 on February 23, 2009, 04:15:41 AM
also i was wondering a good dcc loco for going up grades pulling a load diesel or elec i dont care .we are doing the transition period layout and senery.

Bachmann EMD F40PH -NJ Transit, I have 2 of these units in consist pulling  10 IHC NJ Transit passenger cars, weighted, up a 3%+ grade for approx 24 ft from my subway to the top of my main layout with no problem in DCC.

Marx made toys and for a while had a line of O27 trains, kind of a poor man's lionel.

I think that comment is odd, after all some still think of Bachmann as that still to this day! TOY line of trains.

I personally have some Bachmann track, on my subway and I also own and run Bachmann diesel and steam loco's, and consider myself a Model Railroader, I think Bachmann is great!

All the plans the link show are in Bachmann EZ track and switch's!

From reading reviews of track cleaning cars I am currently thinking about this car from Tony's Trains, pricey but may be the best I ever read about. Link; http://www.tonystrains.com/products/cmx-products.htm

3.  I don't know how the new scale couplers work.  I played a bit with the old systems but never had much luck.
4.  Can I convert my old engines to dcc?

If you are going to use the new couplers, knuckle, I highly recommend Kadee. If you have old rolling stock you can buy a test kit for about $25.00 they are all different possible couplers for most rolling stock and engines. Kadee #5 is the most popular though.

Some aren't really worth it, you can't beat the price of a Bachmann DCC loco with DCC installed. I recommend Atlas too for detail and quiet performers and the price is right.  I bought 26 DCC loco's from all different  manufacturer's, some with sound. When you put one of the newer loco's be it steam or diesel on the track, they are so smooth and nice, from just creeping to ho scale speed. it's just great. Most have flywheels these days and can motors, which are far superior to the open frame motor of days gone by.

As another poster said it requires a lot of work to convert to DCC, especially noted is making sure the motor is isolated from the chassis which in most cases you have to remove the motor and insulate with plastic and use nylon screws to replace the metal screws. Fun to do, and a challenge, but can be very rewarding when it works and you did it right. Best to buy yourself a cheap meter for testing continuity and voltage when installing motors and decoders and stall speed.

Hello and welcome back to modeling. I retired 3 years ago and knew I wanted to build a layout after being away for 35 years. I was astonished, dumbfounded on the new DCC system.  Not only that the beauty and detail of the loco's and rolling stock, even the buildings laser cut wood and sharp detail even the plastic resin kits are far superior to some of the older kits from the 60's. But the lingo or the way some try to explain all that's new in modeling had and still has me scratching my head. Some talk to newcomers as tough they should already know what they're talking about. It's best to lurk for a while just so you can understand the terms they use.

The DCC systems and choices from the simple Bachmann, less expensive than most others to elaborate and pricey systems. I bought the EZ Command to learn on 3 years ago and the 5 amp booster, I still have it and use it. some of the other systems are too complicated and expensive for me at this time.

Read this and other model train forums, do searches on forums too that's how I got up to date. Visit, if you can, a club in your area to get recommendations on the newer stuff and possibly hands on with DCC.

I used some of my old track too, brass, steel and NS. I did replace some of the brass with ns, some of it, even the NS was out of spec, wide between the rails when I  checked it with a gauge. I just don't  want any problems once I get all the scenics and ballast done.  I used both code 100 mostly and some code 83. What I found out was that code 83 can be a sort of a problem with old rolling stock that have deep flange wheels, they roll on the plastic tie plates. I had to replace with newer wheels. Code 83 looks more in scale to some, but what I found out is after it's ballasted, it's really hard to tell the difference. I like the code 100 in the areas where it is hard to get to for maintenance and little more reliable as far as a possible derailment in the mountains or tunnels.

Some folks still use all their old stuff, such as myself and even stayed analog (DC). Me too I still run part of mine in analog sometimes. The old tyco, bachmann, ahm, cheap rolling stock from years ago sure does look great with a little weathering and new couplers and trucks and wheels. a little work involved, but I'm having a good time and enjoying it.

Gee as you expand and buy say the more expensive highly detailed rolling stock, they are great for practicing weathering too. That's what I used, old tyco, ahm, bachmann stuff from the 50's to 70's. LOL they sometimes look better than the good stuff when all weathered up and with better trucks and couplers!

I did full stall tests on my locos prior to decoder install, they were all under 3/4 amp. (.68 -.70), so I used one amp decoders (DH123).

Thanks Bob, I understand now.

Isolating the motor and pickups would be a very tedious job, not something I would care to attempt.

I'll take another look at that and make sure. I'm only getting my feet wet here and maybe I'll try the cheap decoder I have before I install an expensive sound decoder.

That's why I bought the Bachmann EZ Command with the 5 amp booster 4 years ago.  The simplicity!