Replacing a decoder

[noblepa]

I am new to the DCC world. I recently acquired a Bachmann "DCC Equipped"  EMD FT locomotive that doesn't run.

Upon opening it up, I could see that the decoder is fried.

I have purchased a BACH-DSL decoder made by NCE. Is this the correct decoder for this locomotive? Physically, it looks exactly like the old one.

I have read the installation instructions that came with the decoder. Removing the old decoder and soldering the new one in place looks to be very straightforward. I'm pretty good with a soldering iron and I have one with a very fine tip.

On page 3, it shows how to cut the "104" capacitors located in the fuel tank. This is after the discussion about replacing the decoder and testing it on a programming track. What is the purpose of cutting this caps? Is it necessary? Is it the case that the original decoder needed these caps while the replacement does not?

Lastly, assuming that I am able to properly install the new decoder, is this a dual-mode decoder? That is, will the locomotive operate on a conventional 12v DC layout, or does it only operate in DCC mode?

[trainman203]

I am very old to the DCC world, almost 20 years now,and I stillpay people to install decoders.  Yes it does cost some money, but my life is much more peaceful and I know the engine will run when I put it on the track.

[jward]

I have installed several of these decoders in Bachmann locomotives. I have yet to do an F type unit like the Ft or F9, but they shouldn't be significantly different than any others, other than the lack of a rear headlight.

Yes, installation is straightforward. there re only 4 wires to solder to get it up and running. In addition, The decoder comes with LEDs to replace the original headlights. To be honest, getting those to work was the hardest part of the conversion.

One of the big advantages of using the aftermarket decoders over the original factory installed ones is that the new decoders support CV5 and CV6 making complete adjustment of speed possible, including speed matching them to the rest of your fleet. The new decoders are also silent running, as opposed to the grinding noise emitted by some of the DCC OnBoard decoders. Personally, I use the original decoders in the locomotives that came with them, and convert the DC ones using the Bach-DSL decoder.

Yes, these are dual mode. You can run them on DC but since the decoder circuitry uses about 5 volts before the locomotive starts to move, you locomotive will run sluggish on DC. I turn off this feature in my decoders, as under certain conditions the decoder can be tricked into thinking it is on DC track, and operate according to the voltage on the rails. Since DCC has full voltage on the track at all times, the result is a spectacular runaway, and sheer panic when you cannot control your locomotive other than completely killing power to the tracks. You can disable the DC feature using CV29.

[noblepa]

Thanks, Jeff,

That is kind of what I thought.

I bought this loco on a whim. I didn't even know, at the time, that it was DCC equipped. I'm not sure whether to try to sell it on eBay or try to use it on my DC layout. I fgured that its worth a lot more if I can tell a potential buyer that it definitely works.

You mention disabling the DC mode. Is it possible to disable the DCC mode, allowing me to use it on my DC layout, while still retaining the DCC capabilities? I have a friend with DCC who could program it for me.

Thanks for the information.

[bapguy]

 You can't disable dcc.

[jward]

Thanks, Jeff,

That is kind of what I thought.

I bought this loco on a whim. I didn't even know, at the time, that it was DCC equipped. I'm not sure whether to try to sell it on eBay or try to use it on my DC layout. I fgured that its worth a lot more if I can tell a potential buyer that it definitely works.

You mention disabling the DC mode. Is it possible to disable the DCC mode, allowing me to use it on my DC layout, while still retaining the DCC capabilities? I have a friend with DCC who could program it for me.

Thanks for the information.