Want to first say thanks to everyone for responding!

I hooked up the decoder again and it still drives the motor and can be programmed.  It also accepted a CV8 8 reset.  I measured the Fwd/Rev light voltages and they both measured about 200mV. Needless to say not quite enough to drive my 16v lamps.  I also measured the current draw of the lamps I'm using and they draw about 35 mA at 16 volts which is well within the specs for the Bachmann decoder.

I also used a DC controller and got the same results.  Motor works, just not the lights.  This is the third decoder I've installed now and the first bad apple.

My latest install was a Tsunami 750 with a 1" oval speaker into the Bachmann N scale Series J loc.  A really sweet sounding locomotive.  This DCC stuff is really neat!  Set the accel and brake CV's along with the automatic sounds and it's hard to tell that it's not the prototype.  The install was a challenge.  I first tried the install into the tender without using the 300Mf capacitor and occasionally got some glitches.  After stuffing the cap into the tender (mind you not a bit of room left in the tender) I haven't had a single glitch.

I'm stuffing the decoder in an envelope and sending it back to Bachmann for an exchange.  It'll be interesting to see if they exchange it. 

I placed an order for some large traction tires (9-10mm) and they sent me 5mm tires.  I've left voice messages and sent emails asking them to send me the correct tires but haven't heard anything back yet after 3 days.  Hmmm,,,  is this normal customer service from Bachmann?

Fred

I've got a new 44925 decoder.  The motor controls work fine however I can't get any output from the white/yellow common blue wires? 

I've got it on the bench now and wanted to test it to make certain all is well before doing the install.    The light button on my Dynamis works great with my other decoders.   

Bum decoder or operator error?  Is there any thing I'm missing?

Thanks,

Fred

Thanks for the info!

Fred

I am trying to use an extra Bachmann decoder that I have laying around to control the lights on a dummy loc, i.e. no motor.  Is it possible to use only the light function and leave the motor wires disconnected?

Thanks,

Fred

Hunt,

Thanks for the link.  Good info.  It all makes sense now.

Fred

When reading the user manual and marketing literature it sounds like you can simultaneously operate 9 dcc engines and 1 analog engine when the 44212 power pack is connected.  I just spoke with Bachmann and I was told this isn't really correct.  Bachmann tells me that when you plug in the 44212 the setup converts to DC mode and all engines operate at the same speed/direction.

When reading the EZ Command manual it states:  " the connected DC controller will allow you or a friend to control a DC locomotive in conjunction with your EZ Command System".     The word "conjunction" sounds like you can operate 9 DCC engines and one DC engine with the two individual controls   (44212 and EZ Command).

Electrically it seems that superimposing a pulsed DC signal over a constant DC signal would result in pulses that could reach 32 volts (2x16v).  If this is true it can't be good for the engines.

I'm confused....   Anyone out there actually know what the gospel is on this?

Thanks,

Fred

When reading the user manual and marketing literature it sounds like you can simultaneously operate 9 dcc engines and 1 analog engine when the 44212 power pack is connected.  I just spoke with Bachmann and I was told this isn't really correct.  Bachmann tells me that when you plug in the 44212 the setup converts to DC mode and all engines operate at the same speed/direction.

When reading the EZ Command manual it states:  " the connected DC controller will allow you or a friend to control a DC locomotive in conjunction with your EZ Command System".     The word "conjunction" sounds like you can operate 9 DCC engines and one DC engine with the two individual controls   (44212 and EZ Command).

Electrically it seems that superimposing a pulsed DC signal over a constant DC signal would result in pulses that could reach 32 volts (2x16v).  If this is true it can't be good for the engines.

I'm confused....   Anyone out there actually know what the gospel is on this?

Thanks,

Fred

Tony,

Thanks for the info..  With your input and a good bit of research I took the plunge and bought a Fleischmann N 7440 ICE (used like new) from a dealer in Berlin.  From what I know right now it should run fine on my large radius Bachmann track.  I'm also planning on adding a Bachmann DCC decoder to it which I also understand should work well since the 7440 is a DC run locomotive.  There is also apparently plenty of room for the decoder. 

I just got through adding a dcc decoder to a Bachmann N scale "Empire Builder" steam loc and ended up placing the decoder in the tender.  It turned out pretty good.  Runs fine and after applying a little black acrylic paint to the decoder wires it's hard to see, unless of course your looking for it..

Fred

That's what I thought...   Hmmmm.... wonder what's going on...  You'd think if the dcc speed and direction worked the functions would also work...

I've been looking around at other N scale engines to use with my Bachmann setup and was curious which would "fit" (assuming that all N scales aren't exactly the same).  I've looked at Kato but haven't seen any type of NMRA branding. 

Assuming that another brand would physically fit the N scale Bachmann rails I could always add the Bachmann or other NMRA decoder.  Another variable would be power.  An AC run engine would be pretty hard to convert.  My guess (and only a guess) is that most DC engines would work at around 16 vdc or so....

Thanks,

Fred

Turns out that my DCC controller works after all...   Apparently dcc doesn't work with only a open section of track.  After I built up a closed loop of track it works fine.

Turns out that my DCC controller works after all...   Apparently dcc doesn't work with only a open section of track.  After I built up a closed loop of track it works fine.

My thoughts exactly.. I'm calling Bachmann Monday..  The dimming function also doesn't work which I believe is f1. 

Thanks...

I have a factory Acela with DCC and a Northern 4-8-4 that I just installed a Bachmann DCC decoder in.  I also just received the E-Z Command Control center.   After reading up on the controller I tried out the Acela and was able to assign a new address to it and run it in both directions.  However when I place the E-Z in function mode I can't get the lights to turn on or react to any of the 10 buttons while in function mode.  My understanding is that f10 is supposed to turn the lights on and off. 

I also was able to assign an address to the Northern 4-8-4 and everything works except the light.  Basically the same results I'm getting with the Acela.

I then ran both the Acela and the Northern with the DC controller.  The lights worked fine on both.  Unless there is something I don't understand about function mode it seems as if the E-Z Command isn't sending out the function commands even though I know it's in function mode based on the fact that the selected engines address light is flashing.

Anyone have any suggestions or see anything that I'm doing wrong?

Thanks,

Fred
 

I have a factory Acela with DCC and a Northern 4-8-4 that I just installed a Bachmann DCC decoder in.  I also just received the E-Z Command Control center.   After reading up on the controller I tried out the Acela and was able to assign a new address to it and run it in both directions.  However when I place the E-Z in function mode I can't get the lights to turn on or react to any of the 10 buttons while in function mode.  My understanding is that f10 is supposed to turn the lights on and off. 

I also was able to assign an address to the Northern 4-8-4 and everything works except the light.  Basically the same results I'm getting with the Acela.

I then ran both the Acela and the Northern with the DC controller.  The lights worked fine on both.  Unless there is something I don't understand about function mode it seems as if the E-Z Command isn't sending out the function commands even though I know it's in function mode based on the fact that the selected engines address light is flashing.

Anyone have any suggestions or see anything that I'm doing wrong?

Thanks,

Fred