Over the years I've collected a drawer full of 6 and 12 volt wall warts left over from various electronics,  ranging from 75ma to 600ma. I'm glad now I saved them.

Yep, I figured you would like the article. 

I believe there are several members who model the 1905 era. I ran across the following site that might be of interest.

http://www.1905railroadmodeling.com/

Enjoy

Digitrax refers to the "full length" decoders as "Board Replacement Decoders". If that designation is acceptable to all, then that is what I will call them. LOL

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_sdh104k1acombo.php

Of course I totally agree that a board designed for a particular locomotive can be installed in any locomotive if the ratings and functions are acceptable, however a main consideration is available space.

To answer the original question, I was hoping someone with an advanced controller would "read" one of the decoders used in Bachmann standard line diesels, to determine if CV 19 is supported, and CV 7 / CV 8 for the manufacturer.  Lacking that ability myself, all I could do was search the internet and report my findings. (rather lack thereof).

After 3 days of searching, I'm afraid my "bloodhound" instinct has lost the trail. 

This is a unique thread, my contribution:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ogden_UP_yard.JPG

That section seems to refer to the EZ Command "system", which includes the EZ Command controller and the EZ Command standard 2 function decoder, both produced in partnership with Lenz. Note the comment, "28/128 speed steps", which applies only to the decoder, not the controller.

Apparently the decoder boards are not a part of the EZ Command "system". I checked one of the boards, there is no indication of manufacturer, only a revision date of 2004. Instructions and specs are available for the EZ Command decoder, but not for the decoder boards.

Michael,
I did some more searching today, this time on the UK sites.

http://www.bromsgrovemodels.co.uk/bachdieselcvsettings4mm.htm

I have a suspicion that the decoder boards used in Bachmann diesels are intended primarily for the European market. This is a quote I copied from one site.

"Note that this decoder has been designed for the European market where multi-locomotive formations are uncommon and does not support CV 19 consist."

Perhaps this is the reason NCE introduced the Bach-DSL boards as a replacement.

Hi Mike,

Most of us prefer cheese and crackers with our whine. 

Regards.

Hey Mathew,
We're having as much fun as you are. Suggest you place this thread in your favorites folder for recall. It may be awhile, but I plan to upgrade a DC diesel myself out of curiosity.

You've heard the expression, "Out of the mouths of babes". We get lots of ideas from new members. Some of the questions are quite thought provoking.

Keep us updated on your progress, and remember if it works out ok, be prepared to be the teacher the next time someone asks about it.

In the words of Larry the Cable Guy...."Git 'er done" 

Hi Michael,
I share your frustration. Having nothing to do today, I searched the net for hours and didn't find any information on the RF-16 CVs. You would think that someone out there would have the list.

Hi Cody
The sign on the door says "anything train related", so you're on topic.

I railfan here in the Colorado Yampa Valley, but see an occasional Norfolk or CSX. I also see many fallen flags, hard to believe some of the old locos and cars are still running. 

How about using phosphor bronze wire? Made in .008, .010, .015 + sizes.  Resembles copper but you could paint it aluminum. It solders easily so you could run power to your accessories and stuff.

It comes perfectly straight in the tube, but by slightly compressing between poles, it makes a realistic parabolic sag. In fact, with poles spaced say, 1 foot apart, the  thin wire would probably sag naturally and might need a bit of tensioning.

For insulators use multiples of tiny clear or pale blue seed beads. The old glass insulators were threaded inside to screw onto wood uprights. I have a bunch of them from when the telephones here went from party lines to large underground cables. Anyone remember the old crank phones? Our "number" was long, short, long. Of course everyone on the party line picked up to eavesdrop.
http://www.fusionbeads.com/shop/productchart/1799/

I'm using PB to simulate high tensile fencing wire around our ranch scene, strung on 4 inch wood posts. PB wire is neat stuff, lots of uses besides just handrails and grabs.

36 feet for $15.
http://www.tichytraingroup.com/index.php?page=view_category.php&category=Wire&offset=0

I have modified a couple of light boards, just didn't want Mathew to realize the "dark side of installs" until he gets his feet wet. 

To paraphrase "Yoda", fear leads to suffering, suffering leads to anger, anger leads to a huge hammer. 

I think we are all guilty at times of "not seeing the forest for the trees". Until Mathew posted this thread, I could only base my comments about upgrading the DC diesels on what installers and others have reported.

Of course, being an Empirical Skeptic and non-conformist myself, when someone says it "can't be done", I get more determined to do it anyway.    The word "can't" is not a usual part of my vocabulary.

For my own enlightenment, and to be in a better position to advise others on this topic, I ordered not only the NCE decoders, but also a Bachmann DC version of a GP40, so I can do an actual upgrade.

I also wrote a letter to NCE support for more detailed information. If the decoder meets the claims, they might be missing the boat by not mentioning the DC to DCC upgrade possibilities for an increased market potential.  This might also increase sales of Bachmann DC diesels to those who prefer installing their own decoders.

Thanks to Mathew, we may see new horizons here.  Also thanks to Jeffery Ward, if he hadn't mentioned NCE, I would not have remembered the BACH-DSL board. As Jim Banner says, we learn from each other. 

The NCE decoder board replaces the existing light board, even comes with new LEDs. As a package, the current limiting resistors on the new board are probably optimized for the included LEDs.

A tiny Digitrax decoder might be hard wired in the available space, but don't forget the lights. With the light board gone, and by not using the NCE replacement board, there won't be any mounting brackets to support the lights. Also, using a standard decoder will require installing current limiting resistors.

Remember we're talking about diesels, not steamers. Everyone should download and read the PDF instructions so you will see how the lights are mounted on the board.

Again, the final decision is up to Mathew, just wanted to mention all the facts.

I'm rather fascinated by the NCE boards, think I'll order a couple myself, the decoders in my GP40s are very noisy. 

Regards.