Hello,

I just purchased a Bachmann Spectrum Pennsy K4 Pacific, DC model. It is a beautiful detailed engine!! Since my layout is DCC, I would like to convert it to DCC/sound, but have no clue as to where to start. I have added sound decoders to a couple of diesels that were DCC equipped. But starting from scratch may be a different story. All I know is there has to be some modifications done to the locomotive in regards to pick-ups, and adding the decoder in the tender. That's about as far as it goes. Is it a difficult job?

I have not even looked at the locomotive to see how it comes apart, so would like to have an exploded view of the locomotive to reference, if it is available. Can anyone offer me any advice or help in getting started? Also what decoder would be appropriate to use?

Thanks for any advice and help.

Ted

Yes I have had the MRCC computer interface all along. Sorry if I misled anyone.

Interesting you mention the value of CV29 as 34. I see where most of my locos are programmed to 34. And the loco that I had problems with, I set to 35. So, in the case of 34, if I understand you, long hood should be forward, and short hood would be reverse?

I think that all my locos are running short hood forward, and long hood reverse. Hmmm.... If I have time later this evening I will test them individually to see how they operate, and compare that with the CV value. And it will help now that I have a list of CV values to reference each loco.

Be back with you guys later. Another day of learning on the railroad.

Ted

Hey guys, I finally got the 4 digit address to work. Using the MRCC Computer interface did it. Although I should be able to program from a cab, apparently in this case it would not take. Once I got CV 29 set to 35, all is well on the railroad.

I also discovered how to read all the CV's for all the locos using the computer interface, and now have them in .txt files, for reference and comparison when I go to do my speed matching. It is invaluable information to have on hand.

I am so appreciative of all the advice and experience that you guys have to offer. I can't thank you enough. Thanks a million.

See you down the tracks!

Ted

Thanks Hunt for that information. Very helpful, especially the calculator.

Now for the easy question, for which I need some guidance. Do I simply go into programming with the loco on the programming track, and without changing to the 4 digit address ( i.e. leave it set at address #3), start changing CV17, 18 and 29? Then when I am done it will come up and work under the 4 digit address?

I want to make sure the proper steps.

Thanks for all your help.

Ted

Jeff,

When I first got the unit, I think all I did was enter the 4 digit address when on the programming track. It took just fine. Now, since I had to reset to the factory default, when I enter the 4 digit address, the rear light turns on, regardless which direction I have it set to, and there is no movement of the engine. Then if I go back and reset it to address #3, it works just fine.

Now to compound my problem, if I do a consist using the #3 address, it apparently does not like it. Neither engine will run. But when I clear the consist, both engines will run on their own. So #3 is screwing up the consist, which really makes no sense

This is really goofy because up until today when I started fooling around with the programming, I had both engines running in a consist. So somehow, some way, it does not like the #3 address. That is the only thing that has changed, period.

Now I read where I can manually enter data into CV 17 and 18, that will correspond with my road #, but I am positive I did not do that originally. So what has changed?

So I think once I can get it back to recognizing the 4 digit address, everything will come together. Does that make sense? Oh, by the way I am running DCC, not DC.

Ted

Using a MRC Prodigy Express with an additional Prodigy Advanced cab.

Making progress. I reset CV8 to "8". Now it is working with address #3. But when I try to input a 4 digit address, it will not respond. Change it back to #3 and it works. I originally had a 4 digit address in, so I know it will take it.

Any advise from the experts?

Many thanks in advance.

Ted

Hay guys. I have a Bachmann GP9 with DCC on board. I was trying to speed match the loco. Somehow I managed to mess something up in the decoder. I have tried programming on the program track, setting the address to #3, setting CV 125 to 1, to restore the factory settings. Nothing. What I have now is a loco that the back light will work, no front headlight, and no movement.

Talk me through the factory reset if I have it wrong. Is there something I am missing? In the process I hit CV 30 and programmed a "0" data. But I can't find any setting for this CV. I have done some programming, but am in no way an expert.

Any help would be appreciated.

Ted

I recently bought a URSA Light Spectrum 2-10-2 steam loco with sound. Beautiful engine!! At first I had problems with the 18 degree curves. Took a lot of work to make sure the track was clear of an unnecessary ballast, etc. Just when I was considering tearing it all out and adding 22 degree curves, it started to negotiate the curves with little or no problem. Now I am sure I can't highball around those curves, but at a normal speed it does just fine.

Very much relieved it works, because I didn't want to let the engine get old on some siding!

Ted