Quote from: richiy on January 03, 2017, 07:58:51 PM

Quote from: WoundedBear on January 03, 2017, 06:04:39 PM
Rich...........

According to this diagram, the part number you listed is for the decoder.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/81811.pdf

Sid

Ok. My mistake.

HB18XPCB01 is what I saw side ways on the document.

Still easy to unsolder and solder a new decoder. Curious to what the details were when it would not operate. I pulled the decoder years ago and installed a DZ125. Great running loco.

Rich

I don't recall the that exact situation but the decoder started smoking.

Quote from: WoundedBear on January 03, 2017, 04:46:43 PM
I've been looking for photos of mine when I opened it up to paint it. Can't find them.

Bachmann only has one basic decoder that they used in the non-sound units. No matter what it "looks" like.....that is it and the instructions are here.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/images/44913_Decoder_IS.pdf

Sid

Thanks. This is useful. I am still assuming that the decoder is the same as this.

Quote from: richiy on January 03, 2017, 06:01:53 PM
Since the OP does not mention a shrink wrapped device, only the PC board, I wonder if he tried to run it on a DCC layout.

richiy

It is a DCC loco. So yes. It ran on a DCC track.

I'm referring to the DCC decoder.  Forgive my faux pas of using "board" when referring to the decoder.  I'm no EE but I am pretty sure the decoder is in fact a PCB as well but that is neither here nor there.

Based on the parts diagram, the factory DECODER is an H818X#DCC01.  I have opened the loco up in the past and it looks decidedly different than the E-Z Command® 1 Amp Locomotive Decoder with Wire Harness of which I have a few laying around for DC to DCC conversions.

I imagine because of the size restriction of fitting a decoder in this model they had to use a different one but I can't find any info on it other than the part #.  Unless of course you are saying it is the same decoder just in a different form factor.

I have a 3 year old (out of warranty) Spectrum 0-6-0 saddle tank (item # 81812) that the DCC board short circuited on a couple of years back.  I relegated it to the repair drawer but never got around to doing it until now.  I am pondering replacing the bachmann board with a 3rd party board.  Has anyone done this and could provide some advice or recommendations?  My other alternative is to send it in to Bachmann for $35 for the factory repair and just go with that.

My main debate is if it is worth the extra $ for the 3rd party board.  I can't find any real specs on the DCC board used in this little loco and have no idea if for instance it is using back EMF or not, etc.

Any help would be appreciated.