I have reused a few of the 4-function decoders that I removed previously from DCC equipped Bachmann trains.  However, using Decoder Pro or even straight from my controller I cannot get the decoder to respond to the programming.

Now, the programming works insofar as I see the loco response as the CVs are read into the decoder, and the decoder reads back the correct CV values for the speed table, and the cv/button for "use speed table".  this all seems to enter the decoder and be read back from the decoder, but.......

.......the values are not evident in the operation of the loco.  That is, no matter how low or slow start curve I give the loco, it still responds to the throttle as if it is a straight line curve to maximum speed and I cannot get it to react to any speed curve entered.

This is true for both decoders of this type I use.

I have a digitrax "booster" on my programming track and have even tried the old trick of adding a resistor across the rails, but no dice.

Odd, since the values seem read in.

I suspect the value for "use speed table is not actually being accepted.  What CV and setting do I use for this on the EZ Copmmand 4 function decoders?

thanks.

Hello,
With 50 locos to put decoders in, they are not all going to get the Cadillac treatment...so I thought I could use the 6 Bachmann SD40s with DCC onboard just as they are.  Well, I would like to alter some CVs but I can't access them!

(I have the page from http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/newez/1_Amp_Decoder_Instr.pdf regarding the CVs for the basic DCC onboard decoders. And I know that the bit numbers are not right in the example on the PDF and have to be considered 0 to 7 instead of 1 to

.....but when I put any one of my Bachmann DCC onboard decoders on the programming track to program in service mode with my Digitrax Zephyr, I just get the "dnd" error which means no decoder is recognized.

Yet the programming track works with other decoders and the the locos in question all work with address of 03 and other factory defaults.

What gives? Any tips on getting access to the CVs on these basic DCC onboard decoders?

Thanks to anyone with experiece who cares to answer.

I have seen a few of these at a distance.  What level of quality were these?
Thanks

The decapod seems impossible to take apart.   I have successfully fit a Tsunami and small oval speaker in the tender but I can't get the cover off the front of the loco to check the light and replace with an LED if necessary.

I contacted Bachmann tech support and they tell me there is an LED already in there....I wasn't too convinced as they shouted back and forth about what they remembered of the Decapod...and they got it wrong about the tender.....there is a bulb in there.

I figured out  just as I suspected there is a bulb and not an LED for the headlight.  Switching the leads from positive to negative and applying a little power, the bulb lit up regardless.  An LED can't do that!

I sure got the impression on the telephone that the crew at Bachmann tech were not interested in my questions and not willing to think very deeply about what they were saying ...no checking with documentation or admitting to older models....just yelling across the room..."yeah yeah they're LEDs in the Decapod".  "Oh you say you can see the one in the tender is a bulb?" "Well, ok, but the headlight is an LED. Yes,Yes, we are sure."

Well now, unless I have an old model which I just took the shrink wrap off, somebody at Bachmann is mistaken.

Now I would be grateful for information either

a) how to get the darn front of the loco off to change it to LED (my preferred solution) Anyone every do this?  It seems glued on!

or

b) what kind of bulb do you think it is?  I think it is probably a 1.5V or something.  (I read of someone who blew one out immediately.)  Question: Will the resident light board have a resistor to protect this?

Thanks to all who respond.