I am trying to program the decoder using JMRI and a DCC++ control setup. The locomotive appears to talk properly with JMRI. Doing  a read the decoder I am offered two choices 2 function and 4 function since this is a fairly basic locomotive I assume its the 2 function version. I go through the normal steps to assign it a road number and decoder number. I can see the loco is communicating.

I do the write and save I ask for it to be read back all seems fine but the loco will just sit and not respond to the JMRI throttle after programing. It is no longer responding to 3 but also is not responding to the new address. I did try the four function decoder set but ti doesn't seem to be any more successful.

So A what decoder is this? Second any suggestions on what is going wrong. I had no trouble programing the Withcomb diesel I have using this setup. I am at my wits end with this.

I am getting ready to use JMRI Decoder pro for the first time to configure my Diesel I have the DCC side all setup but ran into a problem I could not do detect the DCC board on the loco. Any ideas on this. Also when I searched the list JMRI came back with four different Bachmann decoders does anybody know which model is in this one?

I am using a DCC++ setup and have been pleased so far.

Thanks in advance.

Any guidance on how steep a grade most On30 locos can climb. My current On30 loco is the Bachman 28326 a 4-4-0 configuration steamer.  Any thoughts on grade would be helpful.

All too true. I have a couple of ideas of how to achieve isolation of the two circuits, but I need to figure out just how much of the wheel base on my primary On30 has to be in contact with power for the loco to run. The the issue will be lining up the rails properly and close enough on height that it doesn't lead to an endless series of derailments.

Thanks, I think the basic idea will work but my O system is three rail so I'll need to figure out  a few things. I am thinking of omitting the power rail at the point of the junction, I know that will be no problem as many stock three rail crossings use  a model plastic area at the junction and the loco pickups will easily bridge the gap and keep moving. I am not sure how the pickups work on my On30 locos, I realize the power travels through the wheels but I am not sure if all wheels are involved. I'll need to check that as ideally I'd like the On30 rails not to carry power at the junction as the pick roller from the O will contact them and could short the the two systems together. I thought about cutting them to allow a path but the gap would be to long without rail for the On30 loco to safely cross. A particular problem since On30 will be DCC and my three rail is the classic AC system.

If any one has tried this and has pictures they would be greatly appreciated.

I am working adding a narrow gauge line to my O Gauge layout. Given my limited space while I can cross some of the track by creating a viaduct for it to cross once I will need to have a grade level crossing at some point as there will not be sufficient space to go up and come down without it.

I am guessing that there are no commercially available such crossings so I am going to need to try and build my own. I'd love to hear from anyone else who has attempted this as it will be a first time trying something like this for me. Pictures would be great.