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Messages - hawaiiho

#1
HO / Re: MTH decoder to different the # 3
October 13, 2015, 06:22:42 AM
I will start this off with a preface. At the time that I had my Bachmann EZ DCC hooked up, I only had one MTH Locomotive and it was an early one, that was supposed to operate under DCC control.
The early MTH models were known to have problems with most all attempts at DCC programming. Including, if I remember correctly changing number assignment. I was never able to get mine to change number assignments. So until I switched DCC systems I just operated the MTH loco on #3.
I hope this helps some. I have had no problems other than that, since I changed systems and went to newer MTH models.
#2
Since the DCC controller has no AC assy output,  hook up the DCC  to the track as instructed and just continue to use your current DC comand controller's AC accy output  to power the switch, just as you do currently.

Works fine.

Will
#3
HO / Re: N&W J 4-8-4 constantly derails
November 03, 2014, 05:35:09 PM
Quote from: riff99 on November 03, 2014, 04:36:23 PM
I appreciate you sharing that.  I've been using e-z track mainly because we tend to switch up our setups every week or two, and yes, the 22" e-z track hasn't been without it's issues; or the 18".  I'm pretty sure e-z track doesn't have a 24" corner to try, and our area to put the tracks down is limited to about 8 1/5' x 5'.  I'm not sure a 26" radius will fit in those constraints, so I'm thinking of trying Atlas True-Track or Kato roadbed track (forget it's name).  I'm sure they have a 24" radius to try and I hear their switches are more reliable, as I have quite a few rolling stock cars that do NOT like the e-z track switches, even when I switch at seriously slow speed.  Most of my rolling stock are Bachmann Silver Series cars, or Athearn Blue Box.  They are nice cars and all 'should' make the switch easily, but for some reason some don't.  Especially the 50' All-Door box cars.  They're beautiful but just hate switching track at any speed.  So the plan is for anything slightly bigger than 22" and nice switches that actually get the job done without worry.

My experience has been much the same. I have gotten MOST of my rolling stock to work without de-rails, but I have not been able to solve the problem with the larger locomotives on the line with the 22 inch radius curves.  I didn't mention this before, BUT, frankly the larger locomotives look better on the track with the larger radius curves. The rolling stock that still gives me the most de-rails on the 22 inch radius curves are the larger passenger cars, and that IS thru the turnouts. I have very few larger freight cars. Mostly 3 bay hopper cars and they seem to do ok.
#4
HO / Re: N&W J 4-8-4 constantly derails
November 03, 2014, 06:16:08 AM
I have three 4-8-4 Bachmanns, None of them de-rail on the outer main with the 26 inch radius curves, but all three will occasionally de-rail on the 22 inch  curves of the inner main.

 I gave up on trying to run the 4-8-4 's on the oval that has the 22 inch curves. I tried most of what has been suggested and finally since the outer main didn't seem to be a problem; I just run them on that track.
#5
HO / Re: EZ command control system
October 21, 2014, 06:59:54 PM
This is a function of the decoder installed in the particular locomotive. In this case it appears that  your decoder uses f8 as a mute function.

Your best bet, as this is a Bachmann group, is to verify the brand of the decoder and maybe some one can point you in the right direction.

If my memory is correct, new Bower's unless  you or someone else installed the decoder, if dcc & sound, they come with  LokSound decoders installed.

Will
#6
HO / Re: Remote turnouts on a DCC track
October 13, 2014, 10:10:25 PM
On your computer go to You Tube

Do a search for "Bachmann EZ Track Desvio".

This will take you to a video that shows VERY clearly, how to hook up and use the Bachmann remote turnouts.

Will
#7
HO / Re: Remote turnouts on a DCC track
October 13, 2014, 09:36:39 PM
I started out with a Bachmann DC layout. When I changed to DCC, I used the old Bachmann controller to power my remote switches and my Bachmann Turntable. Works great.

Will
#8
HO / Re: Dynamis controller
October 02, 2014, 08:17:59 PM
I had mine do the same thing once. I did the reset and it did work for me. NO PROMISES.

It was a pain though, as I had the data for more than two dozen locomotives entered and the reset, if I remember, correctly, erases that.

MY guess is that sending the unit to be worked on by Bachmann would result in the same thing.

Will
#9
HO / Re: DCC compatibility
October 02, 2014, 08:10:26 PM
Doneldon's comments are excellent points. I used the Dynamis for several years and still keep it as a backup.
I upgraded beyond the Dynamis for two main reasons. My new system allows connection to my computer and the new system will  read CV's.
If those are not requirements then the Dynamis is a very good option. In my opinion the EZ Command is a little limited for use with most sound locomotives. It is fine for the Bachmann Sound Vaue units but is quite limited for any sound units beyond that. I did a lot of shopping and was able to obtain my Dynamis for what I considered a very, very good price.
I still say and have researched it extensively, since I have several MTH locomotives that the negatives are FAR blown out of proportion. As I said in a previous post, the major thing that I have encountered is that the MTH locomotives must be "Programmed on the Main". A Service mode or program track will just not work with them as yet; although MTH has promised an upgrade that will correct that issue. I can honestly say that I have run into no other problem. For this, the Dynamis is MORE than sufficient.

I have heard that advanced consisting is not useable when using DCC to control MTH locos, but that is something I rarely use and have never needed with my MTH locos. Additionally, the old consist wil work fine and works great with the Dynamis. If you still have doubts, do what I did; a lot of RESEARCH!
#10
HO / Re: DCC compatibility
October 01, 2014, 10:31:48 PM
I have several MTH locos, both steam and diesel; older ones have more problems using DCC than newer ones.

The main remaining problem being the inability to use service mode or a programming track mode. 

All programming must be done on the main.

Hope this helps.

Will
#11
To the best of my "limited" knowledge, Bachmann has never produced a unit that has both sound and smoke.

It might be possible(though I would not do it) to install a smoke unit  in a Bachmann sound loco.  How much it would save you to go that route versis

installing a sound decoder in the only smoke equiped loco that Bachmann makes, I am not sure. Like I said, I, personally would not do it.

Will
#12
HO / Re: 2-10-2 Loco - Min curve radius
January 07, 2014, 03:52:23 PM
I have two 2-10-2 locos. One will handle 18" radius and one will not; same layout. Both work fine on the 22" R
radius oval of the same layout.
#13
HO / Re: K4 Instruction Manual
January 05, 2014, 02:45:14 PM
Quote from: Doneldon on January 04, 2014, 11:15:16 PM
srevac-

Your box, assuming you have one, has a false bottom which conceals your manual. If you don't have
one, here's an exploded view of your loco:

     http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/H844X-IS00.PDF

                                                                                                                       -- D




I, too, received a new K-4 without a printed manual and I assure you it was NOT under the false bottom. I am not saying this was the

case with this one, but it most certainly was with my K-4, so, it would not surprise me in the least. However, as you say, the exploded view is

available on line.
#14
HO / Re: bachmann turntable
October 23, 2013, 06:59:16 PM
I have a DCC layout.  I connected ONE of my mainlines via a spur to the turntable's fourth track position.

So my turntable and associated sidings track are DCC.

I then connected  the operation control and power to rotate the turntable using the supplied switch box and an old spare Bachmann

DC controller and wall wart as in the DC setup instrucions.  The direction of rotation is controlled by the supplied switch box and the speed of rotation

is controlled by the throttle knob of the Bachmann DC contoller. No DCC Decoder is needed using that configuration. I find this gives by much better

adjustment of the speed of rotation than using a DCC decoder in the turntable.

Hope this helps.

Will
#15
HO / Re: Bachmann decoders
October 11, 2013, 09:21:18 PM
Quote from: rondon47 on October 11, 2013, 06:56:18 PM
Well, if the controller is the problem, then Digitrax won't program them, Easy DCC won't program them and the Decoder Pro won't program them.  There's more to it than just controllers.  Also, why would a rep from Bachmann tell us that the Bachmann decoders won't program, you have to run them on 0003?

I don't understand this comment. I use Decoder Pro software and have had no problem programing any of the functions available on the
Bachmann decoder. Admittedly that is limited by the version of the decoder, but I still have had no problem reading the Bachmann decoders,
nor any trouble writing to the functions available.