Hi Joe,

Thanks for the information.  I am using the MRC Prodigy Advance 2.  It does not appear to have an interface with a computer.  I will try reprogramming the cv2, 3 and 4 to 1 to see if that makes a difference.  I did try to read the values on the decoder but evidently these decoders are not "reader friendly."  I came up with an error message.  I agree that they are probably cheap decoders and replacing them would probably be a good option.  However, with money tight, I am trying to get functionality in the present and upgrade as I can in the future.  On a different note what would recommend as a good interface between computer and decoder (aka programming track)?

Thanks,

Lou

Hi Tom,

Both locomotives were purchased new.  The one I just took out of the box as I had it for a couple of years and was waiting until I had a DCC system.  I have tried the CV 8 to reset the locomotive but that has not resolved the issue.   I would like to eventually purchase a sound decoder to replace the mobile ones.  Would this resolve the problem?

Lou

I have two Bachmann SD-45 EL locomotives that came with DCC w/o sound.  When I run them in DC, they start right up as so as I turn on the power.  However, in DCC, I have to turn the throttle way up before they start to move and then once they start, they continue to accelerate.  For example, in sped step 14, I have to turn it up to 12 before the locomotive begins to move and if I leave it at that level it starts slow and then accelerates until it gets to a normal 12 speed.  I want to use them with a different locomotive I purchased from Bachmann, but it starts right up at 1 or 2 on the throttle and strains as it tries to pull the SD-45s until they eventually start and get up to speed.  Can you tell me what brand of decoder I have and what might be causing the problem?  I do plan to update it to sound.  If it has a decoder with an 8 pin socket, can I just plug in a sound decoder or do I need to get rid of the original decoder to insert a sound decoder?  I'm new to DCC so all the help you can give me would be greatly appreciated!

Lou

I received a SD 45 that was DC/DCC ready about a year ago but had not tried to run it until recently.  I run DC only and I found that it does not seen to run well on DC.  I notice that there were two clips and a small piece of paper that spoke of removing the DCC board and putting the clips on certain number holes.  What is the purpose of this?  Does this set the loco to run on DC?  Can I get replacement clips as I remember having them a year ago when I originally opened the box but can't find them now?  Your help would be appreciated.

Lou Showers