Choice of equipment
Choice of equipment
Bachmann can now supply a 1 amp. 4 function DCC decoder fitted with an NMRA Plug Catalogue No.35-550
Packed as a single unit blister-pack,this decoder can be plugged into any Bachmann Loco fitted with the DCC socket, and includes an instruction manual.
This product is essentially a Lenz model 1014E - check out the Lenz website for more details.
Other main brands available are Digitrax, Roco, Zimo and ZTC and all four have websites and distributors.
Dealers can be found advertising in the model railway magazines, and they attend model railway shows.
Our recommendation would be to view and compare system to see if you like it. At the small layout end, an out of the box unit from the cheaper end of the market will suffice, but on a larger layout advice should be taken about the precise equipment requirements: for example on the numbers of handsets and power units needed.
In the end, your choice may come down to something as simple as the look and feel of the handset.
Warranty issues
Before fitting a decoder to a Bachmann locomotive, check that it is not faulty and that the product in well run in under DC operation. Only then move onto decoder fitting.
This is particularly important if modifications will be made to the locomotive chassis to fit the decoder. Fitting a decoder per se will not invalidate any warranty on the fitness for purpose of the manufacture.
We obviously will not repair or replace any customer damage as a result of, say, a botched chassis modification.
Any locomotive returned to the Service Department for attention should, if possible, have any decoder removed: if sent with decoder, service may be restricted. Bachmann Europe plc will only accept liability to the value of a standard model: this applies too to body modifications/detailing.
Decoder fitting
We are not able to recommend a decoder for each locomotive, both for reasons of impartiality and also because the market is fast changing and new smaller decoders are coming on the market all the time.
DCC is an open system and the US model railway body the NMRA has set standards. There are many makes of decoders, some small and some specially shaped and sized for particular locomotives. There should be no problems using any decoder of any make with EZ Command provided it states that CONFORMS to NMRA standards. If it does so, it will carry this logo:
Be careful about loose expressions such as 'DCC compatible'. EZ Command programs locomotives addresses using a technique called 'programming on the main' (See the FAQ’s for more details). Recently produced decoders support this feature. Check with your decoder instructions that any decoder you are using does support this.
You will find that smaller decoders (typically intended for N or Z scales) are easier to find space for but tend to be more expensive than those intended for OO/HO, even though functionality and quality are similar.
IMPORTANT
It is essential that the motor be completely isolated from the chassis under DCC operation. This particularly applies to Bachmann split chassis locmotives.
The Orange and Grey wires from the decoder are connected to the motor, and they must be sleeved so that there is no contact with the chassis block.
Remember that the decoder acts as the 'controller' and so must be the only point of contact between the pickups and the motor.
The fitting method will depend upon the chassis type of the Loco:
Split chassis
Definitely the most difficult. The tank engines may have space in the cab to secrete a decoder, but the tender engines will almost certainly require removing some of the chassis block or placing the decoder in the tender.
You will also need to make some contact points on the chassis in a similar manner to the bogie pickups below. Either drill and tap, or use the plastic chassis nuts to secure a tag to the side of the block.
Solid chassis diesel
The classes 24 and 25 have a socket, so simply remove the blanking plug and insert the decoder plug.
In the case of the Peak, the easiest fitting is to use circuit board replacement decoder that are often fitted to American diesels - referred to as 'Plug and Play'. As this cuts down on excess wiring within the locomotive it is a good choice for the classes 24 and 25 too.
Split chassis with bogie pickups
Some chassis block may need to be removed as in above, but the bogie / pony tags against the chassis can be used to collect the input to the decoder.
Blue Riband Steam
Those with a space and decoder socket present no problems.
Remove body, fit decoder and replace body.
A popular approach on other locomotives is to completely remove the factory fitted circuit board as it‘s not needed for DCC and use the space to fit a small decoder. Otherwise, locate the decoder in the tender.
Open chassis diesel
Those where the motor locates from the top of the chassis are straightforward.
Simply remove the wires from circuit board to motor, and connect the decoder in their place. The suppression coils and capacitor should be removed from the board if the locomotive or unit has them. Decoders themselves are suppressed.
The Bachmann range of Locomotives is listed below under the appropriate chassis type and whether or not a DCC Socket, Decoder or Sound Decoder and Speaker is already fitted.
Fitting a Decoder to Voyager Vehicles
Page Last Updated February 26 2009 11:59:39 AM