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Problem with Spectrum Consolidation under DCC

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David Pennington

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Dec 29, 2009, 3:37:53 PM12/29/09
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Hi all

I have two Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 Consolidations. Both came DCC ready.
One is addressed as 61 and the other as 19. After about 2 months of
intermittent use, one of them failed to respond.

I have tried reprogramming but the controller is getting no response
from the chip.

Today, I stripped it down to check all of the connections. Everything
seems OK so I put it back onto the layout. I tried addressing at at 19
and got nothing. I addressed the other loco at 61 and off that went'
However, al of a sudden, the faulty one started to move. I shut the
throttle down and tried agian.Once more I have nothing happening.

Has anypne any thoughts as to what I might try next and, more
interestingly, why it suddenly started even when not addressed.

Any hwlp would be gratefully accepted.

David

Rick Jones

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Dec 29, 2009, 4:18:07 PM12/29/09
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At a guess I would say that the settings in the one decoder got
"glitched". Best fix is to place it on your dedicated programming track
and do a full reset the the decoder default settings, and start
reprogramming from there.

--

Rick Jones
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Why be Politically Correct when you can be right?

Bob May

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Dec 29, 2009, 4:19:39 PM12/29/09
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You've got a fried controller module in the loco. Electronics does have a
early failure rate and the world of model trains isn't exactly a benighn
enviroment for electronics. Replace the module with another and hopefully
that one will last longer.

--
Bob May

rmay at nethere.com
http: slash /nav.to slash bobmay
http: slash /bobmay dot astronomy.net

mike mueller

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Dec 29, 2009, 10:00:55 PM12/29/09
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David
I would suggest first you set the decoder back to factory default and
see if it works.
If that doesn't fix the problem, send the decoder back to the
manufacturer. TCS and Digitrax have no-fault one year warranties with
proof of purchase.
Good luck
Mike M

Steve

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Dec 30, 2009, 7:39:35 AM12/30/09
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Firstly though, try readin the full decoder on your programming track
- Decoder Pro is good here.

Steve Magee
Newcastle NSW Australia

David Pennington

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Dec 30, 2009, 10:46:20 AM12/30/09
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Tried resetting but the chip wasn't responding. I was hoping not to
have to replace the chip but I looked at the breadown diagram in the
box and saw that it was an 8 pin NMRA plug so I did a chip swap out.
First replacement Bachmann chip didn't work either but the next one
did. I am now up and running again.

Thanks for the suggestions.
David

Rich

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Dec 31, 2009, 11:15:41 AM12/31/09
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Though you have solved the issue, you might consider the Bachmann
forums which are quite active.
By the way, DCC READY means no decoder but ready for a decoder.
DCC ON BOARD means a decoder is in the loco.
Also, CHIPS are on the decoder.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php

r

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