I have a fairly new Bachmann 2-6-0 Steamer and I don't like the low speed performance; it is never real smooth. I believe it has a Lenz decoder in it and it's my understanding that these decoders are not top of the line. I'm looking for any little tweaks I can make to the decoder to get it to perform better. I have set CV2 to 0 as per spookshow to improve low speed performance. I have tried loading a custom speed table, but the performance stays about the same. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
I would consider a better decoder. A stripped down decoder will never give you great results. I would recommend a Lokpilot 4 micro. Dead easy to tune.....just program cv54=0 on the main, exit programming and press f1. The decoder will listen to the motor and set up the decoder accordingly. David B
a better decoder is the way to go. I installed a Digitrax DZ125 in mine. (longer available - the new DZ126 is supposed to be better) Fred
Not smooth, in what way? If its binding, a new decoder isn't going to help. I had one that ran like clockwork, creeped count-the-ties slow right out of the box. Some break in running may improve things.
The only Loco I have to compare it to is a Kato NW2 - which is smooth as silk. The Bachmann doesn't start as smooth as the Kato and it will hesitate at times. I wouldn't say that it binds - it just doesn't move consistently along - it will slow down and then speed up incrementally. The Kato is perfect.
The stock decoder will ( I think ) only support v-min , v-max , and momentum . I'm pretty sure that you can't load speed tables. ( of course I've never been wrong before .... ) Have you tried playing with the momentum ? Or is it possible that loosening the gear cover would help ? How much has it been run ? I usually put em on the track and let them run in circles for a couple hours to free things up a bit......Mike
I can load the speed table - not sure if it does any good though. I've played with the momentum but it doesn't change the performance. How do you loosen the gear cover? Can you provide a photo or something to show that? Thanks
Oh yes, loosening the bottom gear cover plate, that is something to try. Flip it over and you will see two phillips head screws holding on the bottom gear cover plate. Loosen each one up about a quarter turn. This can relieve pressure on the axles and allow for smoother running. What you are describing does sound more like a slight mechanical issue as opposed to a decoder problem.
"a better decoder is the way to go. I installed a Digitrax DZ125 in mine. (longer available - the new DZ126 is supposed to be better) Fred" Fred, What is involved in changing out the decoder? Do you remove the Bachmann decoder and then solder the Digitrax decoder in place? Do you have a photo of what it looks like installed? Thanks
