i got a bachmann dcc system for christmas today, and i have a n scale layout. i don't have any decoders yet and i am using analoug system. before i tried on my n scale stuff, i used a ho loco first. it worked fine, but there is a buzzing noise comming from the engine. that is not what im worried about. when i tried using a n scale loco i pluged it in and there was a light in side"there is no interior lights on my loco." and i started seeing smoke. i thought "o crap." i do not know whats going on with the smokeing on my n scale and buzzing with both n and ho scale. can u fill me in on whats going on? thanks for ur time. marrey christmas
First up, the buzzing you hear is normal with an Analog loco running on a DCC system. As to the smoke, what's your track voltage?? Should be around 12v AC.
UP&Santa Fe: There must be a lower setting that you can set the voltage to. Your voltage for N scale should be between 11-12 volts. I suggest you reread the user users manual that came with your system. The buzzing of the loco motor is normal for an analog loco running on a DCC system. Stay cool and run steam.....
i looked everywere but it is 16v ac and nothing else. on the back from left to right is the; i/o port, plug to the track, 16v ac in, from dc controler. thats it.
This a review of the Bachmann DCC by Mike Fifer on the NScalenet forum. The Bachmann system only has one 16 volt input. This is in my opinion to high for a N scale layout. If you are using this system run your loco's carefully and be observant for any problems the higher voltage may cause. Features include: Plug and play compatibility with all DCC systems One-Button on-track programming Plug-in wiring Separate wall transformer Digitally controlled speed, direction and lighting of all locomotives from any manufacture DCC-equipped 128 speed steps for smooth operation Built-in control for existing analog locomotives The set is also supplied with a very clear , simple , and short , instruction manual. Plus a very well done DVD with the same instructions explained by a narrator. Setting up The E-Z Command® digital command controller Sockets on the unit: 16 volt input. Use the 1 amp plug in power supply provided. Output to track : I/O socket - connect further devices using industry standard ‘X-Bus’ protocol Input from Bachmann analog controller to control the one analog train Programming a train to an address button: By default, a new decoder-fitted locomotive will have an address of 3. Activate the locomotive by running a short distance. Press button 3 (ie its existing address) Keeping button 3 depressed, press STOP - the Power LED is now flashing quickly Press the button for the address the locomotive is to be coded to - the locomotive moves lightly to indicate its response and the power LED is now flashing slowly. Press the STOP button. Programming direction of running: On Digital systems, forward and reverse are relative to the locomotive and not the track. It is possible to select the direction that the train will move as ‘forwards’ by Activate the locomotive by running a short distance. Press button 3 (ie its existing address) Keeping button 3 depressed, press STOP - the Power LED is now flashing quickly Press the other direction button Press the STOP button Functions: Press the yellow Function button. The button toggles the selection on and off. The flashing LEDs adjacent to the button indicates the train under control. F10 switches the basic lights function on and off. On most decoders this is directional and is useful guide to the direction that a train will move when the control knob is turned. F1 to F8 control further functions on customer fitted advanced specification decoders Digital and analog. The unit can operate: Nine digital trains as 1 to 9 and one analog as 10 or, using the item 46605 controller as a plug in Ten digital trains as 1 to 10 and one analog controlled separately by the 46605. Running multiple trains: One train can be started and left running while control is moved to a second. The first will run in ‘background’ on the settings it was given. Control may be moved back to the first, the second then running in background. ‘Double heading’ is possible by allocating the same address to two locomotives. Using one digital 44902 and one analog 44902 both are fully controllable. Remember - the system relies on you to prevent crashes - STOP button cuts power to the track but trains will resume their existing speeds and direction when the STOP button is released. The limiting factor to multiple operation is the power available at the track. The 1 amp power unit has enough power to operate two trains simultaneously. My Impressions: Though this is not a full featured system , I feel the ease of use and ease of programming and selecting locomotives plus the low cost makes this entry level DCC system a real winner! I broke the system out of the box and had it hooked up to my test track and running in under 5 minutes. The short printed guide is easy to follow and read, the system is very simple to use and operates surprisingly well. My locomotive moved smoothly through the speed range and the reversing yielded a slow stop and then reverse. The transformation from running to function control was easy and reliable. It functioned as advertised and is inexpensive and simple , which in my eyes will be a big hit for modules, new smaller layouts and all the new potential DCC beginners and experienced alike. Stay cool and run steam..
Your answer might be to use a power supply that only puts out 12volts instead of the plug -in wall transformer. Call up Bachmann and speak to their tech dept. They will give you the correct answer regarding the 16 volts only input jack. Stay cool and run steam.....
The smoking could have been from excess oil and lubrication. I still would give the Bachmann tech dept. a call concerning the voltage level of your system. Stay cool and run steam....
