Programming on the Main works fine for me, and I use all the time. EXCEPT for addresses. I have had to rest decoders a number of times when I have tried to change a loco address using PoM. Particularly if trying for 4-digit.
A programming track is dead simple. I run my power to the layout through a pair of spade connectors. I can disconnect them and then attach to a short length of flex track powered through wired rail joiners.
You cannot reset a decoder with the EZ Command. Been mentioned many times in the Bachmann forums. The EZ Command Dynamis can reset a decoder. Yes, a company rep said how to reset a EZ Command decoder but he did not say with the basic EZ Command, only the EZ Command Dynamis. The first EZ Command controller was only to run trains and key about 9 sounds. It is way old school system. I have the original discussions. The MRC2000 could not reset a decoder either. I had one. To my knowledge, only those two systems are like that. I bought the NCE Power Cab. Good luck. Rich
Yes, the $100 sprog put me off. iI kept searching until ... On youtube and other places Geoff Bunza describes using an Arduino and motor shield to create a DCC controller with USB to a computer running JMRI. A home-built sprog with many more functions. I am attempting it - I ordered an Arduino Mega (more connections) and motor shield (can handle 2 Amps at 15V) from ebay for a total of $17 (March 2016) Lemme explain the difficult hardware process: stack the shield on the Arduino add two jumpers cut one copper trace done An Arduino DCC++ Base Station: The Hardware - Part 1 of 4 Now, I have not even received the pieces or assembled, and programmed the item. Gonna make it work.
The big problem I see here with that system is all the pin connections, and jumper wires. Looks like there could be a lot of bad connections down the road. For myself I would rather have something with solid soldered connections.
Much appreciated. I took a peek and there is beau coup information. Let me jump in up to my shoulders and by then I will have pertinent questions. Building a controller will teach a whole lot more about DCC than buying a black box and plugging it in. And I love to code.
Kind of got off track here. Well I took the bachmann F7 A unit apart today and do not see any visable signs of damage to decoder or any broken wires. How can I test motor while it is apart? Now to get back together after testing and stuff. Here it is taken apart: http://screencast.com/t/04H1CKRDQLP5 Also going to the Memphis,TN Model Railroad Club, don't actually know the name of the N-Scale club yet, this Saturday, unless something happens. And taking my Bachmann F7-A Unit with me, and maybe some DC locomotives. Sent from my SGH-T399 using Tapatalk
All that will tell you is if the motor runs or not. You also need a amp meter to see if the motor is in good conditions.
Update: the Arduino Mega and motor shield arrived. I connected them and they work as expected. One caution: The normal USB driver for the Arduino probably will not work with the Chinese clones The clones often use a CH340 CH341 SERIAL / USB chipset for the USB connection because it is less expensive, they do not have to pay royalty fees. You need to find and install that driver into Windows, then the computer can communicate with the clone. Any further updates on my particular DCC project will be in the DCC++ forums..
Daryl ( the original poster ) sent me the locomotive about a week and a half ago . The decoder was fine , and I actually got it to run for a while . However when I shut it off I also had no luck getting it started again . The motor would try to run if I spun it , but wouldn't stay running . I got a new motor from Bachmann and installed it today and am happy to say that it is running just fine now .
I want to say a big Thank You to Mike C. for all the help he provided in getting my locomotive running. Thanks again Mike C.
