CV program values for Bachmann Prairie

2428 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Richard Johnson, Feb 26, 2008

Locoman1

Discussion Starter · Feb 23, 2008

I recently bought a bachmann DCC equipt loco (32-125DC), and have tried changing the CVs, as the defaults do not give a great setup. I cannot get it right and was wondering if anyone else has this loco and has got a good setup?

Thanks

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Brian Considine

· #2 · Feb 23, 2008

Although not familiar with this particular loco/decoder, or what DCC system you have I would suggest that you reset the decoder to factory default & start again.

After setting the address & making sure that the loco operates correctly set CV5 max speed - if the loco is far too fast then set CV5 about half way in the range available & then "re-adjust" if required.
Then set CV's 3 & 4 (acceleration & decelleration) again about half way & then "re-adjust".

Once you have these basics set you can then adjust & fine tune the rest of the CV's.

Hope this helps.

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Richard Johnson

· #3 · Feb 24, 2008

QUOTE (Locoman1 @ 23 Feb 2008, 21:24) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I recently bought a bachmann DCC equipt loco (32-125DC), and have tried changing the CVs, as the defaults do not give a great setup. I cannot get it right and was wondering if anyone else has this loco and has got a good setup?

Thanks

First advice. do a reset as advised by DB... if its the ESU bachmann decoder it'll be CV8 to 8 for the reset.

Then - take the lid off and look at the wiring. If there is a capacitor anywhere cut it out (it'll be across the wires so removing it by snipping close to the capacitor body will not stop it running). Capacitors DO cause less than perfect slow speed running.

Next, run it in before trying tuning. The best way is put something heavy on the track for it to run against and put a wee bit of oil on the rails. Run it against the heavy object at about 1/2 speed for ten minutes. Reverse and repeat. This will simulate a load so is actually better than running in on a low friction rolling road.

Now - test running again before adjusting and describe the problems U see with it..... Tell us whats wrong with the running now and what do you want to achieve?

If you can do that, then perhaps a specific answer is possible.

Also - which prototype loco is it - the 2-6-2 Ivatt or another?? Split frame or solid frame with can motor? Model numbers mean little to those who don't read the catalog.

Richard

PS: DB's advice to adjust CV5 is good BUT if you do that you should also adjust CV6 (which is mid voltage) to say 60% of the CV5 figure you set.... otherwise the speed curve will affect only the upper half of the running, and I suspect your problem is probably in the lower part of the speed / slow speed running & controllability.

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Locoman1

Discussion Starter · #4 · Feb 25, 2008

I have just been reading through the manuals and have received an email from Bachmann about the loco, and it looks like its the decoder thats at fault - to cut costs they have put a cheaper decoder in it without Back-EMF and very few programmables; CVs 1-4 and CV29, no CV 5 or 6 or as in my other bachmann tank loco (a class 56xx, which is also DCC equipt bought a few years ago, does have a comprehensive set of CVs to program

I thought technology was meant to get better, not worse! Any suggestions for settings?

I've changed the accn and deccn delay to a higher value and the lowered the minimum speed and it seems a bit better

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Vulcanbomber

· #5 · Feb 25, 2008

QUOTE (Locoman1 @ 25 Feb 2008, 19:10) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I have just been reading through the manuals and have received an email from Bachmann about the loco, and it looks like its the decoder thats at fault - to cut costs they have put a cheaper decoder in it without Back-EMF and very few programmables; CVs 1-4 and CV29, no CV 5 or 6 or as in my other bachmann tank loco (a class 56xx, which is also DCC equipt bought a few years ago, does have a comprehensive set of CVs to program

I thought technology was meant to get better, not worse! Any suggestions for settings?

I've changed the accn and deccn delay to a higher value and the lowered the minimum speed and it seems a bit better

I recently brought a 57xx with DCC fitted, very cheap and nasty decoder installed, wouldn't repeat exercise, will buy my own decoder in future

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Richard Johnson

· #6 · Feb 26, 2008

I'm afraid other than making sure the pickups are as good as they can be & running it in to smooth out the mech a bit, there's not going to be much help from the decoder side at all.... Try a TCS M1 or MC-2 decoder instead - you'll have it happily crawling along at speed step 1.

Richard
DCCconcepts

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