Bachmann DCC decoders

AFAIK, they are made by Lenz, but are simple 4-function types.

Wolf, Trying to read this engine with a DCS100 and LocoBuffer we could not get readback. The engine seems to program ok. Is this the fault of the coils and things they use and should they be removed to get readback?

Sorry, I don't know. If LocoBuffer is a network protocol, I would think you need decoders compliant with it.

FWIW, I think NMRA/NEM should specify a network protocol. At present, there are a number of mutually incompatible network systems out there.

Wolf, The LocoBuffer is a device for connecting a computer to a Loconet (ie, Digitrax) DCC system.

In order to read/write to ANY decoder that is NMRA-compliant, you have to use NMRA protocols. However, the protocol used to communicate between devices that are "internal" to the DCC system can use any type of protocol the DCC manufacturer wishes. The LocoBuffer falls into this category.

My guess is that it's a matter of direct vs. paged, etc.

Jon, Have you tried posting your question on the JMRI Yahoo group, even if you don't use JMRI? Those folks are *very* knowledgeable about this sort of thing.

HTH, Stevert

Have you tried posting your question on the JMRI Yahoo group, even if you don't use JMRI?< Actually Bob was the one who tried to read it. We were busy with the layout for the Sun exhibition so didn't have time to pursue it. Another friend of mine said his read fine with an NCE system. Can't see how a system would matter as we were using the LocoBuffer. It's not my engine but I was just curious why it didn't read. Not a big deal but some have guessed the European decoupling components were doing it.

Well, I certainly can't offer more expertise than that! The decoupling components would be my guess then, too.

Stevert

Aren't the "decoupling" or anti-rf-interference components only placed in the motor circuit?

Usually, that consists of a cap placed directly across the motor leads and 2 chokes (coils) in series with each motor lead.

I don't think any of that circuitry is placed anywhere on the DCC (rail) side.

AFAIK, for programming purposes the motor is only used as a current drawing load to generate acknowledgment back to the programmer. So, I'm not sure how rf suppression circuit on the motor side would affect any DCC decoder functionality.

But then, I'm not a a DCC expert either.

Peteski