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4 function decoder

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Model Depot - 26 Apr 2006 20:00 GMT
Hi all,
If I use a bachmann 4 function decoder will this be able to change the day /
night time running on a Hornby class 60 ( and bachmann 57 / 66 ) ( I am
using
the Bachmann e-z command unit ), also is there any programming involved or
do I
just press the function button.
Kindest regards
Simon
Piemanlarger - 26 Apr 2006 20:08 GMT
In simple terms, no

> Hi all,
> If I use a bachmann 4 function decoder will this be able to change the day
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> Kindest regards
> Simon
Model Depot - 26 Apr 2006 20:41 GMT
Hi Again, is it because I have the Bachmann controller, e.g. if I buy a Lenz
controller I would be able to do the lights or is it because I need a
different decoder ?

Also I am actually thinking of upgrading already to lenz,
Is the L60090 Start Set 90 a good enough system or would I be better going
for the L60100 Start Set 100. ( I would prefer to go for the set 90 as its
cheaper but is the set 100 vastly superior ? )
I will be wanting lights and sound in the loco`s
I think as John pointed out on a thread a while back that it is best to use
DCC For loco`s and use normal wiring for point motors etc. I am re-building
Copperfield Hill TMD with new track, but to the same design as before, so
with the size of the depot would it be better / easier to use DCC for the
points or the normal wiring ( there is about 12 points for the depot
including entrance and three points for the station area, but I may scrap
the station ).
http://www.uk-kits.co.uk/copperfieldhill.html

Kindest regards
Simon

> In simple terms, no
>
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> > Kindest regards
> > Simon
Piemanlarger - 26 Apr 2006 22:12 GMT
No, the four function decoder will control direction, forward and reverse
and the main lights. You could go for a 6 function decoder or another 4
function just to control the lights which with some work you could use to
bypass the switch, but it will get a little complicated. I suggest you join
the  yahoo DCCUK group and spend a couple of weeks reading posts and picking
things up slowly.

> Hi Again, is it because I have the Bachmann controller, e.g. if I buy a
> Lenz
[quoted text clipped - 34 lines]
>> > Kindest regards
>> > Simon
John Turner - 26 Apr 2006 23:51 GMT
> Also I am actually thinking of upgrading already to lenz,
> Is the L60090 Start Set 90 a good enough system or would I be better going
> for the L60100 Start Set 100. ( I would prefer to go for the set 90 as its
> cheaper but is the set 100 vastly superior ? )

The Set 100 is far more user friendly, especially if you have a large number
of locos &/or you intend operating points using DCC.

John.
Piemanlarger - 27 Apr 2006 09:07 GMT
>> Also I am actually thinking of upgrading already to lenz,
>> Is the L60090 Start Set 90 a good enough system or would I be better
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> John.

I and many other i know use the 100 set, it is very good and if mine broke
today, I would have another by tomorrow!

ok, its still under warrenty, but i would still have baught another set if
it were not!
wyrleybart@netscape.net - 27 Apr 2006 23:20 GMT
The problem I have is trying to configure sound and lights in the same
locos. I've installed an SWD system in a Bachmann 25, which uses also
the F keys on my Roco Lokmaus. I don't have a problem with directional
headcode marker lights, but it would be nice to switch off the tail
light when hauling a train.

I presume that my using a Lenz 100 (or 90) control system, the number
of F keys is increased, but there are more sounds available too.

Has anyone fitted sound and lights to a Bachmann loco ?

Regards
Phil
Piemanlarger - 28 Apr 2006 22:16 GMT
> The problem I have is trying to configure sound and lights in the same
> locos. I've installed an SWD system in a Bachmann 25, which uses also
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> Has anyone fitted sound and lights to a Bachmann loco ?

Yes, seperate tail and headlights plus sound in class 20,37,47,66 so far.

> Regards
> Phil
wyrleybart@netscape.net - 29 Apr 2006 07:40 GMT
Hi "piemanlarger"
Excellent - how many F keys do you use for this ? Are your tail lights
switchable ?
I would be quite happy having marker lights directionally controlled
using the F* key to switch them on and off. I would like to use another
F key to turn the appropriate end tail light off, after the loco has
backed up on it's train.

I currently use a Roco Lokmaus2 which has F* and F1-F4 so I am already
unable to use some of the sounds on the ESU decoder.

Can you please tell me / us which keys you use for the lights ?

Many thanks
Phil
Piemanlarger - 29 Apr 2006 09:40 GMT
> Hi "piemanlarger"
> Excellent - how many F keys do you use for this ? Are your tail lights
> switchable ?

Ok with my South West Digital sound chipped class 37, the chip comes with

F0 Headlights on/off
F1 Engine start up / shut down.
F2 Short horn 1
F3 Short horn 2
F4 Double horn
F5 Air brake
F6 Buffer clash
F7 Coupling clash
F8 Engine idle
F9 Fan
F10 compressor
F11  Tail light
F12  Tail light

I am also fitting a bachman 4 function decoder to use as cab lighting, which
i may convert to use to control the tail lights too, tis will give me two
more sound options by freeing up F11 and 12, possably.

> I would be quite happy having marker lights directionally controlled
> using the F* key to switch them on and off. I would like to use another
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> Many thanks
> Phil
Keith - 26 Apr 2006 22:09 GMT
>Hi all,
>If I use a bachmann 4 function decoder will this be able to change the day /
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>Kindest regards
>Simon

You could do this by fitting a small dpdt relay inside,they are
available small enough. This would use two functions for the normal
directional lights and the third function to switch over using the
relay. You could use the fourth function to turn the tail lights off
when coupled to a train with a second relay, or with some decoder
brands this can be configured through the CVs.
Depending on the default setting of the decoder the above may work
without any programming.
But if you really want to get into lighting effects and sound etc you
need a DCC system that can set up the CVs, this is a major limitation
of the Bachmann unit.

IMHO a better arrangement is to use a 6 function decoder so you can
have all the 6 lights (red, day and night at each end) seperately
switched like the real thing.
Keith
 
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