Podhunter Posted September 14, 2017 Share Posted September 14, 2017 (edited) On 13-Sep-17 Bachmann announced an upgraded version of the 36-557 DCC decoder. However, the announcement neglects to tell us what those new features are. That is, it lists a number of features but doesn't emphasise those that are new. Additionally, it fails to tell us how to distinguish the upgraded version from the older version. I enquired about this and received a helpful reply from Bachmann's customer service manager. In summary: The new feature is RailCom. The older version didn't have RailCom The chip is mounted on a blue printed circuit (PC) board. The old version has a green PC board The new version is packaged in a transparent bubble on a colourful card. The older version was presented in a humdrum cardboard box Edited September 14, 2017 by Podhunter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold RFS Posted September 14, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 14, 2017 The documentation mentions two logic outputs in addition to the normal 4 functions for lighting etc. Don't believe the original version had these. These will be useful for those models that need a 5th function for some lighting options, such as the DJ Models class 71 and the Bachmann/Kernow 4-TC. Both of these use the 5th function and expect that to be a logic function too. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Ron Ron Posted September 25, 2017 Share Posted September 25, 2017 (edited) This "new version" is actually a completely different decoder, supplied by another decoder manufacturer, ESU. The old 36-557 was a Soundtraxx MC1/MC2 hybrid and the new 36-557 is an ESU Standard (model no. 53614) Looks like it's going to be a fun time trying to find the correct manuals online, or getting the correct advise if something goes wrong or help is needed. Using the old product code for a completely different product strikes me as totally bizarre. More bizarre by the fact that the Bachman branded 8-pin (with harness) version of the same ESU Standard (model no. 53611), was given Bachmann product code 36-566. Note that the adjacent number 36-565 hasn't been allocated yet. With Bachmann going against the flow (and the NMRA and MOROP standards) by fitting Next18 sockets in H0 & 00 models that could easily accept the current standard PluX sockets, plus continuing to release new model designs bearing obsolete 8-pin and 21-pin sockets; you have to wonder what's going on and whether they know what's going on??? . . Edited September 25, 2017 by Ron Ron Ron Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fireline Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 This "new version" is actually a completely different decoder, supplied by another decoder manufacturer, ESU. The old 36-557 was a Soundtraxx MC1/MC2 hybrid and the new 36-557 is an ESU Standard (model no. 53614) Looks like it's going to be a fun time trying to find the correct manuals online, or getting the correct advise if something goes wrong or help is needed. Using the old product code for a completely different product strikes me as totally bizarre. More bizarre by the fact that the Bachman branded 8-pin (with harness) version of the same ESU Standard (model no. 53611), was given Bachmann product code 36-566. Note that the adjacent number 36-565 hasn't been allocated yet. With Bachmann going against the flow (and the NMRA and MOROP standards) by fitting Next18 sockets in H0 & 00 models that could easily accept the current standard PluX sockets, plus continuing to release new model designs bearing obsolete 8-pin and 21-pin sockets; you have to wonder what's going on and whether they know what's going on??? . . 8 and 21 pin sockets are only obsolete to those who don't want to use them. To those of us who fit 8 pin chips, they are pretty much essential. They may be yesterday's news, but they are still relevant, and will be until no-one makes 8 and 21 pin chips. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
No Decorum Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 On 13-Sep-17 Bachmann announced an upgraded version of the 36-557 DCC decoder. However, the announcement neglects to tell us what those new features are. That is, it lists a number of features but doesn't emphasise those that are new. Additionally, it fails to tell us how to distinguish the upgraded version from the older version. I enquired about this and received a helpful reply from Bachmann's customer service manager. In summary: The new feature is RailCom. The older version didn't have RailCom The chip is mounted on a blue printed circuit (PC) board. The old version has a green PC board The new version is packaged in a transparent bubble on a colourful card. The older version was presented in a humdrum cardboard box Earlier decoders were “presented” in a very attractive little blue box. The humdrum cardboard box is very handy for storage when a decoder is in between locomotives. I should think that, once opened, the new packaging will be pretty well useless. Still, nice that the decoder has been upgraded. Care will be needed when ordering through a website! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparaxis Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 This "new version" is actually a completely different decoder, supplied by another decoder manufacturer, ESU. The old 36-557 was a Soundtraxx MC1/MC2 hybrid and the new 36-557 is an ESU Standard (model no. 53614) Looks like it's going to be a fun time trying to find the correct manuals online, or getting the correct advise if something goes wrong or help is needed. Using the old product code for a completely different product strikes me as totally bizarre. More bizarre by the fact that the Bachman branded 8-pin (with harness) version of the same ESU Standard (model no. 53611), was given Bachmann product code 36-566. Note that the adjacent number 36-565 hasn't been allocated yet. With Bachmann going against the flow (and the NMRA and MOROP standards) by fitting Next18 sockets in H0 & 00 models that could easily accept the current standard PluX sockets, plus continuing to release new model designs bearing obsolete 8-pin and 21-pin sockets; you have to wonder what's going on and whether they know what's going on??? . . Next 18 was designed by the RCN (a group of European manufacturers) to provide a small decoder with multiple function outputs. As such, it replaces the Plux 12 which had a chequered history in that when Tillig first conceived of it they simply chopped 4 pins off one side of the Plux 16. The first Plux-12 decoders would not fit in the space allowed for Plux-16 as the pins were centered on the board. After some debate the standard was revised to allow a Plux-12 with offset pins allowing it to fit in the standard Plux-16 space. The Next-18 has the advantage that it does not have pins that can bend, and has been adopted by all the European manufacturers I can think of except Marklin/Trix. (Even Hornby in Jouef and Arnold Locos). Therefore Bachmann is actually following the newer standard. The MTC21 21-pin socket also went through many changes, with at least 4 different versions over the years. For example with logic level or amplified functions 5&6. It is becoming quite widely used in the USA, no doubt due to the influence of ESU in the OEM market. ESU also uses the Next18 interface on some of their drop-in replacement boards for American diesels. The latest version of the NMRA spec is now compatible with the latest version of the NEM and RCN specs Although I prefer the way Plux was implemented compared to MTC21, for example pins on the decoder and not on the loco board, MTC21 is by no means obsolete. I do wish the 8-pin interface would go away though. Primarily because it doesn't define a space envelope for the decoder, and I am tired of trying to figure out where to put the decoder in those locos that have an interface but no defined space. Of course, you can still live with the limited functionality in British (non-sound) steam locos, where you don't have any functions to energize. Bachmann is not the only company to change vendors while keeping the part number the same: Roco did it frequently in the early days of DCC. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
No Decorum Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 I do wish the 8-pin interface would go away though. Primarily because it doesn't define a space envelope for the decoder, and I am tired of trying to figure out where to put the decoder in those locos that have an interface but no defined space. Of course, you can still live with the limited functionality in British (non-sound) steam locos, where you don't have any functions to energize. Things are not as bad as they used to be. In some cases, so much space was taken up by the socket that it had to be removed to fit a decoder, which then had to be hard-wired, of course. I have found Hatton’s direct fit 8-pin decoders very useful. The harness-fitted 8-pin decoders remain very valuable for older models with no provision for a decoder. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NIK Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 Hi, I've tried six of the new version (Sept 2017) Bachmann 36-557s that I received from Model Railways Direct in my ESU 53900 DCC decoder tester and they all operate 4 logic level Function Outputs independently not the 2 quoted on the packaging. So that's a total of eight function outputs. The non MCU side of the decoder has eight three pin SMD packages (BJT transistors?) with a group of four of them appearing to connect to very small area resistors. The labelling on that side of the PCB is ESU, 2017, LPS, V11. The decoder appears to have the extra CVs for the two extra outputs to control the brightness/effects/mapping. Regards Nick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Ron Ron Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 Hi, I've tried six of the new version (Sept 2017) Bachmann 36-557s that I received from Model Railways Direct ......... How have you found the performance of these ESU decoders Nick? ...or anyone else who has used them? Ron . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NIK Posted November 21, 2017 Share Posted November 21, 2017 (edited) How have you found the performance of these ESU decoders Nick? ...or anyone else who has used them? Ron . Hi, I've only been able to try one in a Kernow 4-TC where it works the lights fine. I haven't had a chance to try one in a loco as I've been busy first with a club open day and then with electronics modules plus signals for Beggarwood Lane ( a DCC club layout - a layout topic in this RMWeb). Edit: I bought as many of the new (September 2017) 36-557 Blue PCB/Plastic packaging decoders as I could afford at £14.80 each. End Edit. I haven't run an ESU chipped loco for a while as I've been evaluating many of the decoders under £20. I've been impressed by the Zimo MX600 series budget decoders but they don't do a 21MTC version as yet. I've found one MX600R dead on arrival and a layout crew member has had two DOA. I've just bought the matching sockets for 21MTC, Next18 and Plux decoders and I'm going to see if I can make up low cost printed circuit board adapters. Zimo make a Next18 DCC decoder for Bachmann and I'm interested in trying it out - the decoder is tiny and the connector is miniscule. Regards Nick Edited November 21, 2017 by NIK Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Opelsi Posted November 21, 2017 Share Posted November 21, 2017 I know I am stating the obvious in terms of the numbering, but why not just have given it a designation of 36-557A to enable ease of differentiation Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Ron Ron Posted November 21, 2017 Share Posted November 21, 2017 (edited) I know I am stating the obvious in terms of the numbering, but why not just have given it a designation of 36-557A to enable ease of differentiation Indeed; or why not 36-565 which appears to be un-allocated and the catalogue number right next to the 8-pin version of the very same ESU Standard decoder, the 36-566. .. Edited November 21, 2017 by Ron Ron Ron Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin_l_jones Posted November 21, 2017 Share Posted November 21, 2017 There is already a topic on this.... http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/124811-new-Bachmann-21-pin-decoder-36-557/ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Ron Ron Posted November 21, 2017 Share Posted November 21, 2017 There is already a topic on this.... http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/124811-new-Bachmann-21-pin-decoder-36-557/ Martin, that topic covers the old 36-557, which has been replaced by this rebadged ESU Standard 21-pin. The OP was a bit out of date when he posted in July this year, as that old Soundtraxx 36-557 had been around for a year or two. Maybe both topics should have been posted in the DCC discussion section in the first place? . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Ron Ron Posted November 21, 2017 Share Posted November 21, 2017 (edited) Edited November 21, 2017 by Ron Ron Ron Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick_Skateboard Posted November 26, 2017 Share Posted November 26, 2017 Hello, Is it possible to adjust the brightness of LEDs on the function outputs with this decoder? Cheers, Rick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NIK Posted February 5, 2018 Share Posted February 5, 2018 Hello, Is it possible to adjust the brightness of LEDs on the function outputs with this decoder? Cheers, Rick Hi Rick, Yes, just follow the Bachmann instructions or those for the ESU Lokpilot Standard 53611. PS unlike the Bachmann packaging the 36-557 (November 2017) decoders I have tested have eight function outputs (four at logic levels) instead of six. Its quite a high end decoder with a budget price. I bought a load of them at £14.80 each. Regards Nick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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