NS Peak Posted February 17, 2020 Share Posted February 17, 2020 Hello, I have given in to temptation and bought a Bachmann Class 90. It’s a thing of beauty, but I am now looking to install a decoder. I know that Bachmann sell a decoder specially configured for the servo driving the pantograph, but I was wondering what alternative decoders could I use instead. there must be other decoders or possible CV settings that could be tweaked to possibly do the same thing as the Bachmann decoder. I am not thinking of sound yet as my budget is stretched. But can anyone suggest alternatives or do I now need to spend a further 33 quid or so on the Bachmann decoder? thanks for your help Stephen Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Ron Ron Posted February 17, 2020 Share Posted February 17, 2020 The Bachmann decoder specially configured for the Class 90, catalogue number 36-569, is made by Zimo, one of the best DCC decoder manufacturers. Any alternative is likely to be at best equal to the task, but more likely, inferior. Stick with that recommended decoder. . 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philou Posted February 17, 2020 Share Posted February 17, 2020 Any advice on one for sound? I shall be needing to fit one soon. Cheers, Philip Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigelcliffe Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 As with non-sound, you need a decoder which fits the socket, and can support servo control on the logic-level outputs. Two main players, ESU and Zimo, both offer servo control if appropriately configured in the sound project loaded onto the decoder, or with end-user CV changes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NS Peak Posted February 18, 2020 Author Share Posted February 18, 2020 Hello, I did not know the Bachmann chip was Zimo product. I am curious though which chips are available that come with servo control or are capable to have it enabled also picking up on Philips question on which sound decoders could be used. Thanks Stephen Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
charliepetty Posted February 19, 2020 Share Posted February 19, 2020 On 17/02/2020 at 22:17, Ron Ron Ron said: The Bachmann decoder specially configured for the Class 90, catalogue number 36-569, is made by Zimo, one of the best DCC decoder manufacturers. Any alternative is likely to be at best equal to the task, but more likely, inferior. Stick with that recommended decoder. . At Glasgow and Alexandra Palace shows we will be demonstrating the inferior legomanbiffo ESU product with all of the following completely useless features, none of which were recorded from a real loco at Norwich Crown Point such as 90012 Royal Anglian Regiment, to pick one entirely at random. The pantograph and lights appear to work faultlessly whilst under the control of this obviously inferior product. F0 Directional Lights. F1 Drive On/Off F2 Playable High Note Horn F3 Playable Low Note Horn F4 Buffering up (When Moving) F4 Uncoupling Hook Sounds (When Stationary) F5 Playable Active Brake Application (When Moving) F5 Brake Dump (When Stationery) F6 Drivers door slam F7 Compressor F8 Random Mk3 Door Slams F9 Automatic Flange/Wheel Squeal F10 Despatch Whistle F11 Guard to Driver 'Right of Way signal' Buzzer with optional reply F12 Night Time Running Mode (Headlights) F13 Sanders F14 Nuetral Section F15 Spirax Valves F16 Mk3 coach wail F17 Directional 'AutoFade' Cab Lights F18 Speed Dependant, Flash Enabled Detonators F19 Headlights: Train Mode, Train at No1 End F20 Headlights: Train Mode, Train at No2 End CV Changable Horns: We have a choice of two horn sets (CV155=0 for Set 1 OR CV155=1 for Set 2) Headlights: Use F0 (Only) When running Light Engine.(F0 must be off when hauling a train) Use F19 (Only) when working with a Legmanbiffo Sound Enabled DVT at No1 End) Use F20 (Only) when working with a Legmanbiffo Sound Enabled DVT at No2 End) 1 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
royaloak Posted February 19, 2020 Share Posted February 19, 2020 (edited) 23 minutes ago, charliepetty said: At Glasgow and Alexandra Palace shows we will be demonstrating the inferior legomanbiffo ESU product with all of the following completely useless features, none of which were recorded from a real loco at Norwich Crown Point such as 90012 Royal Anglian Regiment, to pick one entirely at random. The pantograph and lights appear to work faultlessly whilst under the control of this obviously inferior product. I am no expert but I think I detect just the slightest hint of sarcasm in this post? Edited February 19, 2020 by royaloak 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Ron Ron Posted February 19, 2020 Share Posted February 19, 2020 Charlie, the reference was to the non-sound zimo decoder and I did say "Any alternative is likely to be at best equal to the task....." Your LokSound Class 90 chip, is bound to be a most superior product, as always. . 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philou Posted February 19, 2020 Share Posted February 19, 2020 Yup, don't want any inferior products do we? I have used both Charlie's ESU chips and Zimo ones for specific reasons in each case. I've yet to have a problem with either. @charliepetty Thanks for the heads-up regarding your chip - but will there be any work needed to fit a superior quality speaker? Cheers, Philip Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NS Peak Posted February 28, 2020 Author Share Posted February 28, 2020 Well I bit the bullet and picked up the zimo chip at my kind of local model shop, there is something enormously satisfying about watching the pantograph go up and down at the push of a button. I just need to remember to unclip it. Thanks for all the responses. stephen Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete the Elaner Posted February 28, 2020 Share Posted February 28, 2020 On 19/02/2020 at 11:19, Philou said: @charliepetty Thanks for the heads-up regarding your chip - but will there be any work needed to fit a superior quality speaker? I was happy with the included speakers. I don't think a class 90 is too demanding in this respect. This made it really east to install the decoder. I was glad I fitted them straight away (& also that I bought 2) because 1 of my locos had a fault with the speaker: it sounded very thin, as though it was not sealed properly. If I had not bought 2, I would have assumed the speaker was cheap & poor quality instead of faulty. It also developed a problem with its pantograph, so the model went back to Bachmann via the retailer to fix both faults. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Damo666 Posted Sunday at 11:44 Share Posted Sunday at 11:44 On 17/02/2020 at 22:17, Ron Ron Ron said: The Bachmann decoder specially configured for the Class 90, catalogue number 36-569, is made by Zimo, one of the best DCC decoder manufacturers. Any alternative is likely to be at best equal to the task, but more likely, inferior. Stick with that recommended decoder. Hello Ron, I've installed the Bachmann 36-569A decoder to my Bachmann 90041 loco, and am adding it to my JMRI Roster. JMRI detects it as a ZIMO but offers 5 possible models: MX634 Version 40+ MX634C Version 40+ MX634D Version 40+ MX634F Version 40+ MX634R Version 40+ Would you (or anyone else) know which one is the most suitable candidate? Or does it matter? Many thanks D Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Kaput Posted Sunday at 12:56 RMweb Gold Share Posted Sunday at 12:56 Bachmann's own product page tells you its an MX634C https://www.Bachmann.co.uk/product/class-90-dcc-loco-decoder-with-servo-motor-operation-and-brake-function/36-569a 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Ron Ron Posted Sunday at 18:19 Share Posted Sunday at 18:19 (edited) 6 hours ago, Damo666 said: ………JMRI detects it as a ZIMO but offers 5 possible models: MX634 Version 40+ MX634C Version 40+ MX634D Version 40+ MX634F Version 40+ MX634R Version 40+ Would you (or anyone else) know which one is the most suitable candidate? Or does it matter? The suffix letters denote the type of connector interface for the particular model of decoder (MX634 in this case). No suffix - wires no plug C - 21-pin (special type with logic level outputs) D - 21-pin F - 6-pin on wires R - 8-pin on wires All versions of the same MX634. As Kaput points out, Bachmann say MX634C as the Class 90 has a 21-pin connector. . Edited Sunday at 18:21 by Ron Ron Ron 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
charliepetty Posted Monday at 21:07 Share Posted Monday at 21:07 On 14/04/2024 at 12:44, Damo666 said: Hello Ron, I've installed the Bachmann 36-569A decoder to my Bachmann 90041 loco, and am adding it to my JMRI Roster. JMRI detects it as a ZIMO but offers 5 possible models: MX634 Version 40+ MX634C Version 40+ MX634D Version 40+ MX634F Version 40+ MX634R Version 40+ Would you (or anyone else) know which one is the most suitable candidate? Or does it matter? Many thanks D This is the first time I have heard ESU decoders being described as 'inferior', the LokPilot Non sound decoder if very good, operates all the featires and is around £15.00 cheaper it would appear!!, did'nt realise Zimo decoders were so expensive. A Legomanbiffo sound decoder is only another £70.00!!! SEE: https://www.dckits-devideos.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=68&product_id=286 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Damo666 Posted Monday at 22:09 Share Posted Monday at 22:09 1 hour ago, charliepetty said: This is the first time I have heard ESU decoders being described as 'inferior', the LokPilot Non sound decoder if very good, operates all the featires and is around £15.00 cheaper it would appear!!, did'nt realise Zimo decoders were so expensive. A Legomanbiffo sound decoder is only another £70.00!!! SEE: https://www.dckits-devideos.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=68&product_id=286 Hi Charlie, In quoting me in your post, where did I say that ESU decoders were inferior? My limited knowledge of decoders would suggest they are anything but. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Ron Ron Posted Tuesday at 09:44 Share Posted Tuesday at 09:44 It’s rehashing old ground, but nobody said ESU decoders were inferior. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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