Dylan999 Posted December 15, 2015 Share Posted December 15, 2015 I'm using a TCS decoder in a early BR Bachmann 2-6-0 4mt(double chimney), but its not the smoothest runner in the world when speed is up. It seems fine on DC, other locos run faultlessly (all Bachmann with TCS) at both low and a higher speed. I'm thinking of installing a Zimo 8-pin decoder in as I've read some good reports on them being spot on straight out the box. Has anyone got the CV settings for these particular models or further advice, before I part with £30+ for a new decoder. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokebox Posted December 15, 2015 Share Posted December 15, 2015 You could try a Lenz Standard+ decoder which is about half the price or less of the Zimo. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dylan999 Posted December 15, 2015 Author Share Posted December 15, 2015 Thanks. As long as it fits in the 'boiler' that's the other issue.......space! I'll look into it Smokebox. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold RFS Posted December 15, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted December 15, 2015 I have 3 of these locos all with the Lenz Standard+ decoder and they all run superbly. This decoder can be had for around £13 from the German box-shifters (eg http://www.arstecnica.de/shop/index.php - free postage if you buy 3 for €51 / £37). The Lenz is in a different class to the TCS decoders. It does fit in the boiler - you just have to slide it in face up so it doesn't touch the metal weight. It's about the same size as Bachmann's own brand. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dylan999 Posted December 15, 2015 Author Share Posted December 15, 2015 Thanks RFS, something to look into then Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
34theletterbetweenB&D Posted December 15, 2015 Share Posted December 15, 2015 ...I'm thinking of installing a Zimo 8-pin decoder in as I've read some good reports on them being spot on straight out the box. Has anyone got the CV settings for these particular models or further advice, before I part with £30+ for a new decoder. Have you 'tried everything' in the way of available CV settings with the current decoder? The simple fact is that while I could tell you what CV settings I have used on 2x Ivatt 4MT 2-6-0 and 1x BR std 4MT 2-6-0, all fitted with the Lenz Standard decoder and operating very sweetly and smoothly, it wouldn't necessarily be any help. One of this threesome has an immediately noticeably different motor response, requiring a very different set of CV values to make it conform in performance to the other two which are relatively similar, and have a generally equivalent set up. And of course the set up I have used is specific to the way I want the locos to perform, which might not appeal to your taste at all! I endorse the earlier suggestions that a Lenz Standard will almost certainly do nicely. On most Bachmann steam models it goes in and provides sweet running throughout the speed range immediately. Of some thirty odd Bachmann steam models in my operation there is one K3 that instead has a Zimo MX64 in it, because the motor turns at a smaller output than the Lenz decoder can provide; I have had to use 'everything' on the Zimo to 'turn down' the speed step 1 power enough to make it start with a smooth creep into motion rather than jerking away at a scale 2mph. But that's just the one model with an exceptionally efficient motor. (I work on an economy basis, of using the cheapest decoder that will do the job, reserving more expensive decoders for the tough cases.) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dylan999 Posted December 15, 2015 Author Share Posted December 15, 2015 Think I'll look at lenz standard+. Like yourself I like the loco to glide from a realistic start as opposed to starting fast. I have turned the bemf back on, to which it's a bit smoother at higher speeds. It was turned off cussing the dither to kick in. That in its self may have been the issue? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold RFS Posted December 15, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted December 15, 2015 Forgot to mention I once had a Bachmann standard 3MT tank and a Fairburn 4MT tank both fitted with TCS DP2X-UK decoders. Both had a jittery start (you could see the coaches being buffeted). I tried everything to no avail. Turning off BEMF fixed the jittering but they would set off at about 10 mph from start and only when you got to speed step 7 out of 28. As a last resort I pinched a couple Lenz Silvers out of a pair of Hornby 73s which weren't seeing much action, and when fitted to these two locos their performance was totally transformed. Furthermore, this transformation came about with both decoders on default settings. They now have the Standard+ decoders which have some improvement on the silvers in terms of motor control. I also remember selling these two TCS decoders on Ebay for £29 and £27 at a time when DCC Supplies had them available new for £17! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dylan999 Posted December 15, 2015 Author Share Posted December 15, 2015 You have sold me on the idea of Lenz standard+ sir!! It starts moving slowly at around speed 10 on the NCE, the pannier is the same but runs faultlessly and the 2-6-2 prairie tank is stop start. This also needs lenz in I think. It starts off at 2 and gets faster very quick! . All three will start off as in real life speed increase, this is not the issue. It's up towards speed step 30+ (nce set on 128) to allow for a smoother start. Your knowledge has been great by the way. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.