Identify decoder

[triuph1050]

Hi people
got my self an old Bachmann class 66 fitted with an unknown decoder, was hoping one of you might be able to tell whose make it is. Done a search with the numbers but got no joy.
Cheers Peter
20181116_182954_HDR by peter, on Flickr
20181116_180759_HDR by peter, on Flickr

[triuph1050]

Hi Dave
Have the Hornby Elite so will that do? if so what do I need to do to read the chip. Been able to do a reset on cv 8 and given it a new ID but that seems to be a common reset value
Cheers Peter

[Roger (RJ)]

You need to read CV7 & CV8. Then look up those values on the NMRA site.

CV8 gives the manufacturer number and CV7 contains a version number, if any.

List of manufacturers https://www.nmra.org/sites/default/file ... -9.2.2.pdf

eg Hornby is 48 and Bachnann is 101

[triuph1050]

Thanks Dave

[triuph1050]

Turns out to be Zimo MX 600 very basic but Im hoping to tweek it

[RFS]

Turns out to be Zimo MX 600 very basic but Im hoping to tweek it

Actually the Zimo MX600 decoder is quite a sophisticated one, not basic at all.

[triuph1050]

Turns out to be Zimo MX 600 very basic but Im hoping to tweek it

Actually the Zimo MX600 decoder is quite a sophisticated one, not basic at all.

Yes your right I have done it a disservice. Been checking it out. I'm trying out cv values as its slow of the mark then runs to quick and when you decelerate it comes to a halt almost straight away. As it is the default settings don't suit the Bachmann class 66 at all. At the moment have CV 3 and 4 both at 15 which has controlled it somewhat
cheers Peter

[Bigmet]

Push CV3 and CV4 up further yet. (I rarely use values smaller than 60.) Then you have to exercise proper control and discover what speed limits might apply on the layout, in particular because it take a long time slowing down from speed.

[SRman]

Push CV3 and CV4 up further yet. (I rarely use values smaller than 60.) Then you have to exercise proper control and discover what speed limits might apply on the layout, in particular because it take a long time slowing down from speed.

I tend to use initial values of 25 and 18, respectively, for CVs 3 and 4, then tweak further depending on the motor and decoder characteristics. Having the higher values serves two purposes for me: one is to smooth the acceleration and deceleration (which is what we want for the problem in the OP), and the second is it more closely matches the behaviour of the sound-fitted locos I have got used to driving.

Whatever the higher values used, it does take a little getting used to at first, but soon you expect all your locos or units to behave this way and it feels more like driving the trains in a realistic manner. The challenge is getting them t stop in the right places ... I have overshot my platforms and had a few SPADs on occasions!

[Bramshot]

Also, with Zimo decoders, I find it beneficial to not use CV5 and 6 in the ‘normal’ way, but to set 5 to max (=0), 6 to mid range (=128) and then use CV 57 to set the top speed. In this way you get the full 256 internal speed steps to cover the speed range of the loco, by setting the max voltage supplied to the motor, as opposed to ‘chopping off’ the top end steps with CV5. Gives more resolution noticeable at low speed. Also check the values in CVs 121, 122 & 123 as these set an exponential acceleration and deceleration which can be used to give extreme low acceleration at low speeds. They may have been set up to give the non-linear accelerations you describe.

[triuph1050]

Thanks Bramshot, will do a reset and give it a try
Peter

[triuph1050]

Well very pleased to say that upgrading to a ESU 8 pin Lok sound decoder has tamed the 66 runs so much better on the default settings, also as this is an early model with no 'openings' in the roof grill and no speaker body shape in the chassis (so I had to cut down the speaker box otherwise it was to tall and all held with blue tack) I was wondering how it would sound just closing the body back up and the answer is , very well, so I won't follow up with my plan of making some holes in the body. Yes expensive as the decoder cost more than I paid for the mint e-bay buy 66 but now a well running/sounding class 66 so very happy

[Mountain]

Well done.

[RAF96]

I propped the cab doors open to let the noise out of one of my 56s that didn’t have open exhaust ports, ventilated fan screens, etc.