Author Topic: Calling all Bachmann S-4 owners  (Read 4509 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

C855B

  • Crew
  • *
  • Posts: 10884
  • Respect: +2421
Re: Calling all Bachmann S-4 owners
« Reply #30 on: August 27, 2013, 12:08:55 AM »
0
... So it begs the question about why a four function decoder would be preferable for this unit and whether sometimes basic functions are good enough, especially at this price.
Maybe I'm missing something?

The "Bachmann 4-function decoder" is mostly a reference name for an apparent version with a programmable speed table, versus just a Vmin value. When you poll the decoder with JMRI, once determining it's a Bachmann decoder, it asks you to select between the 2-function and 4-function versions. By selecting the 4-function version, the decoder responds with access to speed table CVs, as well as a bunch of headlight options beyond the dimming functions of the 2-function. The objective here was mostly to find speed tables or similar, and see if they made any difference. We (I) went down a primrose path thinking it might have had this programmability, but in the end it was evidently due to JMRI uncovering firmware quirks in the apparent 2-function version.

The four light functions is mostly a moot point - it's just a way of ID'ing a decoder version. (I could make the argument that having a 3rd light control for a gumball flasher would make sense for UP, but I have yet to find a pic of any of their S-whatevers with a beacon. However, Santa Fe definitely did. Hmmm.)
...mike

http://www.gibboncozadandwestern.com

Note: Images linked in my postings are on an HTTP server, not HTTPS. Enable "mixed content" in your browser to view.

There are over 1000 images on this server. Not changing anytime soon.