DCC on DC questions

[Chris333]

I have a few questions about how it would be to run Bachmann DCC sound locos on DC.

First I have read that the speed steps need to be messed with to get better slow speed in DCC. I've also read that the sounds are sometimes out of sync and can be fixed with programing. So When you program a decoder do those changes effect how it runs on DC?

And if I have no DCC equipment how would I program it?

Also those capacitors you can add to DCC, do they work when running on DC?

[VonRyan]

My Bachmann 4-6-0 runs well on both DCC and DC.

I've heard about changing CV values to adjust the running quality on DC, the only problem is that those CV values cannot be reprogrammed without a DCC system or JMRI Decoder Pro.

And I have no idea how a keep-alive unit would function on a DC-only layout.

[Chris333]

So anyways...

I bought a Bachmann On30 0-4-0 porter with sound. It came in the mail today. I put it on the track hooked up to DC. Turned the throttle up about 1/3 and the headlight started blinking along with the whistle sounding over and over like it kept re-setting. Then when I turn up the power a little bit more the overload trips. So far this locomotive has only moved 3".

The same track set up runs a non DCC On30 Climax without problems.

Any ideas at all?

[Chris333]

From the sounds of this:
http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/loconews/bachmann-revisit.htm

There are problems with all Bachmann DCC locos. Great.

[Chris333]

It doesn't have the coils that are shown in the link. Hooked up another MRC power pack and got it to work. I completely hate this thing. Whistle and bell go off all the time, chuff doesn't match what the drivers are doing. When running slow it stops for a split second to make the chuff sound, like the sound is sucking up all the power. This is going direct to e-bay