Bachmann 4-6-4 ALCo J3a Hudson - HO
Information on this wiki page provides particular details about this model not found in our basic guide.
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Contents
Overview
Bachmann’s new DCC sound-equipped ALCo J3a Hudson includes a TCS WOWSound® decoder with factory-preset prototypical sound configuration. This model also includes Keep-Alive® for uninterrupted operation, even over dirty track. The WOWSound® Steam locomotive sound package includes sounds for whistle, bell, steam chuff, air pump, blower, injector, coupler close/release, brake release and application, and many more!
Loaded with prototypical features, the J3a hudson in HO-scale from Bachmann Trains brings all the sights and sounds of the mighty era of passenger steam to your layout.
Specific Features
Features include:
- DCC sound-equipped for sound, speed, direction, and lighting control
- Dual-mode NMRA-compliant decoder operates sound, motor, and lights on DCC or DC power.
- TCS true CD-quality audio (16-bit, 44,100Hz)
- Authentic and prototypical sounds set by default
- Over 40 whistle and over 30 bell options
- Keep-Alive® included, which keeps your engine running during power interruptions due to dirty track or loss of electrical contact
- Directional headlights with "Rule 17" dimming operation enabled by default
- TCS' industry-leading "quiet drive" Back EMF motor control for superior slow-speed performance and load compensation
- User-loadable speed table options (3-point, 28-point, and 126-point curves)
- Two select-able Throttle Modes
- Two configurable Momentum Modes
- TCS' exclusive Function Pagination System
- Die-cast frame
Additional Features
The Bachmann 4-6-4 ALCo J3a Hudson - HO is at its heart a WOWSteam decoder but has had some customization to make it specific to the locomotive. The information below details where CV’s and operation differ from the standard Steam decoder.
DC mode operation
When operating in DC mode, the locomotive will sit still and silent until a sufficient track voltage is present. Once the minimum voltage (approximately 8 volts) is met, the locomotive will ignite the prime mover and the lights will come on. An additional increase in voltage will cause the locomotive to begin to move. A directional horn blast will sound, and the bell will activate automatically. Increasing the voltage further will shut off the automatic bell. Users may trigger a grade crossing horn quill sound by quickly adjusting the track voltage up and back down quickly. The directional horn blasts, quill, and automatic DC mode bell are enabled by default.
Note: This WOWSound® product includes TCS' Audio Assist® auditory feedback program.
Button Mappings
The values outlined below in the button mapping, sound list, and CV values are the defaults assigned to this particular decoder from the factory.
For information on how to program your locomotive using the values provided in the charts below, please see our Comprehensive Programming Guide, WOWSteam Programming Guide, and/or List of Standard CV's.
TCS Function Pagination System
The Bachmann 4-6-4 ALCo J3a Hudson - HO supports TCS' new "function pagination" system. This makes it easy to access all 28 functions and all lighting effects on throttles with limited function access by adding an offset to the pressed function button (offset of +10 for function page 2; offset of +20 for function page 3). For example, to access function 15:
- Press function 8 twice to rotate through the function pages until the decoder announces "function page [two]"
- Press button 5 on your throttle/controller
- The decoder will activate function 5 + 10 (page 2 offset) = 15
Note: the decoder supports accessing all decoder functions above 9 regardless of the currently selected function page by pressing the corresponding buttons on your throttle.
| Button Mappings | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Function Button | Sound Action | Light Action | Dual Enabled | Page and Button |
| 0 | None | Headlights | Yes | Page 1 Button 0 |
| 1 | Bell | None | No | Page 1 Button 1 |
| 2 | Whistle - Long Blast | None | No | Page 1 Button 2 |
| 3 | Whistle - Short Blast | None | No | Page 1 Button 3 |
| 4 | Blow Down | None | No | Page 1 Button 4 |
| 5 | Cylinder Cox | None | No | Page 1 Button 5 |
| 6 | Water Fill | None | No | Page 1 Button 6 |
| 7 | None | Dim Headlights | Yes | Page 1 Button 7 |
| 8 | 1x Press Mute/Unmute 2x Press rotate light/sound mode or page 4x Press Audio Assist™ |
None | Yes | Page 1 Button 8 |
| 9 | None | None | No | Page 1 Button 9 |
| 10 | Blower | None | No | Page 2 Button 0 |
| 11 | Injector | None | No | Page 2 Button 1 |
| 12 | Coupler Crash | None | No | Page 2 Button 2 |
| 13 | Coupler Release | None | No | Page 2 Button 3 |
| 14 | Brake Release | None | No | Page 2 Button 4 |
| 15 | Train Brakes | None | No | Page 2 Button 5 |
| 16 | Momentum | None | No | Page 2 Button 6 |
| 17 | Safety Valve | None | No | Page 2 Button 7 |
| 18 | 1x Press Mute/Unmute 2x Press rotate light/sound mode or page 4x Press Audio Assist™ |
None | No | Page 2 Button 8 |
| 19 | None | None | No | Page 2 Button 9 |
| 20 | Grade X Quill | None | No | Page 3 Button 0 |
| 21 | Forward Quill | None | No | Page 3 Button 1 |
| 22 | Reverse Quill | None | No | Page 3 Button 2 |
| 23 | Stop Quill | None | No | Page 3 Button 3 |
| 24 | Rotate Bell/Horn | None | No | Page 3 Button 4 |
| 25 | Ash Pan Cleaning | None | No | Page 3 Button 5 |
| 26 | Station Announcements Departing | None | No | Page 3 Button 6 |
| 27 | Station Announcements Arriving | None | No | Page 3 Button 7 |
| 28 | 1x Press Mute/Unmute 2x Press rotate light/sound mode or page 4x Press Audio Assist™ |
None | No | Page 3 Button 8 |
| Random Sound Mapping | |
|---|---|
| Random Sound Generator |
Sound Played |
| 1 | Air Compressor |
| 2 | None |
| 3 | Injectors |
| 4 | Safety Valve |
Sound List
Please refer to the WOWSteam Version 4.6 Sound List for a complete list of sounds included on this decoder.
CV Addendum (Standard CV's)
The Bachmann 4-6-4 ALCo J3a Hudson - HO follows the motor and lighting CV's as described in in TCS' Comprehensive Programming Guide and List of Standard CV's. Listed below are the CV's that have been modified for the Bachmann 4-6-4 ALCo J3a Hudson - HO decoder.
| CV | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| CV 3 | 6 | Acceleration Rate |
| CV 4 | 6 | Deceleration Rate |
| CV 49 | 40 | F0F light feature |
| CV 50 | 24 | F0R light feature |
| CV 51 | 33 | F1 light feature |
| CV 61 | 41 | Configuration CV #2 |
| CV 139 | 0 | Brake Button Remapping (0-6) |
| CV 123 | 0 | Rule 17 Dimming Button Remapping (0-6) |
| CV 158 | 4 | Rule 17 Dimming Button Remapping (7-12) |
| CV 177 | 0 | BEMF Overall Responsiveness |
| CV 179 | 4 | BEMF Low-Speed Sensitivity |
| CV 181 | 6 | BEMF Critical Speed Step |
CV Addendum (Indexed CV's)
The J3a Hudson decoder follows the motor and lighting CV's as described in TCS's WOWSteam Programming Guide. Listed below are the TCS Indexed CV's for the Bachmann J3a Hudson decoder:
Sound CV's
The table below lists all of the Indexed CV's used to configure "sound-related features" of the decoder. To use the information in this table, first program CV 204 with a value of 4, CV 202 with the value shown in the first column, and then use CV 203 and CV 204 to change the configuration.
| Indexed CV
(CV202) |
Indexed CV Value (CV203,CV204) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 0,7 | Whistle Type Selection (New York Central Hudson 5-chime) |
| 10 | 0,40 | Master Volume |
| 11 | 0,4 | Locomotive Type |
| 14 | 3,3 | Dual-Enabled Functions |
| 19 | 128,248 | User Options
(0) Enable CAM (1) Enable Layout Sound (Disabled in Gen. 1) (2) Enable Mute on startup (3)* Allow Articulated Chuff to Slip (4)* Enable Rotate whistle/bell Audio feedback (5)* Enable Light Mode/Sound Mode Audio feedback (6)* Enable Audio auto shutoff timer (7)* Use momentary button 2 as toggle while in Audio Assist (8) Enable Articulated Chuff (9) [not used] (10) Reverse Directional Whistles (11)* Enable Power Braking (12)* Enable Momentum Mode Audio Feedback (13)* Enable Johnson Bar Audio Feedback (14) Enable Function Pagination||NOTE: Set to Enabled by default for Bachmann OEM decoders (15) [reserved] |
| 23 | 0,7 | Minimum Chuff Volume |
| 24 | 0,19 | Bell Type Selection (New York Central Hudson Bell) |
Demonstration
Decoder Service and Repair
For service/repair, contact the Bachmann Service Department by visiting www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/service.php, calling 1-800-356-3910 (toll-free within the U.S. and Canada), or emailing service@bachmanntrains.com. Bachmann’s Service Department is available Monday thru Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM ET.
You can also send your locomotive to: Bachmann Trains Service Department 1400 East Erie Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19124
Please include a detailed description of your concern and complete contact information. For some service issues regarding DCC sound decoders, the Bachmann Service Department may forward your locomotive to TCS for resolution.
