Looking really hard at the new SF 2-10-2 being released by BLI and would like opinion’s of how BLI Locomotives are to program,Some DCC equipment can I hear be a real pain in the tookus …
All opinon’s welcome.
I dont program my BLI steam. They do get assigned a unique number address based on the last two digits on the side of the cab and checked against other steam engines when I visit a friend’s layout to run them.
His Super Chief has no problem consisting or assigning addresses to these locos.
At home I use the Tech 4. (Analog) until I can complete the Zephyer Digitrax acquisiton.
The PCM’s T1 comes with a booklet that lists all the possible CV values on the engine and a brief description of each.
I think the 2-10-2 is a nice engine but am focusing on the ABBA set of F units I have coming this year from them. THAT will be a minor pain getting all 4 of them consisted.
ragnar,
I have an NCE Power Cab and have had no problems programming my BLI 2-8-2 Mike. One of the issues with the sound-equipped locos is that they draw more current; more than the programming mode of some of the DCC systems (e.g. older NCE) can sufficiently put out, thereby receiving error messages because it is unable to read the decoder. NCE got smart with the Power Cab and provided a boost to the signal on the programming track.
The bottom line: It will most likely depend on your DCC system.
Tom
Our club The Arizona model railroading Society is using the large Digitrac power supplys and throttles so hopefully everything will be kopisetic!
The first few BLI engines (particularly the Hudson) had some programming problems. Later ones like my C&O 2-10-4 or GN heavy 2-8-2 programmed for momentum, speed, etc. quite easily. Basically just like programming any other decoder, except since it’s sound equipped there are more things to program (bell volume, whistle volume, etc.)
My BLI 2-8-2 doesn’t program any differently than than my Atlas or TCS decoders. If you do end up with one ya might want to download the BLI DCC ref. manual for your loco. http://www.broadway-limited.com/
I have had no problem programing my BLI hudson or mikado.I am useing a digitrax chief
I have the archaic Super Empire Builder, and have had no difficulties programming 4 BLI-installed QSI decoders, and another in a Lionel Challenger. I do the address change (CV1) in page mode on a programming track, and once that is set, and I have the loco well broken-in, I set the other CV’s to suit me.
You cannot adjust the chuff rate in the older locos, as is the case with my J1 Hudson, but I have altered the chuff rates in my Niagara, PRR J1, and in the PRR K4s.
Rarnar,
FWIW, I have an old (by today’s standards) MRC Prodigy system that runs my home layout.I have 4 Broadyway Limited *(1cab forward, 1 SW7, 2 Hudsons)*locos and they have all been perfect. Taken address and momentum programs easliy.
[:D]
One anothe note, where do you guys have your club layout set up at?
We are located at the adobe dam rec.area 43rd ave andPinnacle peak road
Visit our website at www.azmodelrr.com
This also is where the Maricopa Live Steamers disappeared to a number of years ago .also so we have N, H.O , G ,and live steam all in one 165 acre railroad park.
Ok, I jabe heard about Adobe. I live out in the east side which makes that place, well, a bit of a trek. One of these days though I want to get uopi and there and check it out. Here you guys have some really good things going on up there.
Sat. mornings are best ,usually will find a full crew working on the different railroads.
Hold our general meeting on the 2nd sat. of the month,really great bunch of folks.