I’ve tried to figure this out via reading of threads, literature, etc. but I’m confused about why Broadway Limited steam locos (well all their locos) are DC sound but DCC powered? Can the sound be used on a DCC layout without further modification or must a DCC sound decoder be installed?
Thanks. Looking forward to finally finding out just how this works.
The one I have works both ways without modification. There are more sounds on DCC.
Thanks Art. So there are no other limitations other than sound choices? Just run it as a DCC loco, in general
and get a DCC sound decoder if I’m not happy with the sounds supplied? I guess what confuses me, being very new to DCC intro reading, is that the DC sound can be fed via AC powered rail…(DCC/AC). I guess I don’t understand what I don’t understand…
Thanks for any further illumination…and education. I have my eyes on a BLI Big Boy and possibly a Cab Forward should they ever really appear.
If you are speaking of the BLI Blueline series then you must install a DCC decoder to control the motor, if you want to run it on a DCC layout. Out of the box they are DC only for motor control. Sound works on both DC and DCC with no modification. If you are talking about a BLI unit with the Quantum QSI decoder then they will run on a DC or DCC layout out of the box. The QSI decoders have motor control built in. The Blueline units use BLI’s own sound system which does not include motor control but the units are significantly cheaper.
Thank you Jeff. That’s exactly what I’ve been needing to know. I appreciate it.
DC is 12 volt power. Raise voltage anywhere from zero you activate a motor to turn the wheels. DCC is a signal that is sent to a specific engine with a computer that knows it’s name.
Blueline is sort of Frakenstien because they are designed to run on 12 volt with thier own sounds. But when you install a DECODER for a motor control with DCC (That means you have a sound decoder AND a Motor Decoder to deal with now) you have a full unit that requires much attention.
If you run just 12 volts and dont intend to go DCC, Blueline is for you.
Some DCC engines are dual mode like QSI from the factory. They sense the difference between DC and DCC and auto-switch to behave accordingly.
For those who know that they enjoy sounds and dont want to pay full hog DCC to get it, Bluelines are a good value at a good price point.
A tip for Blue Line loco’s.
You are right, you must install a motor decoder, but first do the following BEFORE installing a motor decoder.
Put the loco on a programing track and using PO programming mode.
Set CV 16 to a value of 2, then CV 15 to a value of 0.
Install your motor decoder.
Set CV 16 to a value of 1, then CV15 to 0.
Now both decoders are locked out. Because both decoders use CV’s of the same numbering if both are un-locked you will inadvertantly chang the other decoders values if both are unlocked.
Motor dec = CV16 = 1
Sound dec = CV 16 = 2
To program the sound dec set CV 15 to a value of 2, when done CV 15 back to 0.
To program the motor dec set CV 15 to 1, then back to 0 when done. Now both decoders are locked.
When CV 15 matches CV 16, motor 1 or sound 2 that decoder is unlocked. Another words when CV 15 and CV16 have the same value that decoder is UNLOCKED. Use CV 15 to match CV 16 to program a given (matching) decoder.
Also! If your using 4 diget addressing you need to set up the sound decoder (CV-15 =2). The Blue Line manual covers it all and has the CV settings you need. There is also a light jumper to chang if you want to control them with your DCC throttle, Jp1 to 7 or vice versa.
RTFM!!!
Jules
Another option is to use Pa
Thank you all. I understand now. I’ll look to find a source of and cost of a QSI supplied unit and see if it’s going to work out for my lst loco cost wise.
The Bachman Spectrum 2-6-6-2 has been my fall back lst choice which will come supplied for DCC sound so I may reconsider for now so I can run an articulated with DCC sound, right off the bat and cheaper. I want to get the track laid, the
Zephyr or Empire Builder Digitrax system installed and just run/test with sound and enjoy for awhile before I move on to DYI decoder installs, etc. (The emphasis will be on checking the Roundhouse tracks and a little enjoyable runaround while I recover from the construction phase 
(8’X16’ twice around so likely the Zephyr…)
Thanks again for breaking the confusion down for me. I thought I “got it” from reading through ads, etc. but wasn’t sure as BLI seemed to be the only company producing locos in this manner so I couldn’t find something else to compare them to to be sure I understood what the BLI DC/DCC system really meant.