I ordered a new loco from Tonys trains and was informed that I would need a “program booster” at 50 bucks. I went ahead and ordered one but is it really necessary or just a good idea to have one?
BB
Depends. I have no trouble using my Super Empire Builder’s programming circuit in Ops mode with either of my QSI locos. On the other hand, I could do few things with the EZ Command from Bachmann. For example, I could not alter the address CV from 03, the factory setting.
In some cases, you need a resistor if you use a programming track and use Page mode. This was discussed on a thread very recently, and I believe Ken from New Zealand had something to say about that.
For most DCC systems it’s necessary for locos with QSI sound systems because the program mode does not have enough current to program the decoder’s CV’s and the sound portion of the decoder. This makes it difficult to change the engine address number.
The rest is pretty much irrelevant as you can program most CV’s on the main. Main track current is sufficient for programming all CV’s available on the main.
~Don
I seem to be asking this question alot, Bruce what DCC system do you have?
Ken.