Problem with new Atlas SD35's W/dcc and sound

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I have two new Atlas SD35’s with dcc and sound that I cannot run in a consist properly. I use MRC’s Prodigy Advance dcc system. I have other locomotives from other manufactures (Proto 2000 and BLI) that run great. The Atlas units run fine alone. When I run them in a consist (advanced) they do run and make engine sounds but the horn and bell will not work. Any thoughts on how to fix this? Do I have to do extra programming to run them together?

Thanks!

2

I had the same problem using my PA with a pair of LOKsound decoders. What you are going to want to do is go in and change the CV value of the consist mode on each of the decoders. Although mine are different than your QSI equipped locos, there will be one of the CV’s for the consist listed in your manual. Then your horns and bells will be both going off together.

3

You may need to download a more detailed manual from the Atlas, Broadway Limited, Proto 2000, or QSI web sites that explains the values that need to be programmed into one or two of the CVs so only the lead locomotive’s bell and horn sound when they are in a consist, but you still get the prime mover sounds in both.

It doesn’t matter what DCC system you are using because this is solely a decoder function. If the sound is not working in either locomotive when they are assigned to a consist, then something is not programmed right. I have done this with several steam engines with QSI decoders, but it is not explained in the booklet that is included with the engines.

You need to know the QSI decoder version number; i.e., V1, 2, or 3, so you can download the appropriate manual. This should be indicated on the front cover of the booklet.

4

Here is the web address for the QSI manual:

http://www.qsisolutions.com/pdf/q-dccman30.pdf

CV 21 is set at 0 (default) from the factory. What you will want to do is put the value of 1 so the decoder responds to functions while being in a consist. You will only have to change the one you have for the lead locomotive, if you want sound (horns and bells) coming from just the one loco.

These rules follow NMRA standards, so the CV numbers, and values would probably be the same on most decoders, regardless of manufacturer.

5

I changed CV 21 now the horn and bell are working on the lead unit. No more grade crossing accidents!

Thanks!!

6

Great! Next, you may want to figure out if other sounds and/or functions should respond to the consist address. Each bit in CV 21 controls a different function (F1 thru F8). Similarly, CV 22 controls F9 through F12 plus FWD and REV, which you might use for lighting while in a consist. Or, since you have sound, if you have F8 as the mute function, you might want to set the appropriate bit in CV21 for both locos.

Have fun!