Ed, are these BlueLine engines? If so, I can’t help because I know nothing about them.
If they are DCC Paragon engines with the QSI decoders, you must follow the manual for DCC decoders. They can be accessed and downloaded at QSI’s site. Note that there are manuals for several variants of the QSI.
As an initial help to you, the master CV is the Index access CV, which is CV49. The actual CV’s managing individual sounds, and they are resident in the indices of CV51. If the index governing the bell volume is 51.2 (say), you would first ensure you are in the correct mode of programming, then access CV 49 which tells the Index CV 51 which index to modify. So, you want index 2, and you programme a value of “2” to CV49. Then you dial in CV51 and enter a value that represents the volume you want per the range of values the manufacturer allows for that sound. QSI typically runs from 1-15. Typically, I’ll try 08 as a first guess. I’ll enter that value, the decoder will voice the change, and when I exit programming to try the bell, it will be noticeably reduced in volume. There is a master volume, and I think that may be in CV50, but a quick read of the manual will verify my guess. Again, CV49 set to the correct index, then set CV50 to the value in the range allowed that best results in a pleasing level of sound for your ears and circumstances.
I appreciate it!
Been working on remodelling my home, and my train time has suffered, and I guess as a result I am
getting “rusty” on some things.
Sometimes I have to stop and collect my thoughts.
Well I just got another Sound and Power 7000 off EBAY
You can sync the chuff sound to engine speed --so if I run 2 units off of 2 7000s with the speakers at 2 different locations I will have sound coming out of 2 decent sized speakers .
I will give that a shot and see how it comes out
As far as eliminating the cable I have at least 3 power conections to each oval
And I did eliminate it on my original Bachman 2-8-0 non DCC&n
Well I personally think layout based sound is a better approach for smaller scales so the Sound and Power units may work out very well. I have not yet experimented with them. Let us know what you think.
Not to be argumentitive, But I have about 20 Bachmann Spectrum Steam Locos, 8 of which are 2-8-0’s.
I run all of them close coupled, with the wires still there, admittedly not on 18" radius curves - with no problems. BUT it is well documented that out of the box Bachmann tenders are too light. I add about 2.5 oz to a 2-8-0 tender, then, carefully arrange the wires for no binding.
I also frequent the Bachmann forum and this issue of the wires is brought up often, and everyone with experiance suggests what I discribed above, tender weight and careful wire placement.
Having more track feeders does not replace the improved pickup of having more wheels wired in. As the loco travels some wheels will loose contact intermitently. The only thing that helps that is more wheels picking up.
I’m glad you have had good luck, but I would never “undo” such an improved feature as additional pickups.
You piqued my curiosity so I close coupled my newer 2-8-0 ( DCC which I don’t have but for $69 I couldn’t resist it ) and it made it around the 18 inner oval several times but then the front truck started coming off --it was the air hose on the front coupler hitting the rail on the turn --that jogged my memory and I checked out my 10 year old one and indeed I had clipped about a 1/16 off the hose
So you are correct it will close couple even on 18 --and now I remember why I hid the cable under the drawbar after taking the plugs off and twisting the appropriate ends together
I couldn’t stand seeing the Rainbow Cable --I even painted it black (which rubbed off )but it still bugged me --I am going to do the same thing on this DCC unit --However I wil
Nope; I love sound in steam, and will eventually have all of my engines so equipped. One of my ideal goals is to have my mid-sized engine terminal full of parked and moving steam (something like 8-10 engines on a busy day) all sounding off realistically, all at once.
Remember that railroading is a very NOISY industry. Stand next to a three-unit lashup of SD-whatevers some time; you won’t be able to hear yourself yell! True, sound in model engines can be SET too loudly, so you might want to tweak each engine’s settings until you can hear them both without them being overpowering.
Remember too the old adage: if it’s too loud, you’re too old!