What decoder was used in BLI F7's B&O #233

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

I was given a pair of BLI B&O F7’s road number 233 as a gift by a friend. He bought them used off E Bay and boxes are long gone. He thinks they where Paragon 2’s, but I am not to sure.

I had a lot of problems getting the A unit to move, B unit is stuck in idle mode so far. A unit runs and pulls finel, but is pretty quite, more than likely it is beacuse it is a small engine. Only F buttons that work are F-1 F-2 and the head and road number lights.

I have read the CV’s with decoder pro, and all it could tell me was it was a BLI F7 decoder. Said volume is at 100% so it might be just a quite engine.

Before I do a re-set on the decoder, I would like a idea off what decoder I am working with.

Thanks for the coming answers, Ken

2

Those were original Paragon series, with the QSI decoder.

They also did Blueline F7’s, but not B&O, those road number B&O units are QSI sound.

–Randy

3

Also, if it was a Blueline, it would have two decoders, an after-market motive decoder and a proprietary sound decoder.

Rich

4

Rich,

I assume you mean Blueline rather than Paragon 2. The Paragon 2s had a single sound/motor decoder…

Tom

5

Oops, my bad. Yes, I meant to say Blueline F7 with the dual decoder, not Paragon 2. Thanks for catching that, Tom. I corrected my original reply.

Turns out, the B&O F7 A/B consist (#233/233X) was part of the original Paragon series (BLI #405).

Rich

6

Correct.

Here’s a list of discontinued BLI models for a handy reference.

http://www.broadway-limited.com/discontinueditems.aspx

Happy Modeling, Ed

7

Thanks Guys!

Sorry it to so long but my computer had problems!

OK, they are QSI, I know what a Blue Line Looks like, it sits on the RIP Track most of the time!

Randy Can you speed match a QSI decoder? I did a quick search and I think you said no?

Thanks again,Ken

8

Ken,

The one thing to understand about speed matching is that it can not make a slow engine go faster it can only slow down a fast engine to match the slower one.

I really don’t know where the problem lies in that B unit. I ran it with three others in an A-B-B-A set. Before I put it in the box I ran the A-B pair for maybe ten minutes and didn’t notice anything wrong…

SO,

I could send you another BLI F7 decoder but if there is a motor problem or drive-line problem it obviously won’t fix that.

I’ll send you another B unit and if you want you can swap the shells and send the bad one back to me when you get a chance, or keep the shell if you want two different numbers, I think this one is #235.

I’ll get it boxed up in the next day or so. I’m pretty sure I sent along a BLI Paragon booklet. If not let me know and I’ll send you a few.

I have about two-dozen BLI F units in CB&Q, GN, WP, NYC, B&O and PRR. So far none have given me any trouble. I’d like to figure out what the problem is with the 'ol 233!

Regards, Ed

9

QSI uses CV2-6-5 and they have speed table so you can speed match them.

–Randy

10

Randy and Ed, I have decoder-pro up and it says I have CV’s 1,2,3,4,5 then 7 and 8? No CV 6? This is from the A unit that running. And it runs Great!

Ed, I wonder if the problem might not be the B unit is still in MU mode? Don’t pack up anything just yet, I am sure the engine will run fine!

Thanks for the answers!

Ken

11

If I’m not mistaken, that has the Quantum V.7 decoder in it.

I thought I put the manual in the box but BLI has it on their site.

http://www.broadway-limited.com/support/manuals/Generic%20Diesel%20Q1a%20Operator’s%20Manual.pdf

Lots of BLI users get stumped by the F9/F6 shutdown procedure:

Three Stages of Diesel Locomotive Shut Down: 1. Disconnect, 2. Standby, 3. Total Shut Down (F9) Locomotive Shut Down has three distinct stages that you can control. Each stage is entered by double pressing the F9 key27. Stage One: Disconnect Double press the F9 key in Neutral to enter Disconnect. You will hear a Long Air Let-off. The motor drive will be disabled. The DCC throttle can be moved up and down without the diesel locomotive moving. As the throttle is moved up or down, you will hear the Diesel Motor rev up and down in proportion to the throttle setting. To leave Disconnect, either double press the F6 Start Up key, as described in the Start Up section or double press the F9 key again to reach Standby, the next stage of Shut Down. Note: In Disconnect, you can also turn on the Dynamic Brakes (see description of Dynamic Brakes below) to create Sound–of-Power as the throttle is moved up and down. Engineers on prototype diesels use dynamic brakes to load the motor-generator to test its output efficiency while the locomotive remains stationary. Stage Two: Standby Double press the F9 key while in Disconnect to enter Standby. You will hear a Long Air Let-off followed by a special “Low Idle” sound. The Directional Lighting and optional Ditch Lights or Mars Light will shut down. Note: The motor will remain disconnected, while the Air Pumps, automatic

12

Hmm, says in the back CVs 1-5, 7-. So I guess no CV6 for mid speed.

–Randy

13

Thanks Ed and Randy. I just down loaded the manual.

Ed, what I got was the manual for Pargon 2 engines.

I will read a little later.

Thanks again, Ken