The directions for programming locomotives is unclear. Does any body know how to code the locomotives with this system?
Thanks,
Doug
Which throttle do you have? The Lenz 100 "Dispatcher" throttle is the one with all buttons, and an LCD screen. The Lenz 90 "Engineer" throttle has a big speed knob and red LED displays.
I use the 100 throttle for all my programming. I took a look at the instructions for the 90, put them down and went back to the 100. But, it can be done.
Do you have a programming track set up?
Also, what locomotive and decoder are you trying to program? BLI sound engines take more power than is available in "programming track mode" and you must program them "on the main." This takes a bit more doing, because I don't think the Lenz system will let you program some things, like Engine Number, on the main, so you have to use trickery.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
dougedw4 wrote:The directions for programming locomotives is unclear. Does any body know how to code the locomotives with this system?
For the Lenz, are you trying to program on the main or on a programming track?
Mr B, I programme my BLI's on the programme track (Lenz set 100) I put a 20ohm resistor in series with one rail and it works everytime. How would you set the address on the main??
Ken.
NZRMac wrote: Mr B, I programme my BLI's on the programme track (Lenz set 100) I put a 20ohm resistor in series with one rail and it works everytime. How would you set the address on the main?? Ken.
Well, I'll have to give that one a try. I've tried resistors across the rails, but not in series.
There's a procedure in the BLI manual for setting the address. Unfortunately, it only provides the exact specs for a few of the possible road numbers. I deal with hexidecimal arithmetic all the time, though, so I was able to adapt it pretty easily.
MisterBeasley wrote: I deal with hexidecimal arithmetic all the time, though, so I was able to adapt it pretty easily.
It's been awhile since I was at skool Mr B!! I'll stick to the programme track
NZRMac wrote:I programme my BLI's on the programme track (Lenz set 100) I put a 20ohm resistor in series with one rail and it works everytime.
Ok I've re-read the LZV100 manual again, it's a 10ohm 1/2 watt resistor (sorry) and it limits the current inrush caused by the large capacitors in BLI etc loco's. It comes with a warning that the command station my not be able to read a short on the programme track.
NZRMac wrote:Ok I've re-read the LZV100 manual again, it's a 10ohm 1/2 watt resistor (sorry) and it limits the current inrush caused by the large capacitors in BLI etc loco's.
MisterBeasley wrote:My BLI is a Hudson with a QSI sound decoder. We may be talking apples and oranges here. It's not the BLI part that's a problem, it's the QSI sound decoder. Have you been able to program a QSI-sound-equipped BLI on the programming track with the resistor?
Sorry again Mr B. we are talking the same fruit!! I have just upgraded my BLI/PK2 loco's with the new QSI chip, put them all across the programme track no problem at all. It still detects an open or short circuit too. Error 02, open. Error 01, short.
Gandy Dancer wrote: NZRMac wrote:I programme my BLI's on the programme track (Lenz set 100) I put a 20ohm resistor in series with one rail and it works everytime. Interesting but why does that work? It is counter intuitive, as most people are buying boosters to make it work.
The purpose of using the programming track is to use a very low current to the decoder as a way to test the wiring. This means they have a current limiting device (circuit breaker if you will) that is very sensitive to shorts. This is why it is strongly advised to always test a DIY decoder on the programming track, the theory being that if you can program the decoder without tripping current protection, your decoder is likely not shorted.
The QSI & the Tsunami decoders require more current to program (due to the sound system requirements) and this trips the programming track current limit circuit resulting in an error code on the throttle. The resistor makes it harder for the current limiter to trip. The danger of buring up the decoder on the programming track is thus much more difficult to do than on the 5Amp main line.
A power booster helps by eliminating the need for the resistor, but it also adds another wrinkle. IF your programming track with the booster is connected via gaps to the mainline, and a locomotive or car with metal wheels bridges the gap between the mainline and the boosted programming track, it toasts the booster.
Clear as mud, right!
Joe
Well the resistor method is in the LZV100 manual for a solution to programming QSI etc sound decoders so I tried it, it works. Short circuit protection is still there I tried it, it works too.
http://www.lenz.com/manuals/index.htm
Maybe I should have read the manual a bit more closely. It all makes sense with that explanation. The usual talk-on-the-street is that the QSI decoders require more power than is available on the P-track. Apparantly, that's not the case, at least not with the Lenz. The power is there, but if you try to use it, it will trip the circuit.
Anyway, I'm off to Radio Shack to get a resistor. G'Day, mates. (Do they really say that? And do they say it in Australia and New Zealand?)
Yes indeed Mate we sure do say it. That's the answer I came up with too, to much current allowed to rush in to a QSI which trips the breaker. When I first started with DCC I bought a Lenz Compact and it needed a booster (Tony's brand). But when I upgraded and read the instructions it made good sense to go with the resistor, it even came with the LZV100.