Programming Broadway Limited locos

[Anonymous]

Just purchased a Broadway Limited loco - the attempt to program a new address failed with an ER01 message - I have a Lenz 100 system - the Broadway Limited manual noted that some programming tracks may not have enough voltage to program the decoder.
Looking for any one out there who has experienced a similiar problem with the programming track and whether they would have any solutions - thanks

[mike33469]

You can not program BLI engines with a Lenz system. You need some sort of booster, see Tony's Trains they sell them. I also have a Lenz system and my 1 and only BLI engine runs as default 03.

[freeway3]

Greg,

I use NCE, have had some problems in the past, I will assume you can't get past the first step (no response from loco)? If that's the case, you're right, the programming track may not have enough power - actually, amperage, not voltage. DO NOT try to increase the voltage!

First thing to try, increase the wire size to your programming track to 14 ga., and solder it to the track (and obviously, make sure your connections are good at the command station end). Also, don't neglect to clean the track well. This worked for me for an unresponsive BLI E6.

As I went along with my layout construction, when installing the programming track in it's permanant location, I invested in a PowerPax programming booster from Tony's, see:

http://www.tonystrainexchange.com/technews/powerpax.htm

The wire size thing may be all you need to do... it's sure the cheapest & easiest to try first.

BTW, this problem is seen on other QSI - equipped locos, not just BLI. Has to do with the current draw of these systems. Hope this helps...

Ed

[freeway3]

willist notes you can't program BLI with Lenz, not having that system myself, I'll bow to his experience. Again, my similar experience was with NCE. Still might be worth a try, though...

Ed

[rrinker]

Does Lenz support programming on the main, or Ops-Mode programming? This is NOT the same as programming with systems that o not have a seperate program track connection, this is directed programming to a specific address. Anyway, iff your system can do this, there really is no reason for the PowerPax. I've got three QSi equipped locos now, and I always just use Ops Mode to program them - event he address! It's really easy, and one manufacturer, Atlas, even gives you the exact CV sequence to change the address to the cab number, with BLI you'll have to get the REAL manual (the one they include with the locos is not very detailed - the FULL manual is available as a PDF on their site and is 149 pages!). Volume changes are pretty easy too, just program CV 49 to the number listed in the chart in the manual (o for whistle, 8 for bell, etc.) and then program CV52 witht he volume level 0-15, 15 being the loudest.
Not having a Lenz system I couldn;t tell you exactly how to do it, but if anyone with a Digitrax Zephy wants EXACT key sequences to press, i can give you that.

--Randy