Hi!
I've reviewed the manual and "played" with the DT-400 controller, but I just can't figure out how to fix the controller so a particular loco will start moving at step 1 or 2 as opposed to 9 or 12 or whatever.
I suspect its relatively easy to do, but if you don't know how, its "rocket science". Would anyone be so kind as to give me or direct me to "step by step" instructions?
Thank you,
Mobilman44
ENJOY !
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
It's not in the DT400, that capability is in the decoder. You want to look at "start voltage" which is CV2. By default this is usually set at 0, so depending on the loco's motor and drivetrain, you may need to advance the throttle several speed steps before enough power is applied to the motor to make it move.
The best way to set this up (and since it's the decoder, you'll have to set up every loco) is to use Ops Mode programming. Address the loco, verify you have it under control, and then set the throttle to speed step 1. Now go into Ops Mode programming and plug a number into CV2. If the loco still does not move, increase it and plug in another number. If it moves too fast, you'll have to program in a lower number, then exit program mode and stop the loco and once again advance the throttle to step 1 and repeat until it works the way you want it to. I usually work at speed step 2 rather than 1, that way if I bump the kbob one click I don;t have to worry about the loco creeping out of the yard or something.
After you do the first one and get the hang of it, you'll find it took me longer to type this than it does to do it. All locos are different, however if you have two of the same make with the same decoder in them, what worked for one is a good starting point for the second one.
ANd this is really easy with the DT400 and the way it works. Once you are in Ops Mode programming, you dial CV02 on the left knob and a value on the right. Press Enter to set the decoder. Not enough? turn the right knob higher 1 or 2 numbers, and hit enter again. Just repeat until it creeps at the lowest throttle setting. You stay in program mode and just dial in higher and higher numbers and press Enter to set that number in the decoder until you're satisfied.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Randy,
Thank you! Once again you come to the rescue!!!!
I've been working with 6 BLI Paragon locos (3 steam, 3 diesel) and setting them up as well as acquiring knowledge & experience along the way. Of my 50 or so locos, these are the only ones with decoders, and also the only ones with sound.
Ha, one thing that I am hooked on is the sound. I realize that it can get "old" after awhile, but hearing the sounds of the locos and the bell/horn/whistle just makes this ol guy smile. In any case, I now know why I'll have toggle switches installed on engine terminal and storage/staging tracks (to cut down on the sound).
One thing I am doing is keeping a DCC "MS Word" notebook so as to give me access to the various aspects of programming and the individual locos. I obviously realize that unless you work with it frequently, you could easily forget a lot of stuff.
Thanks again,