Hi guys, I have two of these they both came with sound, and I have installed Digitrax DZ125PS decoders in both of them for DCC . The problem I am having is when I consist the locos per the BLI instructions with CV's 19, 21,22, & 230. The sound decoders do not respond when throtleing up, and none of the sound functions work running with the consist address, I have to go back to individule loco address to get threm to respond, they only idle. To get them to consist I have to program the Digitrax and built in decoders seperatly. I do not belive this can be the issue but I may be wrong. I have been on BLI's web site and checked there tech manual but it did not help neither. Maybe I am over looking something. Any advice would help.
Thanks, Truck.
Blue Line decoders cannot be consisted without losing the sound.
I encountered this problem when the Blue Line series was first released. After several e-mails and phone calls to BLI, they posted a message on their web site that had a list of something like 15 or 20 CVs that had to be fiddled with to get them to consist properly after a motor control decoder was installed, but I never could get them to work right.
I wound up putting both on the same address and they run okay that way.
It looks like that is what I may have to end up doing. But what I do not get is Factory Direct trains was selling them as two for one so you could consist, But they do not mention what a pian in the but it is to get sound to work in a consist. If I would of known that I would not of bought them. Thanks for the info though.
Truck But what I do not get is Factory Direct trains was selling them as two for one so you could consist.
But what I do not get is Factory Direct trains was selling them as two for one so you could consist.
Factory Direct Trains is dumping them on the market because the Blue Line series has been discontinued.
The dual-decoder programming hassle turned out to be a miserable failure on BLI's part, so they developed the Paragon2 with sound and motor control decoder all in one.
Your alternative is to consist them usign Digitrax's command station assisted consiting (which is the default when you use the MU button on the throttle, unless you changed settings in the command station). Downside is that all sounds would be on on both units - both bells would ring, both horns would sound.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I do not use a Digitrax system I have an MRC Prod ADV. 2 SQ. But what I think I am going to address them the same as Cacole mentioned earlier, but change CV 29 in the second loco so I can run it rear facing forward and while programing it I will turn the sound volumes off for the horn and bell. One loco is loud enough for those sounds anyway.
rrinker Your alternative is to consist them usign Digitrax's command station assisted consiting (which is the default when you use the MU button on the throttle, unless you changed settings in the command station). Downside is that all sounds would be on on both units - both bells would ring, both horns would sound. --Randy
Randy, my experience when consisting two or more sounds units on a Digitrax system, using the default command station method, does not make both locos to ring the bells and blow the horns. The command station only send command for bell and horn to the leading unit.
Anyway this my experience with QSI and Paragon 2 sound decoders.
Jack W.
Truck.
I consist my Blueline steamers all the time. I found that if you lock the sound decoder using CV15 and 16 the sound decoder will not put an address in CV19 so the sound decoder will not know what to do. Also you must consist on the main. On the steamers it is CV230 that controls weather it is front, middle or rear loco for the bell and whistle control. You may want to download the diesel tech manual for Blueline off of the BLI site. http://www.broadway-limited.com/support/manuals/BlueLine%20Diesel%20Technical%20Reference%20Manual%20Revision%202.00.pdf
Do you have the Digitrax decoders control the lights? In my opinion the Blueline steamers has been great for me. Very affordable and well detailed for someone just squeaking buy on a limited budget.
I hope this helps.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
locoi1sa I consist my Blueline steamers all the time. I found that if you lock the sound decoder using CV15 and 16 the sound decoder will not put an address in CV19 so the sound decoder will not know what to do.
Good information, but can you clarify the answer? Are you saying that the sound decoder should or should not be locked to put an address in sound decoder CV 19?
Thanks
Yes do not lock the decoders. It is best not to lock them. If the decoder is locked then any changes to CVs other than CV16 will be ignored. When consisting a locomotive CV19 and others will have to be changed. If the firmware of the decoder is locked out from changes then your only pressing buttons to no avail. For some reason the firmware of the Blueline decoder blocks all other CVs if locked. The firmware of most recent motor decoders will accept CV changes to CV19, CV3 and CV4 when locked with CV15 and 16.
The decoders are unlocked. the issue here is the locos do not respond to sound commands with a consist address they will only idle even when you throtle up. I have been through BLI's tech manuals on line and read the instructions that came with locos. I have tried it locked and unlock . My only conclusion is to end up resetting decoders to CV8=8 and starting over.
You'll be resetting a few times until you get it down. The bluelines are a bit of a pain but still good loco's. I started with 3 of them and now have 2.
Springfield PA
cacole Factory Direct Trains is dumping them on the market because the Blue Line series has been discontinued.
Someone might want to inform Broadway limted then.
Here's their current schedule
http://www.broadway-limited.com/schedule.aspx