I operate my DCC layout with an NCE PH-Pro 5 amp system. Some time back, I added a programming track booster, the Soundtraxx PTB-100, in order to read and program sound decoders. Without the programming track booster, only non-sound decoders can be effectively read on the programming track.
During the recent thread on Paragon 2 decodered locos running backwards in certain instances, I found it necessary to remove the PTB-100 in order to read the CV values in a Paragon 2 decoder.
So, this morning, I decided to re-connect the PTB-100. What I re-discovered is that while I can read the CV values of all other sound decoders on the programming track, I cannot do so with Paragon 2 decoders. But, if I disable the PTB-100, I can read CV values on Paragon 2 decoders. However, with the PTB-100 disabled, I cannot read CV values on other sound decoders such as QSI.
Has anybody else encountered such difficulties?
I suppose that it could be argued that my PTB-100 is faulty, but I believe that it is working correctly insofar as it can read CV values on all other decoders, both sound and non-sound, except for Paragon 2 decoders.
Rich
Alton Junction
Nobody?
I don't think the PTB-100 is defective - otherwise you'd never be able to read or write your other decoders. It's likely a timing issue - any time you introduce a circuit between two others, it's going to have some effect - in this case increase the signal level so the Tsunamis can program, but in doing so that's going to introduce other effects as well, likely a slight signal delay. The Paragon decoders may just be more sensitive to this. Just wire a DPDT center off switch witht he center terminals to your program track, one side to the output of the PTB-100, and the other side tap off the direct program track outputs from your PHPro. Then you can just flip the switch to bypass the PTB-100 - I'd keep it bypassed except when working with decoders that absolutely need it.
--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, that is a great suggestion. I will do that this weekend. Thank you.
I still wonder if others has this issue with Paragon 2 decoders.
I don;t have any, but at the club I programmed a bunch of them with my PR3/JMRI setup, no booster needed. Few years back we had one of our shows going when the orders for the Reading T1's came in - I think half the club got at least one (I already had two from the old PCM run, and the smoke didn't appeal to me, so i saw no point in the new ones). So naturally everyone wanted theirs programmed to something other than 3. My PR3 has been able to read and write everything, so I never saw a need to invest in a program track booster.
Rich, I'm very glad you posted this. I have the same NCE system, wired to program track, using the NCE or DecderPro to program. But I'm about to order a LokProgrammer and a PTB-100 booster as I've been advised I will need the booster on occasion to read CVs on LokSounds using the NCE. I have it all sketched out and ordered my favorite DPDT yesterday from All Electronics for the wiring NOT including the PTB-100 bypass option. Looks like I'll order another DPDT for a PTB-100 bypass (and some extras for future projects).
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
Paul, thanks for your reply. I guess that I am more concerned about the quality of the Paragon 2 decoder than I am about the Soundtraxx PTB-100.
We have focused on other problems with the Paragon 2 decoder on this forum.
I sometimes wonder about BLI's decoder selection process.
The Paragon QSI is nothing to brag about and the 2-decoder Blueline series is not exactly conventional.
Arggghhhh.
I have 2 or 3 Paragon 2s and no plan to change them out. So I need to decide whether to add the DPDT (having to order it) or just know I can't read them (not a horrible thing unless a problem occurs and trying to understand the problem).
richhotrain...I guess that I am more concerned about the quality of the Paragon 2 decoder than I am about the Soundtraxx PTB-100...
I wouldn't be becuase of this issue. In fact, since the decoder WILL read without the booster, I consider that a good sign. The whole issue with needing the booster for certain sound decoders is because the decoders that need it were not designed to meet the NMRA DCC recommended specifications. It sound like the Paragon 2 decoder is designed to those specifications.