Greetings -
I have a BLI Paragon3 SW7, which I've been running on a temporary loop of track with my NCE Power Cab. While the SW7 runs very smoothly, it's substantially slow - e.g. speed step 060 is ~10sMPH. Top speed is only 20 - 21sMPM.
I tried resetting the decoder (CV8=8) to factory setting - no difference. I tried changing CV5 & CV6 (VMax & VMid) using Decoder Pro - still no difference.
Has anyone run across this before with a Paragon3 decoder?
Thanks,
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
No one else has chimed in here, Tom, and I just had a thought that may be of some help.
Even after a CV-8=8 reset I've had BLI P2 and P3 decoders misbehave. It requires the physical reset by pressing the rubbery button on the decoder board and re-applying power while holding the button.
I can't say this will cure your problem but it may be the cure for your wayward decoder. Unfortunately, you'll have to remove the shell to get at the button.
BLI_P3_reset by Edmund, on Flickr
I have been fortunate with a pretty good track record with BLI products but I have run into a string of bad luck with their latest Paragon-3 decoders. Of the most recent ones I've purchased, half have had to be returned/repaired due to electrical/decoder issues.
Good Luck, Ed
Tom,
I have the NW2 and SW1500 and despite trying to reset some of the CV functions, it still runs slow, and with momentum. I use NCE, set momentum to '0' and it still glides to a stop. Ran into one too many freight cars even at a slow speed. FYI I have the previous run (Paragon 2), and they act the same way as you describe.
Neal
Ed & Neal -
Thanks for the responses. I'm trying to recollect if I've actually run this locomotive before on a track??? I may have only broke it in on my roller bearing stands.
I love and would normally operate a yard switcher at slow speed. However, a top speed of only 20sMPH??? That's just not right. Along with Ed's suggestion, I may also try contacting BLI and see what suggestions that have.
I have a pair of the NW-2s and honestly don't recall what the top speed on them is. I'll pop them on the main line later tonight and let the engineer "blow the soot out of the stacks".
Cheers, Ed
My club has several SW7s with what I believe are Paragon 2 decoders.
Top speed is 25 mph which is fine for us but the momentum is way too high for our liking even when they are set at 0. We also have 2 with QSI decoders with same top speed if I remember correctly but the momentum is better then the paragons.
Peter
Got on the Diesel Shop website and it stated the EMD SW7s had a top speed of 65 MPH. I don't imagine ever operating my BLI version that fast but...it should still be designed to achieve at least 40-45 sMPH.
I also found and glanced over an MR review of the Paragon2 SW7 from 2009. Top speed: 28 sMPH. So, it looks like it is geared for slow operation...and only that.
This is really a non-issue for me. The BLI SW7 has terrific low-speed response, which is exactly what I want in a switcher. It would bother me waaaaay more if speed step 001 lurched to 5 sMPH. I can live with yard switcher that is strictly a yard switcher.
tstage wrote: "Got on the Diesel Shop website and it stated the EMD SW7s had a top speed of 65 MPH."
That top speed is wildly optimistic.
Maximum speed on these in the timetable was probably more like 40-45mph, due to gearing and the type of trucks. You'd be lucky to get that much out of them.