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BLI F7 DCC programming with Bachmann unit

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  • Member since
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  • From: Austin, Texas
  • 875 posts
Posted by jasperofzeal on Thursday, March 13, 2008 2:38 PM
 davidmbedard wrote:

As limited as the EZ command is, it seems to satisfy the basic DCC functions that some users require.  Not too many people can afford the god of all DCC systems out there and others don't have a need for a 1000-amp system that'll let them run 600 locos at one time.  I don't know the OP's financial status or layout size, but if all he can afford is the EZ command well then that's what he can afford.  If he is having difficulty setting a new address to a decoder, do you think it would be a walk in the park for him to set complex CV's with a more complex system?  For the record, my sensibilities weren't offended, but I do feel a need to clarify that we don't all have the same king's budget for model trains that you may have.  Can't we just help the guy without someone talking crap about his equipment, "oy vey" indeed.

To the OP, the advice given by the others on how to set the new address should solve your problem and don't mind the negativity that moderators throw around.

I dont see anything negitive in Selector's post.  He was just pointing out the limitations of the Bachmann EZ Command system and absolutely is correct in everything he said.  He also preambled by saying that he wasnt trying to upset anyone.

He was hardly 'throwing' anything around, rather he placed it down very, very gently.

David B

Calling it a "corvette with a transmission of one gear" is kind of talking crap about the system, don't you think?  I know and I'm sure the OP knows the system is limited on what it can and can't do.  I'm willing to bet that the OP purchased the DCC system knowing these facts.  Now in the original question, the OP was in need of help with regards to changing the address on his loco.  Nowhere does it say in his post, "oh yeah, and go ahead and tell me the obvios limitations of the system since I'm a complete ignoramus and purchased it without doing any research on what it can't do."  If selector didn't want to help the guy out, then he could have simply just kept his 2 cents to himself and let others try to help out.  Now, that being said, I'm not helping either by doing any of this, so I'll take my leave.  If any more needs to be conveyed to me about this matter, then I invite you to send a PM or post a reply, which ever is easier, otherwise, see you all around.

TONY

"If we never take the time, how can we ever have the time." - Merovingian (Matrix Reloaded)

  • Member since
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  • From: Fredericksburg, VA
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Posted by Bill54 on Thursday, March 13, 2008 2:36 PM

 Falls Valley RR wrote:
Also part of the problem is that QSi engines are very hungry for power. If you cannot pony up the horses to feed one of these children while programming it.. well.. you need a booster.
I aggree with Falls Valley RR,  I believe a booster may be required.

I had to use DCC Specialties Power Pax booster to program my BLI and Athearn Genesis sound engines.  I'm using the NCE Power House  Pro R DCC system. 

My guess is it's a power problem as suggested here.

Bill

As my Mom always says...Where there's a will there's a way!
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Austin, Texas
  • 875 posts
Posted by jasperofzeal on Thursday, March 13, 2008 1:50 PM
 selector wrote:

 I have a strong antipathy to the (not)EZ-Command; I'll get that out of the way right up front, as I always have to do.   It is as much a DCC system as a Corvette would be a fast car with a transmission only having one gear...first.

I am sorry if I offend anyone's sensibilities who currently uses this system by choice or by default, but it is a very poor DCC system in my view.  It will allow one to run a couple of sound equipped trains, true, but running doesn't mean a decoder that has any inertia or momentum or individually tailored volumes, no stepping control, no speed tables, no function mapping...oy vey!  Does it even allow consisting?  I don't know if it does or doesn't.

Again, sorry to be a wet blanket...Disapprove [V]

-Crandell

As limited as the EZ command is, it seems to satisfy the basic DCC functions that some users require.  Not too many people can afford the god of all DCC systems out there and others don't have a need for a 1000-amp system that'll let them run 600 locos at one time.  I don't know the OP's financial status or layout size, but if all he can afford is the EZ command well then that's what he can afford.  If he is having difficulty setting a new address to a decoder, do you think it would be a walk in the park for him to set complex CV's with a more complex system?  For the record, my sensibilities weren't offended, but I do feel a need to clarify that we don't all have the same king's budget for model trains that you may have.  Can't we just help the guy without someone talking crap about his equipment, "oy vey" indeed.

To the OP, the advice given by the others on how to set the new address should solve your problem and don't mind the negativity that moderators throw around.

TONY

"If we never take the time, how can we ever have the time." - Merovingian (Matrix Reloaded)

  • Member since
    April 2003
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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, March 13, 2008 1:35 PM

Press press press press...

OY!

Sorry. Just has to say it.

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  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Thursday, March 13, 2008 12:31 PM
I use the EZ-Command daily and yes, you can program loco address with it. If the sequence listed above doesn't work for you try this. Remove the loco(s) from the track. Now press and hold down the 3 button. Press and hold the stop button. Now release the buttons together. The red led above the stop button should be flashing rapidly. Now place the loco(s) on the track. Press the number button for the new address. The red stop led should now be flashing slowly. Now press the stop button. The red stop led should remain lit but not be flashing. Your loco should now be programmed for the new address.

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Posted by selector on Thursday, March 13, 2008 12:07 PM

 I have a strong antipathy to the (not)EZ-Command; I'll get that out of the way right up front, as I always have to do.   It is as much a DCC system as a Corvette would be a fast car with a transmission only having one gear...first.

I am sorry if I offend anyone's sensibilities who currently uses this system by choice or by default, but it is a very poor DCC system in my view.  It will allow one to run a couple of sound equipped trains, true, but running doesn't mean a decoder that has any inertia or momentum or individually tailored volumes, no stepping control, no speed tables, no function mapping...oy vey!  Does it even allow consisting?  I don't know if it does or doesn't.

Again, sorry to be a wet blanket...Disapprove [V]

-Crandell

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, March 13, 2008 2:14 AM
I am a newbie to railroading and also use EZ-Command. The insturctions in the mannual seem to be misleading when the say "Press the Stop and <default/address> button together",  what seems to work for me is that you have to keep both of them pressed for 2-3 seconds and then release them together. 
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:04 PM
Also part of the problem is that QSi engines are very hungry for power. If you cannot pony up the horses to feed one of these children while programming it.. well.. you need a booster.
  • Member since
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  • From: Springboro, Ohio
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Posted by ripvanwnkl on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:22 PM

Hi amsr,

Sorry you're having problem with EZ Command.  Since my grandson and I used one regularly for two years, I can assure you that you can reprogram loco addresses with it, as long as you use button numbers  1 thru 9.  Number 10 is used for DC operation.  Do you have both the instructional DVD and the written instructions?  They're a little misleading about setting the programming mode with simultaneous button presses of the Stop button and the loco button.  I've found the following sequence works better:  

1.  Put loco on track and operate it a short distance on preset address "3" to make sure all your connections are secure.   

2.  Press button 3 and hold it down. Then press the Stop button and release the buttons  together.  If you did this right, the red light below the Stop button will flash rapidly.  If you don't get the rapid flashing, keep repeating the  press and release sequence in above order until you get it.    

3.  While the red light is flashing rapidly, push the button of the new address you want.  The loco should jerk slightly and the red light will flash much more slowly. 

 4.  Push the Stop button.  The red light will stop flashing and stay on.  You should now be able to control your loco at the new address. 

The key to this process is step 2.  If you don't press the buttons in the proper sequence and release them together, you'll never get into programming mode to change the address. 

 Hope this works for you.  Good Luck! 

Dave

USAF (Retired)

 

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Posted by Bapou on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:13 PM
 Falls Valley RR wrote:

You are learning the limitations of your EZ and why it is so cheap.

You cannot program CV's with the EZ Command as far as Im aware.

I own 4 of the BLI F7 units and program them anyway I need to with my Digitrax Chief system.

 

You are now ready to upgrade to a NCE or Digitrax Command DCC system of your choice.

I say: Sign - Ditto [#ditto]. I prefer the NCE, but it is your choice.

Go NJT, NJ Transit, New Jersey Transit. Whatever you call it its good. See my pictures and videos here: http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/ff20/Bapouthetrainman/
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 1:27 AM

You are learning the limitations of your EZ and why it is so cheap.

You cannot program CV's with the EZ Command as far as Im aware.

I own 4 of the BLI F7 units and program them anyway I need to with my Digitrax Chief system.

 

You are now ready to upgrade to a NCE or Digitrax Command DCC system of your choice.

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • 36 posts
BLI F7 DCC programming with Bachmann unit
Posted by amsr on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 12:34 AM
Hi,

Please excuse me if this question seems simple to the DCC pros out there, but I am a relative n00b. I have a small layout set up and I wanted to try my hand with DCC so I picked up one of the Bachmann EZ Command systems really cheap. I also grabbed a BLI F7 A/B to try it out with. I read through the instructions, and the F units run fine on the default address of 3. I can control the sounds, change direction, etc... However, I can't seem to get them to take a new address. I have run through the directions multiple times. Is there some quirk with this locomotive or some trick I'm missing out on? I am trying to program on the "main" from what I can tell, and both F units are the only locomotives on the layout at the time.

any help would be appreciated..

thanks

Aaron

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