Slightly off the subject of the thread, but I somehow missed the fact that P2K had made E8B's. I've got 7 E8A's and would love to find some B units. Are they still made? I know they have made E7 Bs as well as PBs. Anybody seen these E8Bs still on the market?
Mike
One reason that I have started to program some diesel consists to the same active address is that I have had to use the Digitrax "Global Reset" a few times after having the SLOT=MAX headache.
Yes, I was not very diligent about "releasing" (or is it dispatching?) addresses after a running session.
After a global reset I would have to re-consist all of my M-Ued engines. Not a major thing but very time consuming.
Even a pair of A-B Broadway Fs with sound on the same address sound OK to me. I program the bell and horn on the B unit just a little quieter, but still audible and that gives a nice echo effect that I really like.
I program as many as i plan on using on a "regular" basis as the same address. I have some wierd quirk about seeing certain sets run together. I.E.
2 old Athearn GP's with a Digitrax DH163-AT in each. Same address.I always run them together.
2 Intermountain F's, Same address.
Stewart F A-B, both with Digitrax DH-150K, B unit also has Soundtrax DSX to boot. Excellent.
Athearn B.B. PA1 -PB, same address, MRC sheer brillance in both. (fingers crossed).
Proto P2K E8a-E8b-E8a all powered trio. Same address, All Soundtraxx DSD100-LC's.
The way I play it, if its going to run together, its easier just to have the same address. Thats just me.
So it happens.
Doug
It depends. If you run them on other layouts and systems then the same address is easier. If you just run at home then your fine consisting them.
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!
In addition to what David said,
3. You can run a unit backward if you run in consist mode. (Although that won't matter much if you run a "B unit")
4. Makes it easier to reprogram a parameter for an individual loco (speed curve adjustments) without having to take the other unit off the track.
5. (Although it doesn't apply to you) If you use Railcom (Lenz/NMRA standard), or transponding (digitrax), using the same address could produce errors as you have two units trying to respond at same time.
Just make sure both units have the same consist address in CV 19.
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
Hi,
I have a Proto 2000 F7 A and B unit. Both are powered and both have sound. Should I program them both to the same decoder address or give them separate addresses and run them as a consist?
What do you do?
Thanks
Paul