I recently purchased two Broadway Limited BlueLine 2-8-2 Mikados. I have read about all the issues revolving around programming the two decoders, one for motor control and the other for sound control which comes with the locomotive. Broadway Limited recommends purchasing a motor control decoder, like the Digitrax DZ143PS which costs about $30.00.
However, I am wondering if I should just bite the bullet and install a Soundtraxx Tsunami Medium Steam 826102 for about $95 and remove the BlueLine sound decoder to avoid the multiple decoder programming hassles. Has anyone done this replacement? Is it easy or hard to do? Any tips or warnings you can suggest? Is there a better decoder to use than the Tsunami 826102?
Alternatively, I learned that Train Service Depot, which has a business relationship with Broadway Limited, will upgrade the decoder from BlueLine to Paragon2. The cost is $119. Has anyone tried this approach? Are you satisfied?
Lastly, I should point out that I do not plan to consist these Mikados and would thus avoid the most serious drawback of the dual decoders.
I welcome your feedback, thank you.
JPD,
I've never had an issue addressing the separate sound and motor decoders simultaneously in a BlueLine locomotive with my NCE Power Cab. As long as you use a decoder from BLI's "recommended" list you should be okay.
Personally, I really like the BlueLine option (i.e. separate sound and motor decoders) and wish more manufacturers offered something similar. The sound in my BlueLine NYC Niagara is big and full and the Lenz Silver MP decoder I installed into it allows me to start it out at <0.5 sMPH. To me - THAT is more important than sound.
The Tsunami will give you very good sound but you won't get as good low-speed response with it. You might want to look at a ESU LokSound decoder for both good sound and motor control.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Help me a bit here. I have a BLI 2-8-2 with the DZ143 and the Blue Line sound, and I love it. Have had no problems. What should I be mindful of since I have seen no reason to mess with any of the programming BLI did when they installed the decoder--$5 extra at the time of purchase if I remember correctly?
Mike
The only problem we've ever encountered with Blue Line decoders is when trying to create an Advanced consist. Every time, the sound is lost and the decoder has to be reset to factory default settings to recover, which usually involves having to remove the motor decoder and putting the DC jumpers back in.
This has been with the Blue Line RSD-15 locomotive. We don't own any other Blue Line locos. The solution I have used is to give both locos the same decoder address instead of using Advanced consisting.
You can use the Digitrax decoder if you wish. I have 5 Blueline steamers and use the TCS T1 decoder with BEMF. There is no issues with any of them and I even consist them using advanced and double header all the time. The issues you think there are are self inflicted by the user and reading the instructions. All sound decoders with lighting functions and motor control are actually 3 decoders in the same package. If you instal a motor decoder you can program them at the same time using the main. Do not get involved in locking decoders using CV15 and 16. That will lock out the decoder for accepting consist addresses. Don't worry about read back. Programing on the main will give you the results you need.
If you do take out the Blueline decoder you can send them to me if you wish. IMHO they sound better then the factory QSI and really sound good.
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!
cacole The only problem we've ever encountered with Blue Line decoders is when trying to create an Advanced consist. Every time, the sound is lost and the decoder has to be reset to factory default settings to recover, which usually involves having to remove the motor decoder and putting the DC jumpers back in. This has been with the Blue Line RSD-15 locomotive. We don't own any other Blue Line locos. The solution I have used is to give both locos the same decoder address instead of using Advanced consisting.
I have two pairs of BLI Blueline F7's. Like cacole, the only problem ever encountered is when trying to create an advanced consist. I created a thread on this issue a while back.
Rich
Alton Junction
That was much to do about nothing. I had a spare Digitrax DZ125PS decoder and slipped it in. Using DecoderPro I was able to easily configure both decoders, just one at a time. It was relatively easy to assign the engine number to both decoders once I downloaded the calculator from BLI.
And I must say the sound is impressive with two speakers so Pete I think I will hold on to the BlueLine decoders!
As most of the people complaining about these two decoders are trying to do advance consisting and I have no plan to consist the Mikados with other locomotives, I do not think I have to worry about replacing the BlueLine. Besides, I have seen several tips for consisting that I would follow if I do decide to try it. In particular, Joe Fugate suggestions seem worthwhile following in this instance.
Command staiton consisting like Digitrax uses will also work fine - it's the use of CV19 that seems to confuse the Blueline part of the decoder pair.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.