I run d.c. and purchased the tech 6 with the handheld. Unfortunatly after programing 2 locos successfully they will only run a few inches before shorting out. Tested multiple locos with the same results. Maybe I have a bad handheld? Very dissapointed as I was excited about this working. Anybody have experience with these?
I have the Tech 6 throttle and I have no issues in matching DC engines speeds and they will run the length of my 12' switching layout.
Does your speed match engines run ok without the handheld-basic T6 operation.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
I don't believe He is trying to speed match.....He trying to get them to run more than a few inches. His use of the term ''shorting out'' though might be just loss of power. Need more info....
Take Care!
Frank
Loss of power? Interesting. MRC doesent mention this possibility in their directions as this unit is designed to be used with a d.c. and their power source. I'm still thinking its a short via the handheld. Gonna ask M.R.C. directly.
cold steal Loss of power? Interesting. MRC doesent mention this possibility in their directions as this unit is designed to be used with a d.c. and their power source. I'm still thinking its a short via the handheld. Gonna ask M.R.C. directly.
Yes,sound like the throttle is shorting out..
That's sad to hear.. Those T6s and their handheld are quite nice.I wouldn't trade mine for a thoroughbred horse farm in Kentucky..
Have you programmed locos with the handheld successfully?,cause I just discoverd some things. 1st, BLI Paragon 3 locos cannot be run together. They can be assigned a different # to run but not at the same time!! Very dissapointing. However a Paragon 3 and another manufacturer ( proto, bachman.) are working together as they should. So with that,I'll assume the handheld is o.k., it's theses paragons that are not playing nice. (what else is new).
1st, BLI Paragon 3 locos cannot be run together. They can be assigned a different # to run but not at the same time!!
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No..You should be able to mu them normally and match the volts/speed.
If your other engines perform correctly with the throttle then its a BLI issue.
As a passing thought.. Are both BLI engines sound equipped or just one?
I still havent figured this out other than the fact that none of my B.L.I. locos will operate together without shorting after a few inches of travel. Bowser, Atlas, Bachmann, Proto all play together as do one B.L.I. with any other I've listed. ARGGHH.
Do both BLI locos run when used alone? This is very strange. Two locos coupled together and then shorting might be possible if they were both old Athearn Blue Box locos where the frame is grounded to one rail and if all-metal Kadees are used. But BLI locos aren't made that way. What if you run the two BLI locos but NOT have them coupled - set them a foot or so apart but run them as if they are running together. Could be a power issue, though even two BLI locos with sound should be under 1 amp.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
coupled together or not they short out. There is something with B.L.I. decoderes that will not allow two or more engines to operate simultaneously. I've tested 9 of them from an older E-8 to a brand new L-1 steamer all having the same result. I even tried a new tech 6 hand controller.
There is nothing inherent in the design that would cause this, I do it all the time (with real DCC), and 2 or more will surely run together on plain DC. Are you running 1 with a DCC address set to it and the other as a DC loco? Or do they both have the same DCC address? There mustbe some sort of compatibility issue witht he way the Tech 6 does it's pseudo-DCC and BLI decoders, because multiples definitely work fine on a standard DCC system. Have we confirmed that it is really shorting something, or are they just stopping? Just because they stop moving doesn't mean there is an electrical short. Is there an overload indication on the Tech 6 which comes on? The handheld should have nothing to do with it, all of the controlling 'guts' are in the base unit.
A handheld is needed to program and run up to 6 locos separately. the base unit alone does not allow that option. Whether or not an actual short occurs? Well they both stop dead at the same time, the base unit indicator lights blink then reset. Locos resume for a second or two then repeat.
The tech 6 puts out about 2 1/2 amps so more then two engines on the same track will not work.
I have the Tech 6 and love it, the only problem I see there is no way to consist two engines.
If anybody knows how to do it with the tech 6, please post here.
DAVID FORTNEYThe tech 6 puts out about 2 1/2 amps so more then two engines on the same track will not work.
Well, it will vary depending on which locomotives in particular, but since most HO locos draw less than 500 ma with most you could easily power three or four.
DAVID FORTNEYI have the Tech 6 and love it, the only problem I see there is no way to consist two engines. If anybody knows how to do it with the tech 6, please post here.
Two methods - First is what some call "brute force" consisting, just programming the locos to the same address. The other is using decoder assisted or advanced consisting. Program CV19(I believe the Tech 6 lets you program individual CV's) to the consist address (1-127), or to the consists address plus 128 if you want the loco facing the rear of the consist, and use the consist address to run the locos.
Thank you for your help, CSX Robert. Much appreciated.
Dave, do you use the handheld?