This was my first decoder installation and I though it would be straight forward. Well, it went in OK but now the sound doesn't work in DCC. Before I installed the decoder (Digitrax 123 as recommended by my LHS), I changed the address on the BLI engine (a DS9 Blue Line with sound) to 7600. Then I installed the Digitrax decoder per instructions in BLI literature. I then put it back on the program track and changed the address again to7600. The engine runs OK now using it's new address but the sound doesn't work. I took the decoder back out and put the engine back on the track and the sound works when power is on the track but it still won't respond to 1 or 2 for bell and horn.
I did notice in the BLI lit that a 4 digit address may need some adjustment with one of the CV's. Does anyone know what might be causing this problem or should I change the address to say 76 (2 digit?).
This is frustrating when all my other issues with two days of DCC experience has been pretty good.
Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
UPDATE: I tried changing the address to 76 (two digit addressing) and got the same results. The sound worked fine in DC with the BLI sound control unit.
When you changed the locomotive sound decoder address from the factory default address, probably 3, to the new long address of 7600, did you happen to try to blow the horn and ring the bell before you put in the Digitrax motor decoder?
If not, try selecting address 3 and then try to blow the horn and ring the bell. If the horn and bell respond with address 3, that means you did not successfully change the sound decoder address. The easiest thing to do at that point would be to remove the motor decoder and then try to re-address the sound decoder to your desired long address. If you can successfully change the sound decoder address, you can then re-install the Digitrax decoder which you have already programmed.
If you cannot re-address the sound decoder, or if it does not respond to either address 3 or the new address of 7600, then it is likely that you messed something up when you did the original sound decoder programming and the decoder has some other address that you may determine some time in the year 2058. So the only thing you can do is reset the motor back to the factory default values following the decoder resetting instructions in the manual.
If you can get the sound decoder to respond to address 3, but cannot change the address to the long address, then it is likely that somehow the sound decoder got locked. I don't have a BLI manual in front of me, but if I remember correctly the locking CVs are either 14 and 15, or 15 and 16. To be sure, look in the manual and there should be a discussion on locking/unlocking decoders.
I just went through a similar situation at the club I belong to. We couldn't get the sound decoder address to change, and after much knashing of teeth it was determined that the sound decoder had been locked. Of course the engine's owner said he had not done it, and I think the engine was new. So how that happened is unknown.
Oh, is there any reason why you are not programming the engine on the main instead of using a programming track?
Good luck.
The horn and bell never worked in DCC, even at address 03. I just assumed that it wouldn't work until I installed a decoder. I just did a search for BLI decoder problems and found one that seems to look like it may be what you are suggesting, the sound decoder is locked. It says to change CV 15 and 16
Here is a paste of the posting: RE: BLI Blue Line decoder installation in a SD40:
Mine came with a sound board and a DC decoder in the 8 pin socket. The DC decoder works in conjuction with the DC sound controller unit they have availible which is for use with DC. The DC setup uses CV's, many of wich are the same as DCC CV's, including CV-15-16 which are used for locking one or the other decoder out so you don't accidently program both at the same time.
So. Before you install a DCC decoder it's a good idea, you do it in OP's mode, set CV16 to 2 and CV15 to 0. Now your sound decoder is locked. Now install your motor decoder and program it on the programming track.
Another thing. You have to set your sound decoder for a 4 digit address or the motor decoders 4 digit addres wont make any sounds. Do this before installing your motor decoder.
Also on the SD40 a jumper had to be moved if you wanted to control your lights with the throttle. Don't know about other Blue Lines, RTFM!!! (This is the same on the SD9: Bob)
Motor dec= CV16-1
Sound dec= CV16-2
When CV16-15 match that decoder is unlocked.
It looks like I have a few things to try and hopefully I didn't assign my sound decoder to one of 7600 numbers that I didn't notice or write down. This could be an expensive mistake on my part. Next time I will research before I do any programming.
Maxman,
I used the programming track because that is what I understood from the Digitrax manual is the best way to avoid reprogramming other engines on the main. I haven't tried to program on the main. Like I said, this is my first decoder install and only the 2nd or 3rd day with DCC. You guys are my lifeline right now and I really appreciate any advice or words of wisdom.
thanks again,
program in dir mode, instead of page mode. set cv 29 seperatly, doesn't allways take when transmitted with address change.
I removed the Digitrax, put the loco on the main and it was still set for 03, so I tried to unlock the sound decoder with CV15 and CV16. I don't know if I changed them or not as I didn't get any readout that made me think I did. I then tried to change the address and it took the new 2 digit address; the sound started working as it should. I replaced the Digitrax decoder which was still set for 76 and everything worked. What a relief. I now have 5 engines running in DCC and 4 with sound. It's a whole new world.
Thanks again guys, I was starting to wonder if I made the right choice in changing to DCC but not any more.
Welcome to the world of Blueline loco's go to the broadway limited forums. There are many posts on how to get your loco set up. They're great loco's but a pain in the butt with the dual decoders. I've had 3 and all took time to get right. My latest 2 from BLI have been paragon 2's and are night and day better since you only have a single decoder.
Let us know how it goes.
Good Luck
Springfield PA
My Blue Line SD9 is working great now. The sound is actually a lower level than the other engines I have and I like it better. When I turn the system on there are steam engines hissiing and popping and diesels whinning and crackling all over the place.. The Genesis F3 is way too loud and the bell is fast. I have 2 BLI Paragon Hudsons and they are just great. With all of them sitting and idling it is quite noisey in the train room. I will most likely look into lowering the volume on some of them when i feel more comfortable with DCC programming. BTY, I just turned 69 this year and this is a fantastic upgrade to what I have been used to for the past 50 years. I am already thinking ahead to what engines I should convert next. I have so many sitting in boxes and on display shelves, it will take some time to get the ones I really like.
Thanks again to all of you for your help and suggestions.
farrellaa I replaced the Digitrax decoder which was still set for 76 and everything worked. What a relief. I now have 5 engines running in DCC and 4 with sound. It's a whole new world.
I'm happy that everything turned out okay for you. Now, one other thing to think (or worry) about. I believe that you originally wanted to give the engine a long address of 7600. I'm assuming that this is the number on the side of the cab. If so, I'd recommend that you go back and program the decoders to that address rather than the 76 address. This is because you may want to consist the engines some day and the range of consist addresses is the same as the range of short addresses. So if you inadvertently make up a consist of your other engines and use a consist address of 76 for those (it can happen), your current engine 76 will also run and you'll be scratching your head wondering why.
Yes and no. I'd change the address for convenience, so it matches the cab number. But since he uses Digitrax, by default there isn't a 'range of consist addresses', Digitrax defaulst to command station consisting where the consist address can be the address of any loco in the consist or any valid DCC address, long or short. Now if you change the setting to make CV19 consisting the default, then yes, a loco at 76 will eat up one potential consist address.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinkerDigitrax defaulst to command station consisting where the consist address can be the address of any loco in the consist or any valid DCC address, long or short.
So, you're saying that Digitrax does not put a value into CV 19 normally?
Thanks
I do have a NYC ABA F-3 in the Genesis line that isn't DCC yet. I will probably run a consist with them in the future but I will use the road numbers on those engines. I don't plan on any other consists at this time but your point is well taken. I had a bit of a problem getting the shell off when I removed the Digitrax decoder and will probably change the address to 7600 at some point. I like the idea of using the road number for the adddress.
maxman rrinkerDigitrax defaulst to command station consisting where the consist address can be the address of any loco in the consist or any valid DCC address, long or short. So, you're saying that Digitrax does not put a value into CV 19 normally? Thanks
That is correct.