Just got an e-mail flyer on an easy to use DCC Address Changer..... sounds interesting.
http://editor.des08.com/vo/?FileID=c8df1717-17cf-444a-9414-df89e48d8c7a&m=7d646d31-181f-442c-84f4-6cd5c9ae7d7b&MailID=27530476
But I tend not to be the first to jump on new products. Sort of like to hang back and see how it all works.
I assume this is being marketed towards DC users who operate BLI locomotives on their DC layouts? Does it do anything else other than reprogram addresses? If so, that's a bit limited for the $80 they are asking for it. My Power Cab can re-address a locomotive quite easily...and more.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Tom, I don't understand why people have so many problems with this, or is this more like, "If you build it, they will come?" And it should be for DCC users only if they need to change an address to a DCC decoder. DC systems would make all locos move.
-Crandell
I just finished,reading the whole article and it does not mention DC anywhere,in the article. DCC only.
Cheers,
Frank
To me that makes no sense at all - unless I have a DCC system that has difficulty re-programming addresses. If that were the case then I'd rather plunk down the extra cash for a different DCC system that could re-program.
[Edit: I just looked at the online ad again that Loco posted. Up at the top it does state on the 2nd line "No DCC system required". So, it does appear to be marketed somewhat towards DC users.]
Tom DC user don't need an address to run a loco. To me this is a useless gadget with any DCC system.
Jack W.
jalajoie Tom DC user don't need an address to run a loco...
Tom DC user don't need an address to run a loco...
Yes, I realize that, Jack. Perhaps it's for the DC user who wants to operating his locomotive on a DCC layout, on an address other than "3"? Otherwise, it doesn't make any sense.
You could be right Tom. However I can't see a market for it.
Fellas, it really is bizarre, but here's what I think: The idea was that from reading forum posts and maybe queries to manufacturers, a GREAT MANY DCC system users report troubles getting addresses to take. I suspect it has something to do with either voltage/resistance issues or CV29 values, such as for extended addresses. This gizmo is meant to save all the hair pulling. So, when they say you don't need a separate DCC system, maybe what they imply is that you don't have to trash your otherwise decent system that does run the locos, but only on address 03 'cuz you don't know what you're doing. You can spend $ on this nifty addendum and let it do it all for you.
As I said, I don't see the need to have decoders responsive to a given address when there's no DCC signal to the rails.
It looks like a limited ability, stand-alone programmer aimed at folks who can't figure out how to change a decoder address with their DCC system.
Apparently, all it can do is change an address, set CV29 to reverse the NDOT, and reset the decoder using a process that to me sounds risky (cycle through ALL KNOWN decoder reset procedures!!??)
I'd tend to think the market for such a device would be pretty limited, although the video seems to say that the feedback to BLI indicates otherwise.
It would be interesting to see the "DCC demographics" of those they received that feedback from...
Stevert It looks like a limited ability, stand-alone programmer aimed at folks who can't figure out how to change a decoder address with their DCC system. Apparently, all it can do is change an address, set CV29 to reverse the NDOT, and reset the decoder using a process that to me sounds risky (cycle through ALL KNOWN decoder reset procedures!!??) I'd tend to think the market for such a device would be pretty limited, although the video seems to say that the feedback to BLI indicates otherwise. It would be interesting to see the "DCC demographics" of those they received that feedback from...
This above,is what I got,out of reading,the whole article. DCC system not necessary to program,addresses,just this device,on your program track,set new address and run on your system.
link to video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUUqtRPzjLc&feature=youtu.be
River_Eagle,
It was nice of you to provide a link. But it is in the link that the OP provided,when he posted.
Interesting product but no way to confirm that the address took other than placing your locomotive on your layout and operating it.
I still can't believe that that many people have problems addressing their own DCC locomotives with their DCC system. My guess is that those will be down to <$50 by next summer.
Actually, Frank, the OP's post has a different link than the one river_eagle provided but the promo video can still be accessed from it.
Tom,
I know that,it is the same You Tube Promo Video..The thing that I gather from this, is that it appears,that you have to reserve one. Unless, I read it wrong. 80.OO more for learning,how to change an address, that is the part that I find amusing..
tstage Interesting product but no way to confirm that the address took other than placing your locomotive on your layout and operating it. I still can't believe that that many people have problems addressing their own DCC locomotives with their DCC system. My guess is that those will be down to <$50 by next summer. Tom
Agreed, or they would be better off purchasing an interface (Sprog 3 for example) and downloading the free software JMRI and be able to change all CV's easily using the GUI.
I can't believe there is a real need for this product that would interest them into producing it.
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."-Albert Einstein
http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/
Seems rather a pointless and unasked for product, IMO. Who is it directed at? If you have DC at home but run DCC at the club (we have several people like that), there's always at least ONE person in the club who knows how the DCC stuff works, even if you don't.
If you have DC at home and that's the only palce you ever run your locos, no need to set an address.
If you have DCC at home - I don't buy their "small fraction" claim that the majority of DCC users don't know how to change the address. So most people with DCC just run one loco at a time, all on the default address of 3? Nope, don't buy it.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Geared Steam or they would be better off purchasing an interface (Sprog 3 for example) and downloading the free software JMRI and be able to change all CV's easily using the GUI. I can't believe there is a real need for this product that would interest them into producing it.
or they would be better off purchasing an interface (Sprog 3 for example) and downloading the free software JMRI and be able to change all CV's easily using the GUI.
I'm with my "bearded friend" (did he play for the Red Sox) If you have so much trouble programming, JMRI makes it a snap. I have a QSI decoder that tends to lose its mind when it derails and creates a short. It's file is saved in JMRI and is easy to recover. Electronics is my weakest field in Model Railroading, but I have never had so much trouble that I couldn't at least program a loco address.
The gadget itself would be neater and an easier sell at $20. No way Jose at $80
rrinker I don't buy their "small fraction" claim that the majority of DCC users don't know how to change the address.
I totally agree, Randy. Like good advertisers, perhaps BLI is trying to "create the need".
What comes to mind is an early version of Lenz systems that will not allow programming addresses on the main and the power output of the program track only shows short circuit with most sound decoders. Using an online calculator for CV17 and 18 and then configuring CV29 still could be done. The version 3.6 upgrade took care of that issue.
Some of the people in our modular group would want to run newly bought equipment. Instead of shutting down the system for programming mode I used my Power Cab. This is another reason to buy one.
Other than that it seems a waste of money to me. Good luck BLI.
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!
I never think about that, because with Digitrax you can program AND run at the same time, but most clubs I see displaying layouts always seem to have a seperate program/test station anyway, much like we do. Perhaps if it could do more than just program the address - great, you've used this new device to set your address, now how do you adjust the sound volumes? If you can't figure out how to program an address, which every current DCC system provides some automated help for, how are you going to figure out which CV and what to set if for to adjust the volumes? But wait, not every decoder uses the same CVs.. so a 'universal' box isn;t really possible - I supposed you could have it laoded with a database of decoder definitions and the have it identify the decoder and present simple prompts - but now we're talking about handheld JMRI, might as well use a small laptop with JMRI and an SPROG.The full Windows tablets - not the RT, should be capable of running JMRI, and they have USB ports to connect accessories.
Given the heartburn that some of the guys I know have when confronted with the idea of changing any CVs, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Address Changer catch on with some of the more casual DCC users[1] I know.
I don't have time to sit through their video, so I don't know what BLI claims, but my own experience of the people in my area who casually use DCC is that the only adjustments they usually make to their decoders is to change the locomotive address (and many of them have someone else do it for them). If this reduces any anxiety they have about doing that, then the BLI tool could be a good match for them.
This is the kind of tool that would have been really useful for BLI to offer when they were selling their Blue Line locomotives (where you needed to program the addresses of the locomotive's built-in sound decoder and that of a separate motor decoder) a few years ago.
-=-=-=-=-
[1] By casual DCC user, I mean someone who doesn't run group operating sessions, only runs trains occasionally and hasn't made model railroading a really big part of his life. The guy who wants his involvement with DCC to be a matter of picking up a throttle, selecting a locomotive, then running a couple trains around from time to time. He neither knows how to do decoder installation and CV programming, nor wants to learn it.
-Fritz Milhaupt, Publications Editor, Pere Marquette Historical Society, Inc.http://www.pmhistsoc.org
I can see where you are coming from, but we have several people like that who participate in our club shows. They have a DCC loco or two they bring to run, but do not have DCC at home (and some literally need to be reminded every show which button to push to make the whistle blast) and in some cases don;t even have a DC layout at home. Thing is, we have enough peopel who DO know how to set addresses that one or more is always there at every show to take care of these issues, plus we have a DB150 program track which can set anything.
I'm sure they will get some buyers. But like many single-tasker gadgets, it will likely be used once and tossed in a drawer.