BLI and Digitraxx

[CPPedler]

As yet I haven't bought any Broadway Limited Loco's but I hope to put that right at the Springfield Show by getting a SD40-2 . My question is, will all of the functions that are built into the BLI loco's work with a Digitraxx Zephyr or do I need a DT 400 throttle as well?? Any thoughts from you digital experts would be welcome as I don't want to get it back to U.K. and find it don't work right . I,m sure you see my point. CPPedler.

[Anonymous]

Hi, I don't have the Digitraxx Zephyr, I have the Empire Builder which has the throttle you are talking about. I think both systems are about the same and can do all the functions, the big difference is that the throttle would allow you to roam away from the transformer. I just got into DCC and I have a BLI GG1. It runs sweet on my digitrax system and it "knew" right away that it was to run on DCC without me having to do anything. No flipping analog switches inside the loco or anything like with atlas. I am really impressed with BLI's stuff so far. I don't think you'll have any problems....

[Anonymous]

Mostly you will need access to funcitions 1-12 If you are going for diesel funtion 6 and function 9 are used for the start up and shut down. On all the newer qsi decoders function 12 controlls the inside cab lights you might want to have a look at bli website they have the manuals posted there in pdf or word so you can have a good look at the sd-40 functions and the throttle buttons that they are programed to. One of the newer features is the verbal sound with function 10 the engine will speak out the speed in scale mph. I don't have digitrax or the sd 40 but i do have the P2K GP9 and it uses the same decoder and i can tell you the start up shut down feature is great along with the atlas trainmaster and BLI E7 ,from what i have read and heard the DT 400 is one heck of a throttle so no matter your reason it would be a good buy for your digitrax system. Terry

[simon1966]

The Zephyr on its own has access to functions 0-8. If you add the DT400 you get them all of them 0-12. I have a BLI E7 and the function 9 is the shutdown and without re-mapping the function this is not avaialble on the Zephyr. Of course, remapping may mean giving up on some other function that you want. I also own a DT400 so this has not been an issue for me.

[rrinker]

I haven't had any issues controlling a BLI GG1 and an Atlas Trainmaster with my Zephyr. Sure there's a couple of things I can't access without an additional throttle, but mostly that stuff is inconsequential to everyday running.
You also don't need to spring big bucks for a DT400, a UT4 can also access all 12 functions when used with a Zephyr.

--Randy

[Anonymous]

You can use BLIs with Any Digitrax system. on a Zypher you might not be able to access all of your functions

[Fergmiester]

Ask Teffy a.k.a. Bob as he started out on a Zephyr before upgrading and runs BLI and Soundtraxx equipment.

I have a Empire Builder with a DT400 so I have no problems. If you have any questions check out both Loy's Toys and Tony's Train... as they both have an excellent web site with a Q&A's


Fergie

[Anonymous]

I will be buying a Zephyer this year and I know that I would need the DT400 throttle to acess some of the higher functions.. I expect my three BLI Steamers to work really well. I may be getting thier Desiel switcher as well.

Digitrax control systems are pretty good with DCC especially the QSI sounds in the BLI engines.

[BRVRR]

On my BLI 2-8-2 the functions above 8 are: In motion F9-12 are all Short Air Let-off. In neutral F9=Shut Down. F10=Pop Off. F11=Boiler Blow Down. F12=Short Air Let-off. Although I have a DT400, the functions above 8 are not critical in my view. I could get by with just my Zephyr.
Remember: It's your railroad.

[AntonioFP45]

Hello Guys!

Just want to make sure I understand.

If I get the Zephyr, I won't be able to hear BLI diesel locomotives perform the "Air Pop Off"? I thought the BLI and Soundtraxx diesel decoders had this feature automatically. Does that include if I get Soundtraxx DSX decoders? In addition to horns, air popping off on protoypes was always one of my favorite sounds ( tsssssshhhhhhhhhh!).
I'm in the learning stages so I'd appreciate your info.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

Hello Guys!

Just want to make sure I understand.

If I get the Zephyr, I won't be able to hear BLI diesel locomotives perform the "Air Pop Off"? I thought the BLI and Soundtraxx diesel decoders had this feature automatically. Does that include if I get Soundtraxx DSX decoders? In addition to horns, air popping off on protoypes was always one of my favorite sounds ( tsssssshhhhhhhhhh!).
I'm in the learning stages so I'd appreciate your info.

Thanks!

AntonioFP45
I copied the following information from the Digitraxx page, since I use the Zephyr for my engines. The Zephyr is a good entry level unit, but only commands the first eight functions unless you use the DT400 with it. The DT400 will allow you to use all of the functions from the DT400 in conjuction with the Zephyr. The Zephyr would not prohibit the last functions from working, but you can't command them at will.

DT400 Infra-Ready Super Throttle Be careful what you ask for. . . it’s in the DT400 Super Throttles! Simple to use with any Digitrax LocoNet System including Zephyr! User Friendly Multi-line backlit display with easy to read icons and messages - Dual throttle controls for running two trains at a time - Click encoders give extra fine speed control and direction control, too! - Full numeric keypad - the list goes on and on...

[Anonymous]

I get by without a DT400, but it sure would be nice, not only the extra functions, but everything has its own button instead of punching 2 at once or one and another.

Greg

[rrinker]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

Hello Guys!

Just want to make sure I understand.

If I get the Zephyr, I won't be able to hear BLI diesel locomotives perform the "Air Pop Off"? I thought the BLI and Soundtraxx diesel decoders had this feature automatically. Does that include if I get Soundtraxx DSX decoders? In addition to horns, air popping off on protoypes was always one of my favorite sounds ( tsssssshhhhhhhhhh!).
I'm in the learning stages so I'd appreciate your info.

Thanks!

No, it does it automatically. There is one of the upper functions that also allows you to manually trigger an air let-off whenever you feel like it.
The only Digitrax system that can NOT access F9-F12 under any circumstances is the Super Empire Builder.

--Randy

[CPPedler]

Well, Guys this is all very interesting,I guess I will have to rethink about my list of things from the Springfield Show and go for a Digitraxx DT400 as a priority along with the BLI SD40-2. I'm glad I asked and thank you all very much. CPPedler

[AntonioFP45]

Thanks Bangert, RRinker.

The Zephyr would suit my layout design well. So all I need is a DT400 connected to the Zephyr to access those additional features and I'm set!

Thanks again! [:D][8D][8)]

[BRVRR]

AntonioFP45,
With a diesel you will still have a function for air-pop-off above F8. My BLI is a steam loco with steam pop-off above F8. Before you buy, ask for a demonstration of both the Zephyr and the BLI engine of your choice. That way you will know what you can access without the DT400. If you intend to spring for a DT400 anyway, the question is moot.
Remember: It's your railroad.

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by BRVRR

AntonioFP45,
With a diesel you will still have a function for air-pop-off above F8. My BLI is a steam loco with steam pop-off above F8. Before you buy, ask for a demonstration of both the Zephyr and the BLI engine of your choice. That way you will know what you can access without the DT400. If you intend to spring for a DT400 anyway, the question is moot.
Remember: It's your railroad.

Thanks BRVRR!

A good friend of mine already owns a Zephyr and has been very pleased with it. He also owns a BLI GG1. I'll ask him for a thorough demonstration.

Cheers![:)][:D][8D][;)][8)]

[robengland]

Hey guys, you have missed avery iomportant post early on in this thread. You do NOT need a DT400, a UT4 will do fine for much less cost. Check out the UT4, it is the new lower cost, supposedly-simpler trhottle from Digitrax.

repeat: you DON'T need to pay for a DT400 any more.

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by robengland

Hey guys, you have missed avery iomportant post early on in this thread. You do NOT need a DT400, a UT4 will do fine for much less cost. Check out the UT4, it is the new lower cost, supposedly-simpler trhottle from Digitrax.

repeat: you DON'T need to pay for a DT400 any more.

O.K, I will take a look at this new UT4. I don't even know what a DT400 costs, but by the tone of your reply it sounds expensive.

Thanks![:D][8D][;)][8)]

[bpickering]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45O.K, I will take a look at this new UT4. I don't even know what a DT400 costs, but by the tone of your reply it sounds expensive.

Digtrax MSRP ("street" prices are less, of course):
DT-400: $180
UT-4: $80

Just a >little< difference. [:D]

Slightly disappointed to read about the Super Empire Builder only supporting 9 functions- didn't believe it, had to look it up. Sure-enough, under the DT-400, it points out:

• Direct access to functions 0-12 with DCS50 or DCS100 command stations
• Direct access to functions 0-8 with DB150 command station

I knew there was a reason, apart from loco capacity, separate programming output, routes & turnout position reporting that I wanted the Super Chief. [:p] Oh well, by the time I can actually use 99% of those features, I'm sure I'll be able to afford the upgraded command station.

Brian Pickering

[cacole]

I was talking to a BLI dealer at a Great American Train Show in Tucson, Arizona, on January 22nd, who said BLI is having a lot of returns of defective QSI sound systems since they switched manufacturing from China to Korea.

If true, this doesn't bode well for the popularity of BLI if they don't take quick remedial action to solve this problem.

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Bpickering

Digtrax MSRP ("street" prices are less, of course):
DT-400: $180
UT-4: $80

Just a >little< difference. [:D]

Brian Pickering

WUF! YOUCH! I see what you mean. Will defintly have to check it out!

Thanks!

[WilmJunc]

As long as we're discussing BLI and the Zephyr, I was not able to program my BLI E7 on the program track using my Zephyr. I had to do all my programing in the OPS mode (including changing the address). I'm curious if others have had the same experience.

[rrinker]

It's hit or miss, caused by the huge capacitors on the QSI sound boards. Too much current draw from the programming track. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. You can get a PowerPax from Tony's that will solve the problem, or just keep on programming in Ops Mode.

--Randy

[CPPedler]

Thanks for the info , Guys. CPPedler

[BRVRR]

Guys,
I had no problem programing my BLI 2-8-2 on my Zephyr's programing track. It took a 4-digit address right away. I read back a few of the CV, but didn't change many. Now I mess with things in OPS mode. Easier and you see immediate results.[:D]

[Anonymous]

I have the Zephyr and the new UT4. I also use my DT4 when running at my local club. The UT4 is about as simple to operate as any throttle I've seen and it has all the functions available and is considerably less expensive than the DT300 or DT400--even comes in radio control if desired.

Stumper

[tcf511]

Stumper,

In photos, the UT4 doesn't have as many buttons at the DT400. Do you have the same functionality but have to use some 2-button combinations? I just have the basic Zephyr with no handheld yet but definitely want to go wireless because my local module club uses Digitrax as well. Thanks.