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BLI UPGRADE CHIP
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[quote user="MisterBeasley"]I'm just curious. It sounds like BLI has some serious low-speed performance issues with the engine, and the solution is that you have to <em>buy</em> a new chip from them? How much are they asking for this chip? Seems to me that if it doesn't work, the least they could do is give you the corrected chip for nothing. Even at that, it's going to mean a lot of technically-challenged modellers will have to pay someone to replace the chip for them.[/quote]<br><br>It seems to be partly the Mike's Train House lawsuit over who has what rights to back-EMF techniques, partly improvements in the technology, and partly added options.<br><br>Early BLI engines had "Regulated Throttle Control", but they removed it under threat of the lawsuit. According to some rumors, that has been settled, but I'm not sure anything "official" has been published. But someone from BLI posted a few months ago that BLI would continue to make improvements, but would NOT put RTC back. I hope that changes.<br><br>Without RTC, their engines, especially the steamers, don't crawl at extra-slow speeds very well, particularly through rough track, turnouts, etc. But that's true of most steam engines, not just BLI. I've got 4 Bachmann and a Proto steamer, and they all run erratically at a crawl through turnouts. I've put Soundtraxx Tsunamis (with RTC) in two of them, and they now run great.<br><br>In the meantime, QSI, the maker of the decoder and sound system, came up with many improvements, such as far more control over lighting, and including RTC. You can buy those chips for about $29. The install is quick and easy, at least the ones I've done. In most cases, you don't have to be a "techie". The diesel switchers look like they require a bit more disassembly.<br><br>Yes, it seems stupid to buy an engine that needs an upgrade. But remember, most of these companies are small and would be badly hurt, if not ruined, by a patent suit, because even if it's unfounded, it would take lots of money and management attention to defeat. <br><br>Why is BLI apparently afraid, and Soundtraxx and QSI aren't? Beats me.<br><br>So, if you've got a BLI engine you're happy with, great. If you want RTC and/or the improved lighting control, spring for the $29. <br><br><br>
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