Advanced consting BLI PA's

[SP-Wolf]

Hey Folks,

Need some help/guidance. I have a pair of BLI N scale PA's that I have been fussing with for quite a while. At one point (Years ago) I had them consisted (To address 1) they worked great. I put them away for a while. When I pulled them out to run -- all I get is sound - no movement. I checked the CV's (Using JMRI). All look as they should. But, no movement or sound control under consist address 1. When I select the engines road number and I get bell, horn and the other sound and light effects. Still no movement. I have a Digitrax Super Chief with a DT400 controller.
 In JMRI under consist - it shows address 1 - for both locomotives. I checked all of the other CV's pertaining to advanced consists against the manual - all are set correctly. So what could the issue be - ?
Another question- what should CV1 be set at - ? Currently it is set at 3. Should it be set to the consist number - being 1 - ?
The BLI manual has me a bit perplexed.

Thanks,
Wolf

[peteski]

What is CV19 set to?

[powersteamguy1790]

Wolffe:

Rest the decoders to the original factory CV's. Then start over. Both locomotives should have the address CV=3. When you reset the decoders on the programming track, do one locomotive at a time.

Do the reset on the programming track.

Bob..........

[peteski]

Wolffe:

Rest the decoders to the original factory CV's. Then start over. Both locomotives should have the address CV=3. When you reset the decoders on the programming track, do one locomotive at a time.

Do the reset on the programming track.

Bob..........

Yes, a factory-fresh (or reset) decoder will be set to short address of 3 (CV1=3). Wolf stated that his locos do show CV1=3 already.  He also mentioned advanced consisting (which uses the address in CV19). That is why I asked for CV19 value.

But I agree that for just blindly trying to fix the problem, a decoder reset will most likely do that (and also clear out any advanced consist setting).

[SP-Wolf]

Thanks, Gentlemen!!

I will do a reset.

I will report back after I do it.

Thanks again,
Wolf

[SP-Wolf]

Well, I was successful with the reset. But, not with the reprogram. I don't think my JMRI program track has enough umpf to program a sound equipped locomotive. The locomotives only took part of the program. They are programmed for their individual road numbers and respond as such. Sound, partial lights (The upper signal light does not respond) - and, they actually move - LOL. I did set the advanced consist for both -- no bueno on that. So, I will try to program them on my layouts programming track. I have a programming booster on that track. The problem I have been having with that - when I try to program a locomotive, (this may be hard for me to explain - I'll do my best, as it has been a while since I've tried to program with my DT400) - is that when I program in say the road number -- it changes a different CV as well. Then when I change that CV - the road number CV's change. Very very  - strange.


Thanks again,

Wolf

[Cajonpassfan]

Wolf, other than the loco address, I think you can program on the main, and there's plenty of umph for that?
Otto K.

[SP-Wolf]

Hi Otto,

I will try to tackle these beasties again, this weekend.  We'll see what happens. I'll give the main a try -- can't hurt.

Thanks,
Wolf

[Cajonpassfan]

Well Wolf, any luck?
Otto

[SP-Wolf]

Well Wolf, any luck?
Otto

Hi Otto,

I'm back from the Flu dead. Man, what a nasty bug.

Well, I kind of have it worked out. I now movement and sound. The lighting is my new problem child. I sent BLI tech support an E-Mail about it.
What I sent them:

 I have a pair of N Scale PA’s –  (First run – if that matters)
 
 I had some issues with them and did the resets. After doing so, I got motor control back. However, I have lost lighting control. Meaning, on the lead unit, the mars light does not work. CV40 appears to be set correctly. However F7 does nothing. (I believe this is the correct button to turn the mars on and off)
 What CV or CV’s pertain to the mars light and what value should or they be set to-?
 
  Next is the rear unit – the lower head light stays on when the consist moves forward and off when it moves in reverse. What CV do I got to turn it off completely -? (Toggling “0” does turn both the lead and trailing unit head lights on and off).
 
  I set the CV’s according to the manual for advanced consisting.

What I received back:

You're welcome, thank you for including the road numbers even though no where in our records indicate that the engines are N-scale, we will have to take your word for it. The only thing that continues to pop up in our system is an HO scale Alco SP PA3/PAB3/Pa3 set


Daylight. At least the type of engine is correct even if it is not the proper scale. All of the information regarding the PCM/Loksound models can be found on our support page here: http://www.broadway-limited.com/supportdocumentation.aspx

That is all we have regarding those models. Due to their age, we do not even have a working model of that type here in the service bay to test or try anything out on. I hope the documentation proves useful, sorry we can not be of more assistance regarding this matter.

The option is always available to send the engine to us for an out of warranty evaluation and repair. If we are able to repair it, we have a flat rate of $79.00 for all out of warranty diesel engine repairs. This price includes all parts, labor and return shipping to you. If we are


unable to repair the engine, then there will be no charge for the evaluation. Please advise if you wish to send the engines to us for evaluation and possible repair, we will respond accordingly.

Thank you.

All I need is the correct CV's pertaining to the lighting functions I am after. Why in the world would I send them in for "repair" -- there is nothing to repair.

So, BLI made up my mind --- I am going to change their lame decoder for an ESU loksound select micro. (When funds become available) -- I'm done with BLI. Their records don't even show that they even made the units I own-?? They are about 7 years old. They purge their records - ?

After I get my PA's converted to ESU -- I will do the same to my E6's. Not sure if I will ever purchase another BLI product.

Thanks,
Wolf