Anyone get their T1 yet?

[tracksentinel]

I got mine and I can't seem to get it to do much of anything correctly. Took forever to get it to accept an address. It slows to a complete stop on grades pulling nothing. Can't seem to get it to accept any momentum. Won't read back anything on my Prodigy Advance Squared. Thinking of returning it if I can't get it to work.

[peteski]

I have played with it couple of times but I wasn't very happy.  The BLI decoders are not the easiest to deal with, and they have some quirky features.  My first try.  Even my NCE PowerCab is unable to read any of its CVs (this is actually expected behavior ob most DCC systems according to the full decoder manual online).  I blindly programmed its address and ran it (light) on an NTRAK layout 2 weekends ago. The track was clean (no other trains had any problems). The T1 started out running ok, but after only 1 lap around the layout it started stuttering really bad forward and even worse in reverse.

When I got home I cleaned the wheels (their blackened/weathered surface does not look very conductive, and after cleaning I see that the drivers are made from brass (not nickel silver).  I tried running it on friend's layout but even after the wheels were cleaned, it was stuttering badly.  I got frustrated and put it away to work on it later. Instead I pulled out my Rapido Turbo Train which runs and sounds flawlessly!

Can you at least activate the whistle and bell?  Those are good indication that the decoder is being addressed by your throttle. Also a quirky thing is that when you turn on the headlight, you can hear the dynamo spin up and the headlight does not come on for few more seconds. Same when turning the headlight off - it takes few seconds to turn off after you press the F0 button.  I recommend reading the online Paragon 3 steam manual to discover other quirky settings.  I do not like BLI decoders (but BLI forces them on their customers). 

[Chris333]

Funny BLI products seem to just be a way to package their DCC and sound, but that it what the problem is.

[dougnelson]

Both of mine work perfectly on Digitrax DT402.  I have not attempted any programming however.

[peteski]

Both of mine work perfectly on Digitrax DT402.  I have not attempted any programming however.

Running on address 3?

[djconway]

Been running and programming mine on a Digitrax Super Chief system, with a 215olm resister across the track.  I am able to read all CVS except for CV73.  Have not seen pickup issues, but I am running on a small level test loop.
I did need to contact tech support with a problem where it slowed to a stop and reaccelarared when throttled down, turns out there is a feature called slow on brake squeal.

[prr7161]

Just opened my pair up yesterday, running on a test loop on address 3.  My system is an early-oughts vintage Lenz.  No problems whatsoever so far - smooth running, bell, whistle, lights, etc.  I did notice the headlight waits to come on, but that seems (for some reason) to be a programmed feature.  I have not tried any programming yet.

[dougnelson]

Running on address 3?

Si, senior.

[mmagliaro]

Peteski... This engine has brass drivers?  Not even brass that is plated with nickel silver (like the brass makers do)?

[peteski]

Peteski... This engine has brass drivers?  Not even brass that is plated with nickel silver (like the brass makers do)?

Correct!  It appears that they simply applied weathering solution directly to brass, or to some sort of dull-yellow-colored metal which to me looks like brass. 

[central.vermont]

Correct!  It appears that they simply applied weathering solution directly to brass, or to some sort of dull-yellow-colored metal which to me looks like brass. 

If this is true this is very BAD news!!! Just ask anyone thats been in HO for a long time. 

Jon

[rrjim1]

Mine has been running great, not a single problem, haven't cleaned the wheels or the track. Pulls my 14 car heavy weight passenger train up my long 1% grade around a sharp 14" r curve. Digitrax system, Peco track with  insulfrog turnouts.

[StewRRFan]

I likewise had a difficult time programming the T1.  I had to set up a separate programming track (that has worked with every other engine).  Bypassed the PR3 direct to the Digitrax DSC51.  I was able to get it programmed to the engine number but the read back number was different on the DSC51.  On the track it runs but it will slow and start running through its stratup sound process.  Track is pretty clean (not perfect) but these do seem to be touchy on any type of low power.  I do not have similar issues with any other engines.  For the cost of these, i am a bit disappointed and hope this is just break in gremlins.

[mmagliaro]

If this is true this is very BAD news!!! Just ask anyone thats been in HO for a long time. 

Jon

Brass drivers would be a bad idea, I agree.  But maybe...

Does the engine have "live" pilot and trailing trucks?  Maybe they didn't really intend to count on the drivers for much pickup at all if they are getting pickup from those other trucks and the tender.

Are the tender wheelsets nickel or nickel plated?  At least with those, they could probably be swapped out with replacement wheelsets.

[peteski]

Brass drivers would be a bad idea, I agree.  But maybe...

Does the engine have "live" pilot and trailing trucks?  Maybe they didn't really intend to count on the drivers for much pickup at all if they are getting pickup from those other trucks and the tender.

Are the tender wheelsets nickel or nickel plated?  At least with those, they could probably be swapped out with replacement wheelsets.

Actually, upon closer examination under magnification and bright light, I think there is some plating on the brass the brass blind drivers, then it is weathered and that looks like oxidized brass.  I said brass because the edge of one of the blind driver has slight damage and the shiny brass color is apparent.  Actually the blind drivers and the other drivers seem to have totally different finish on them!  Weird!  I'll see if I can post some photos later (although those variations might not show up in photos very well).

The drivers pick up electricity and each of the tender's trucks picks up power but from one rail each. Not the best design IMO.  The tender wheels seem to have the shinier plating on them.