Anyone get their T1 yet?

[C855B]

Just got my T1.  It runs and all the F button functions work properly, once you get used to how they perform.  The F0 headlight spin-up, well, I'll get used to it.  However, all attempts at programming failed.  Used 2 DT throttles, in Pg, Pd and P0 modes.  Will not accept a 4 digit address nor read back the 2 digit.  Nuts.  Now what?  I use a PTB100 with my DCS100.  Some posts here say they can program, some say it took a few whacks at it to work, and some say it doesn't work.  The rest have not tried it.

On the programming track? I didn't even have to use JMRI with Dave's. We just put it on the programming track on the Zephyr, used the DT402D (Pg mode) normally and voilá!, first time worked without a hitch. So you've got me.

[StewRRFan]

gkoproske - I had issues with mine but eventually got it programmed.  DSC51 and PR3.  Had a built in programming track and it would not read/write.  Eventually took the PR3 and hooked it up to a totally separate piece of track.  Hooked up JMRI and dropped a resistor across the rails, and got it programmed and was able to adjust a few of the CV's. More work than most including the other BLI's.   Good luck.

[Espeeman]

Mine ran perfectly right out of the box. I have had it since they first started shipping and have run it every day since. I was able to program a 4 digit address with no problem using a Digitrax DCS51. So far it will pull 43 (44 clotheslined)  cars up a 2% grade without breaking a sweat. I've always loved the T1 and though is never graced SP trackage in real life it does on my layout .

[peteski]

gkoproske - I had issues with mine but eventually got it programmed.  DSC51 and PR3.  Had a built in programming track and it would not read/write.  Eventually took the PR3 and hooked it up to a totally separate piece of track. 

That makes no sense to me.  Programming track (by design) *IS* a piece of track totally separate from the main DCC track which runs your layout.  DCC command stations have separate pairs of contact for the track power and for the programming track.  What is a "built-in" programming track?  Wasn't it also isolated from any other tracks?

Some basic DCC systems (like NCE Power Cab) do not have separate terminals to hook up programing track.  In that example, when the DCC system goes into programming mode then the same outputs which are used to power the regular DCC track become programming track outputs. It is up to the user to make sure that only the locos to be programmed remain on the track at that time.

[StewRRFan]

Bad choice of words - "That makes no sense to me.  Programming track (by design) *IS* a piece of track totally separate from the main DCC track which runs your layout.  DCC command stations have separate pairs of contact for the track power and for the programming track.  What is a "built-in" programming track?  Wasn't it also isolated from any other tracks?"

It was totally isolated but built into the layout. I built a stand alone test track for the T1 as it would not read at all on the original track.  No idea why.  Tried 4/5 other engines, no issues.

[peteski]

Bad choice of words - "That makes no sense to me.  Programming track (by design) *IS* a piece of track totally separate from the main DCC track which runs your layout.  DCC command stations have separate pairs of contact for the track power and for the programming track.  What is a "built-in" programming track?  Wasn't it also isolated from any other tracks?"

It was totally isolated but built into the layout. I built a stand alone test track for the T1 as it would not read at all on the original track.  No idea why.  Tried 4/5 other engines, no issues.

Thanks for the explanation. Still, if the programming track on your layout is fully isolated from other tracks this still makes no sense.  But since whatever you did worked for you, we'll just leave it at that. 

[gkoproske]

I emailed Broadway Limited tech support and they replied promptly.  They tested by doing Ops mode programming.  I went to the Digitrax website to refresh my understanding of Ops mode programming.  One example said to calculate a 4 digit address and enter the values into CV 17 & 18, then CV29.  The key for me though, was that you have to cycle the track power to get the CVs to "take".  That, and understanding that Ops mode is write only.  It worked, and I am a happy camper.  I want to run it on my DC layout next, after my DCC test loop.

[peteski]

I emailed Broadway Limited tech support and they replied promptly.  They tested by doing Ops mode programming.  I went to the Digitrax website to refresh my understanding of Ops mode programming.  One example said to calculate a 4 digit address and enter the values into CV 17 & 18, then CV29.  The key for me though, was that you have to cycle the track power to get the CVs to "take".  That, and understanding that Ops mode is write only.  It worked, and I am a happy camper.  I want to run it on my DC layout next, after my DCC test loop.

That still is a very piss-poor decoder design.  We are almost in 2019 and companies still make "high end sound" decoders which cannot even be read back? WTF!?  Lovely, just lovely (and yes I own one of those). Very pretty loco.    BLI needs to get with the times and make decoders which better get along with command stations.  If others can do it, they should be also able to do it.

[propmeup1]

I changed out my speakers, have two T1s.  I also opened the bottom of the frame holding the drivers in place and moved one set around so the rods look like they have more action when running. I also noticed that on the left side of the frame that holds the bronze wheel bushings in place was a bit tight. The bushings are held in a slot. i had to file the bushing just a tad to make it slide so the wheel has a little more travel when running. I also filed down .005 off the plastic pad on the on the inside of the plastic bottom part that holds the drivers in place to give more travel. I only did this to the two inner most drive axles with the blind drivers.  I added a bit more weight to the tender and now they both run great when doubleheading.   I'm sorry I don't have a camera good enough to photograph all that so it makes a little more sence.

[greenwizard88]

That still is a very piss-poor decoder design.  We are almost in 2019 and companies still make "high end sound" decoders which cannot even be read back? WTF!?  Lovely, just lovely (and yes I own one of those). Very pretty loco.    BLI needs to get with the times and make decoders which better get along with command stations.  If others can do it, they should be also able to do it.

Ops mode is write only. No decoder will do read back that way.

[peteski]

Ops mode is write only. No decoder will do read back that way.

I'm well aware of that fact.  But any decoder should be accessible on the programming track. For goodness sake, DCC has been around for over 20 years - anybody designing new decoder should make it be readable on programming track!