BLI SD70 ACe Paragon3 trouble

Randy Clark Nov 28, 2019

  1. Randy Clark

    Randy Clark TrainBoard Member

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    I tried posting in DCC Column, no replys. So let's try again here.

    I just received a New BLI SD70ACe Paragon 3 and the lights are not functioning correctly.

    Already tried CV8 reset, didn't work. Manuals don't seem to explain light funtions and reprogramming. At least I am not geting it.

    The rear headlight stays on all the time and acts like Rule 7 is programmed but never shuts down. Ditch lights work fine but front upper hearlight does not illuminate.

    Anybody know the easy fix at home? Unit has not been run more than 30'. It's straight out of the box.

    HHELP PLEASE!!!
     
  2. catfan

    catfan TrainBoard Member

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    Alright Randy,

    Lets see if we can get some help over here. First off..what system are you using to program your loco?
     
  3. Randy Clark

    Randy Clark TrainBoard Member

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    NCE Procab
     
  4. catfan

    catfan TrainBoard Member

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    Are you using a programming track or On the main? BLI seems to take a little more power to push the data through. I'm curious why CV8=8 didn't clear this up.
     
  5. Randy Clark

    Randy Clark TrainBoard Member

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    I tried resetting on the main and ended up with the same results I started with. No fron headlight and rear lights acting on rule 17.

    When I tried using the program track, no changes either. I tried recovery program, it did tried to go through all functions and the loco pulsed down the track as though it was re-writing but when finished, it would not read the decoder. Does this decoder have adecoder lock that prevents restoring factory preset program? That is all I can figure.
     
  6. ntex

    ntex TrainBoard Supporter

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    Did you try this? From the manual:

    Resetting to Factory Default
    The Paragon 3 sound system can be reset to the factory default by setting CV8 to a value of 8. If this cannot be accomplished, the system can be manually reset by holding down the tiny reset button on the sound circuit
    board while turning on track power.
    Paragon 3 With Rolling Thunder
     
  7. catfan

    catfan TrainBoard Member

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    Was this a refurb or a new unit?

    I struggled with a Broadway limited refurb for a while about 6 months ago. AC6000 I believe. While I'm not a huge fan of their Loco's I am a huge fan of their support.
     
  8. MK

    MK TrainBoard Member

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    Try the reset button that ntex quoted from the manual. I read where one person had decoder issues and CV8=8 didn't work but the reset button did.
     
  9. Randy Clark

    Randy Clark TrainBoard Member

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    I haven't pulled the shell and couplers off yet to get to the reset button. I went on their web site and viewed the AC6000 reset proceedure. I have several of their units and have had to do the same with their E units.

    I will pull it apart in the morning and try the ""hard" reset. Sure hope it works. I only bought it to pull my fantasy SP excursion train. I really didn't need another loco.

    Thanks for the help. Hopefully it will be whipped tomorrow AM.
     
  10. Randy Clark

    Randy Clark TrainBoard Member

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    LIsted as new unit from a brick and mortar hobby shop.
     
  11. catfan

    catfan TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks MK and ntex. I forgot about this little button.

    Randy try it this way...

    Remove the shell. You have to pull the couples iirc. Make sure your DCC system is powdered up. Select the loco..Rock the loco onto one side or the other..Hold the little reset button down as you set the loco back onto both tracks. This should be the reset you need.
     
  12. Randy Clark

    Randy Clark TrainBoard Member

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    I went through the proceedure as you recommended, NO JOY. Same results. Next I am going to try on programming track and see what happens. If the decoder is any good, it should have worked.
     
  13. Randy Clark

    Randy Clark TrainBoard Member

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    Tried using the programming track. Still won't reset. This one it seems needs to go back for Decoder repair or replacement.

    Thanks for all the help. I will be calling BLI on Monday.
     
    mtntrainman likes this.
  14. catfan

    catfan TrainBoard Member

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    Randy-

    Have you tried the reset procedure similar to this video? I know it's for an AC6000 but the basic reset should be the same.
     
  15. Randy Clark

    Randy Clark TrainBoard Member

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    Several times. No matter which reset proceedure you try there is no "Cha-Ching" confirmation that the unit resets. I'll let somebody else figure it out.

    I paid for a new working unit and got a lemon, pure and simple.
     
  16. MK

    MK TrainBoard Member

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    Looks like it'll have to go back. Sorry to hear that Randy. It's a shame that people have to send back BRAND NEW merchandise. But you won't be the first Randy. I've heard many reports like this for BLI. I wonder what kind of testing they do before packaging it?! o_O
     
  17. catfan

    catfan TrainBoard Member

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    I agree that it has to go back..

    +1 on hearing and living this on some BLI loco's.

    Randy- I'm going to suggest they give you a refund and not let them repair and return it to you. I've tried to purchase the refurb models and it didn't work out. It seems like these either good or bad. Make them give you a good one.

    JMHO
     
  18. Randy Clark

    Randy Clark TrainBoard Member

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    I have spoken with the retailer and they will either replace it with an identical working unit or refund my money. Lemons are lemons and I don't like lemonade.
     

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