I have a BLI Alco PA, less than two months old. As I'm new to DCC, I changed the address using Decoder Pro on a programming track, and now, I get nothing. No sound, no movement on either the programming track with the JMRI throttle, or the layout. I reset to factory settings, and the loco did its stutter dance while the CVs were written, so I know it's not dead. I switched to the short address and still nothing. What am I missing here? Have a few other BLI locomotives, but they seem fine. Sent from my SM-T837A using Tapatalk
you may have to reset it more than once, and then it will respond to the default address of 03 ps 4) PARAGON VERSION 2. (Current Production) These engines come with the Paragon Sound Decoder manufactured by BLI. They support DC and DCC operation out of the box. Two ways to reset this decoder: 4a) Software Reset command is CV8 = 8. This decoder DOES support the decoder lock function and will not reset if the decoder is locked. You must unlock the engine first. 4b) Hardware Reset uses a button on the decoder. You must place the engine/decoder on dead track, press down and hold the button and apply track power. Wait for the decoder to acknowledge the reset and then release the button.
I got it to reset and answer to address 3. It doesn't seem to like long addresses. I tried setting it to 6031 and nothing. Will keep trying. Sent from my SM-T837A using Tapatalk
The set up of short & long address is one of a few things setup in CV29. Check the manual what is should be for long address. Sometimes it just doesn't want to play along and you have to reset CV29.
My solution might help https://www.trainboard.com/highball...3-decoder-in-jmri-dcc-ex.134320/#post-1155348
Well, thank you all. Unfortunately, this A unit has to go back to BLI. Does not run well at all. The A unit running at full power (99 on the DT500) gets caught by the B unit (25 on the throttle) after 2 laps. Sent from my SM-T837A using Tapatalk
Try this before you return it. On the opps mode—(program on the main) try setting the slow unit’s CV-5 value to 200 then run both units. Only have the slower running unit on the rail when you try this-I think you have some CV’s that need adjustment- no need to return if adjustments will cure it.
Having to attempt to write changes multiple times to get the desired outcome is a sign that the decoder needs more power to be programmed. I ran into this a few times with Paragon decoders in my HO stuff. There are devices out there that boost the power of the signals on the program track to get the decoder to accept the info the first time. They are usually only needed when loading new sounds but with my Class J and my SD40-2 from BLI I had to use it just for simple things like address or speed changes. Of course my .gov computer will not let me open any hobby store site to link you one here, just google DCC program track booster. and you will find what I am talking about. The last one I bought was from Yankee Dabbler.
I'm running a Digitrax PR4 into a Kato feeder track. Surprised that I need more power from the plugged in PR4, but I'm new to this. Next step is figuring out how to run JMRI via Digitrax. Yes, I know, Pi Sprog is the easy answer, but that means the Digitrax gear is useless and a sunk cost. Sent from my SM-T837A using Tapatalk
Its not about the device that’s plugged in, it has more to do with the current standards set by the NMRA. Unfortunately the newer decoders take more current to power the various extra circuits than the older or non sound decoders do.
Lovin' life at 160:1, with my Pi Sprog 3! I use it for both running and programming. If you're just going to use if for programming, a regular USB Sprog3 might be a more cost-effective solution, unless you already have a Raspberry Pi. But I had the luxury of starting from scratch (well, my ~20 yr old MRC power pack might be considered a sunk cost...)
