Problems programming BLI N Scale M1a/b

[reinhardtjh]

I'm looking for information from people that have programmed their BLI M1a/b locos.

My problem is that I have tried to read/program mine and all fail with multiple 308 errors.

Original scenario:
     Digitrax PR3 Programmer
     Digitrax PS14 power supply
     JMRI V4.3.(something)

No difficulty programming an Atlas S2 (ESU LokSound), Bachmann 44t, Bachmann Heavy Mountain, Digitrax DN163A3, DN163K1C, DN163K2 and others.

When trying a "Read All Sheets" on the M1a/b I got multiple 308 errors and few if any CV's read correctly.  I tried several times, cleaning track, drivers and contacts to no avail.  I have a pre Xtra version of the PR3 so the next step was to try a beefier power supply as I know the 14v default can be marginal on some.  So I got a regulated 18v 1a p/s and tried it.  The results were a little better in that about 50% of the CV's successfully read on the first attempt.  On the "CV" pane in Decoder Pro, if I prompted it to read one of the failed CV's it might fail, but then the next time it would work.  So it seems the increased voltage helped, but not quite enough.

So the question is: Those that are successful with a PR3, what voltage supply are you using?  Should I find a 20v supply? That's the theoretical max voltage for the PR3.

Current setup:
     Digitrax PR3 Programmer
     3rd party 18VDC 1A regulated power supply
     JMRI V4.3.(something)


I could hook up the programming track outputs from my DCS100, but that's on the layout and would be a pain to hook the computer, etc to it.  But maybe I should.  Are people generally successful programming with the DCS100 or DB150?

[eric220]

In general with any sound equipped loco, and specifically with my M1's, I put the loco on the programming track and write the four digit address four or five times. Then I move it to the main and program on the main. I've never had luck read/writing to a sound decoder from the programming track.

[jdcolombo]

I'm looking for information from people that have programmed their BLI M1a/b locos.

My problem is that I have tried to read/program mine and all fail with multiple 308 errors.

Original scenario:
     Digitrax PR3 Programmer
     Digitrax PS14 power supply
     JMRI V4.3.(something)

No difficulty programming an Atlas S2 (ESU LokSound), Bachmann 44t, Bachmann Heavy Mountain, Digitrax DN163A3, DN163K1C, DN163K2 and others.

When trying a "Read All Sheets" on the M1a/b I got multiple 308 errors and few if any CV's read correctly.  I tried several times, cleaning track, drivers and contacts to no avail.  I have a pre Xtra version of the PR3 so the next step was to try a beefier power supply as I know the 14v default can be marginal on some.  So I got a regulated 18v 1a p/s and tried it.  The results were a little better in that about 50% of the CV's successfully read on the first attempt.  On the "CV" pane in Decoder Pro, if I prompted it to read one of the failed CV's it might fail, but then the next time it would work.  So it seems the increased voltage helped, but not quite enough.

So the question is: Those that are successful with a PR3, what voltage supply are you using?  Should I find a 20v supply? That's the theoretical max voltage for the PR3.

Current setup:
     Digitrax PR3 Programmer
     3rd party 18VDC 1A regulated power supply
     JMRI V4.3.(something)


I could hook up the programming track outputs from my DCS100, but that's on the layout and would be a pain to hook the computer, etc to it.  But maybe I should.  Are people generally successful programming with the DCS100 or DB150?

Hi John.

I don't own a M1a, but I do know that sometimes sound decoders require more current to program than is generally available on a programming track; it is why Soundtraxx sells a programming "booster" (the PTB 100) to facilitate programming their sound decoders on a programming track.   I've never used a Digitrax sound decoder, but ESU sound decoders do not need a booster for programming (at least, not with my DCS100).

That said, I have successfully programmed a BLI PA-1 using a DCS100 and JMRI (via a PR3 connected to my computer).  I suspect that the decoder used in the M1a is the same design as that in the PA-1, just with a different sound file.  So even though it may be a pain, you might find that you will get better results using your DCS100.  If that doesn't work, then the only options are to program the engine on the main using ops mode programming or get something like the PTB-100.

John C.

[reinhardtjh]

Thanks Eric and John.  Since I want to do at least a baseline read of the decoder it looks like it's time to hook up the programming tracks to the DCS100 and see how things go.  If it comes down to it I can do the programming on the main for the most part. It's just awkward.

[Mike C]

I've got two of them , but I use a PowerCab system . No problems with that system . I've also heard of trouble programming and reading sound decoders with the Digitrax system . Usually a booster takes care of the problem .  One tip when you read sheets on JMRI . I always read each sheet individually , it seems to take a LOT less time rather than reading all of them at once ....Mike

[rrjim1]

No problems here reading or writing CV's with my Digitrax system, DCS100. In fact I have never had a problem with any of my sound decoders including my BLI M1b.

Mike, the Digitrax PR3 is not a DCC system. The new instruction sheet for the PR3 states, "DO NOT EXCEED 15 VDC". It also states that it will programs CV's for most decoder.