Requesting help programming the Paragon 4

[Jim Starbuck]

I’m trying to program a new NW2 with a Paragon 4 without success. I’ll admit up front that  I am quite unfamiliar with this decoder as this is only my second Broadway locomotive. The first was an SW7 with a Paragon 3 which I promptly replaced with a Loksound. Looking through P4 variables in JMRI it looks like I can program out all the wonky crap in the P4 that prompted me to replace the P3 in the previous engine and get t it to behave how I want it. Mostly the lighting.  Ok, Enough rant and on to the programming…

I’ve tried all modes in JMRI, directly from the command station (Digitrax DCS 50 Zephyr) and through the throttle (DT400) with no change from factory default address 03.
Is there a decoder lock engaged as default somewhere that I’m missing? I write the desired changes and it acknowledges that it takes the changes I then remove the engine from track power for about 30 seconds but when I try to run it it’s still at factory default and address 03. The manual talks about pro mode lighting by setting CV 128 to 1 which I can appear to change via the throttle in ops mode but looking through the list of CVS in JMRI it skips from 126 to 130.
Hopefully it’s something simple I’m overlooking and any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance,

Jim

[peteski]

While I don't have experience with that specific decoder or your DCC setup, my previous experiences with BLI showed that some command stations can't deal with programming BLI (sound) decoders. You might need a programing track booster (or whatever is used with Digitrax).

[John]

I found this on JMRI group.io

Here is another data point.  Windows 10, Locobuffer-USB, DCS 50, JMRI 5.0.  I used Direct Byte mode.  I opened the CVs tab and Read Full Sheet.  Most CVs were read successfully.  Those that had errors were in red, so I read those individually.  I did the same procedure with a Raspberry Pi with equal success.  One loco was an N scale Paragon 3 (SW 7) and the other an N scale Paragon 4 (SD70ACe).  I think that you did this, but do not select Rolling Thunder option from Ident.  That has few CVs.

Rodney

[reinhardtjh]

The only BLI locos that I've programmed are my PRR M1a/b with a Paragon 2 decoder.  In order to program them reliably I had to switch from using a Digitrax PR3 with a 20v P/S to a SPROG.  I've not done any Paragon 3 or 4's yet.

[Jim Starbuck]

Thanks guys,
I’m using JMRI version 4.26+R381c8dfc32, Windows 10, Locobuffer USB and a Digitrax DCS50 Zephyr on Kato Unitrack.
I keep getting no acknowledgment from the locomotive. On address 03 the engine runs ok although pick up is sketchy. Seems like it’s only picking up on one truck. When I get time I’ll open it up and make sure everything is making connection. Seems odd since the trucks are hardwired.

[John]

Thanks guys,
I’m using JMRI version 4.26+R381c8dfc32, Windows 10, Locobuffer USB and a Digitrax DCS50 Zephyr on Kato Unitrack.
I keep getting no acknowledgment from the locomotive. On address 03 the engine runs ok although pick up is sketchy. Seems like it’s only picking up on one truck. When I get time I’ll open it up and make sure everything is making connection. Seems odd since the trucks are hardwired.

Try some alligator clips if direct to the frame if you have them ..

Also make sure the programming track is cleaned .. and the wheels as well -- you probably did that already, but eliminates some variables

[peteski]

Thanks guys,
I’m using JMRI version 4.26+R381c8dfc32, Windows 10, Locobuffer USB and a Digitrax DCS50 Zephyr on Kato Unitrack.
I keep getting no acknowledgment from the locomotive. On address 03 the engine runs ok although pick up is sketchy. Seems like it’s only picking up on one truck. When I get time I’ll open it up and make sure everything is making connection. Seems odd since the trucks are hardwired.

Wheel blackening (and possibly grease on the wheel tread) can mess up electrical contact.  If the pickup is sketchy, best thing to do would be to clean the treads using one of the Minitrix brass wheel brushes, then clean the tread with  alcohol or naphta to remove any grease.

[Cajonpassfan]

Jim, did you ever get your addressing issue resolved? I've had good luck with the P4's, but I use BLI "address changer" on a dedicated track to set the address, and program everything else on the main, even when running by the seat of my pants. No JMRI here.
(BTW when it first came out, I thought the "address changer" was a needless gimmick, but once I saw it in use, I was sold).
Otto

[Jim Starbuck]

Jim, did you ever get your addressing issue resolved? I've had good luck with the P4's, but I use BLI "address changer" on a dedicated track to set the address, and program everything else on the main, even when running by the seat of my pants. No JMRI here.
(BTW when it first came out, I thought the "address changer" was a needless gimmick, but once I saw it in use, I was sold).
Otto

Otto,

I just got back from a very busy weekend at Trainfest in Milwaukee so I haven’t done anything more with it. I’ve come to the conclusion that my Zephyr just doesn’t have enough horsepower to get to the BLI programming. A good friend uses a bigger Digirax command station and hasn’t had any problems programming his Paragon 4s. We’re working out logistics to get together using his system. I suspect everything will work fine and I’ll post results here when we have them.

Thanks,
Jim

[mrp]

I couldn't program my NW switcher with Paragon 4 either when using the program track.
This is with an NCE system without a programming track booster
BLI told me to set CV217 to 110 using programming on the main. Then try it on the programming track.
If this didn't work, then set CV217 to a lower value such as 50, then 20, etc using programming on the main.
This eventually worked, though I don't recall what value I ended up with.
Eventually I was able to configure all the CV's on the programming track.

Michael Pennie

[Jim Starbuck]

Thanks Michael,
I’ll give it a try.

[Jim Starbuck]

Just wanted to update and thank everyone who replied with suggestions.
I replaced the Paragon 4 with a Loksound Nano and an ISE Powerkeeper. It programmed flawlessly and is now an outstanding runner.

[peteski]

Just wanted to update and thank everyone who replied with suggestions.
I replaced the Paragon 4 with a Loksound Nano and an ISE Powerkeeper. It programmed flawlessly and is now an outstanding runner.

That's one way of "reprograming" the decoder!
It seems that the number of modelers replacing Paragon decoders with ESU is growing.