BLI Decides to go “Stealth”

[signalmaintainer]

Maybe I didn't catch the inference in BLI's announcement, but I can't help thinking this stems from the QC issues with Paragon decoders. Better to offer a quality DCC-ready locomotive than deal with returns for faulty decoders. That's kind of been the knock on BLI, right?

[wcfn100]

At standard discount, $40 extra to get a diesel with sound isn't a bad price.

Jason

[dem34]

At standard discount, $40 extra to get a diesel with sound isn't a bad price.

Jason

And if they still pack a speaker even better, but even if not, the models being designed for it just means somebody will probably make a kit that mimics their standard sound setup pretty quickly.

[C855B]

And if they still pack a speaker even better, but even if not, the models being designed for it just means somebody will probably make a kit that mimics their standard sound setup pretty quickly.

My edu-guess is they're going Atlas' route and including the speaker for production simplicity. In my soundectomy of an RSD-15, I did take a serious look at removing the speaker to add weight in the space, but concluded there was too much risk of breaking something in the attempt. Again, from understanding the way it's wired I suspect the whole "stealth" thing is a board swap.

[learmoia]

They were about 20 days early with this announcement...

~Ian

[bbussey]

If they sold the boards I would buy them.

I can't say the same unfortunately.  I have six of their engines and the only BLI decoder I haven't had an issue with is the Paragon4 Mikado.  Even with that however, they don't have common options programmed into their boards, such as more sophisticated headlight control.  It's basically directional only.  It's now so much a concern with operation of the Mikado, but it's a major issue with switchers and M-U'd power.  If I have a switcher working an industrial area or a freight yard, I want the lights on all the time regardless of direction.  I have motive power changes in New Haven, and having the lights flip when the motive power changes direction on a power change also is problematic.  Every other manufacturer of DCC allows the user to program headlight functionality.

Their mechanisms certainly are good performers, but they are hampered by their non-standard controllers.  So introducing DCC-ready models moving forward would be a huge positive for me should they release any of their HO New Haven-centric power in N or release a model/scheme that hasn't already been done (well) by another manufacturer..

[mu26aeh]

Given the 6 pin plug option on N scale models, what sound options are out there that use such a setup

[Cajonpassfan]

I can't say the same unfortunately.  I have six of their engines and the only BLI decoder I haven't had an issue with is the Paragon4 Mikado.  Even with that however, they don't have common options programmed into their boards, such as more sophisticated headlight control.  It's basically directional only.  It's now so much a concern with operation of the Mikado, but it's a major issue with switchers and M-U'd power.  If I have a switcher working an industrial area or a freight yard, I want the lights on all the time regardless of direction.  I have motive power changes in New Haven, and having the lights flip when the motive power changes direction on a power change also is problematic.  Every other manufacturer of DCC allows the user to program headlight functionality.

Their mechanisms certainly are good performers, but they are hampered by their non-standard controllers.  So introducing DCC-ready models moving forward would be a huge positive for me should they release any of their HO New Haven-centric power in N or release a model/scheme that hasn't already been done (well) by another manufacturer..

Did you try their "Pro Mode" settings?
Excerpt from the Paragon 4 manual below...
Otto K.

[Sokramiketes]

At standard discount, $40 extra to get a diesel with sound isn't a bad price.

Jason

With BLI their electronics are worth negative dollars.  Sure, $40 for sound seems like a deal, until every time you think "Hey great I'll just buy this BLI locomotive with sound and DCC and life will be great" turns into life sucks, you try to screw around with it, try to program it to act normal, waste a couple nights, and then tear every bit of electronics out and replace with something friendly.  All the while wasting the $40, $200 worth of your time, and still having to spend another $100 to put good electronics in it. 

[bbussey]

Did you try their "Pro Mode" settings?
Excerpt from the Paragon 4 manual below...
Otto K.

It doesn't work the way one would think.  You still don't have individual control of the lights.  I even spoke with BLI to get clarification when I was trying to get two M-U'd P5a electrics to behave the way I think they should.

BLI gets kudos for the two units running smoothly in unison ... three units actually, because the second unit I picked up in their last blow-out sale kept shorting and they replaced it, and both ran well with my first unit at all speeds.  But I can't control the behavior of the lights.

[signalmaintainer]

I can't say the same unfortunately.  I have six of their engines and the only BLI decoder I haven't had an issue with is the Paragon4 Mikado.  Even with that however, they don't have common options programmed into their boards, such as more sophisticated headlight control.  It's basically directional only.  It's now so much a concern with operation of the Mikado, but it's a major issue with switchers and M-U'd power.  If I have a switcher working an industrial area or a freight yard, I want the lights on all the time regardless of direction.  I have motive power changes in New Haven, and having the lights flip when the motive power changes direction on a power change also is problematic.  Every other manufacturer of DCC allows the user to program headlight functionality.

Their mechanisms certainly are good performers, but they are hampered by their non-standard controllers.  So introducing DCC-ready models moving forward would be a huge positive for me should they release any of their HO New Haven-centric power in N or release a model/scheme that hasn't already been done (well) by another manufacturer..

You reiterated well and from practical experience my earlier post that mentioned BLI's decoder woes. It appears to me BLI is conceding that there is a major weakness in their product line -- their decoder. It's why I think they're finally offering DCC-ready locomotives.

[thomasjmdavis]

GTW 4-8-2's and 4-8-4's are essentially CN pattern if I'm not mistaken, so there's a larger market for them than just GTW fans.

That is my understanding as well.  Particularly true of the U3a and U3b classes, which at various times served on both sides of the border with only minor alterations.
So, if BLI or Bachmann or another manufacturer wants to do a U3b, I'm in. (after we get the roof and windows done and pick up a pick up.)

[kscessandriver]

Given the 6 pin plug option on N scale models, what sound options are out there that use such a setup

Assuming its an NEM651 plug, ESU has a V5 that would work.

[greenwizard88]

I'm surprised they're going with a 6 pin and not Next18 socket. They're about the same size, but the next18 isn't going to cause issues if you just want to drop in a decoder and have operating ditch lights.

[Jbub]

I'm surprised they're going with a 6 pin and not Next18 socket. They're about the same size, but the next18 isn't going to cause issues if you just want to drop in a decoder and have operating ditch lights.

I agree that it's a mistake to go with the 6 pin. Unfortunately, they've proven they don't make the best decisions regarding decoders anyway.