I know they say the PTB is not necessary for programming Tsunami2 decoders but I have never seen them recommend against using one. Where did you see that?
I heard back from George and as I suspected you must have misunderstood him. Here is his response: I have said that a) the Tsu2 and Econami do not NEED to have the PTB-100 installed. If it’s there, that’s fine, it will work illustrates like normal. But if they don’t have one when programming a TSU2 or Eco, then it will not matter. b) the other programming track boosters like the powerpax will not read CVs because they are looking for a higher current draw than NMRA RP, typically through the motor circuit. The TSU2 and Eco do not use the motor circuit, but rather use internal circuitry to create the pulse for a decoder CV read. This is more closely following the NMRA RP, so in many cases, the Pax cannot read or detect these decoders because it’s looking for a higher current draw to acknowledge. That said, the programming commands are still sent and received, just the decoder’s acknowledgement is not “heard” by the Pax. This will not damage the decoder in any way. It’d be silly if we built a product that was incompatible with other products out there.
@@TheDCCGuy I guess I should have been more specific in my reply. When I said interfere with programming I meant that, as you and George mentioned, will cause readback issues with certain PTB's, not that it will damage the decoder or not send the commands it just won't acknowledge the command which can appear as if there is a problem
@@TheDCCGuy I think I solved my issue. It was the QSI BEMF that was messing me up. If either loco in the consist pushed or pulled the other one too much the BEMF would try to compensate and make a Humpty-Dance out of it.
Hi Larry, Very interesting vid. I have two, exactly the same brass etch diesel locomotives to build. Both with identical running gear Motor/Gearbox etc. I want to MU them permanently together, when I DCC them. Would it be an advantage to Service Mode them together on a separate programming track? Would I need a Power Booster too? May use Loksound decoders. I thank you in advance from New Zealand.
It likely will depend on whether you use sound decoders and keep alives in both as they may interfere with the programming of two decoders on a current limited track. If they are to be permanently run together and assuming that they do have equal performance one option would be to use one large decoder to power both locos. You could also run power pickup wires to both locos which will double the number of wheels picking up power. Just put a second speaker in the second loco and you’re good to go. Lots of companies offer 2 amp decoders and even larger versions. That solves your programming question. If you do put individual decoders in each loco and they are coupled by a permanent drawbar, you could use a PTB-100 if programming is a problem. Should you do that and also run pickup wires between locos make sure that you never allow the wheels of one of them to cross over the isolating gaps between the programming track and DCC powered track, or you will get a short lived smoke generator!
@@TheDCCGuy Many thanks for your reply Larry. You have not only answered me clearly, but have given me some great ideas to move forward on this project. Hadn't thought of maximizing the wheels-to-rail for pick-up. I'll keep an eye out for the "smoke generator" too! Again thank you and keep safe, keeping life stupidly simple.
I am looking for some help. I have a DCS 210 and two PM42s with two PSX-1 circuit breakers between the equipment. I have a Bachmann 2-8-0 DCC equipped, (no sound) that is running just fine. No issues to report. However, when I put my stock Bachmann 0-4-2 DCC with sound on the track the PSX-1 to the PM42 to that block starts clicking. I pull it off and it stops. I have tested the setup by placing a screwdriver across the tracks and it does set off the PSX-1. So, the 0-4-2 was used with the 2-8-0 for testing track as I built my layout. When I ran the 0-4-2 with only the DCS50 I never had an issue. The DCS50 is currently setup as a throttle to the DCS210. I do not have a common ground between the two DCS units. Any suggestions? I can unplug the DCS50 take it to a section of track to see if the 0-4-2 starts running again.
@@TheDCCGuy I have a ground wire daisy chained to the PM42s. In one of your videos you mentioned grounding two DCS devices together. I have the DCS50 attached to the DCS210 via LocoNet cable to use it as a stationary throttle. Works fine with the 2-8-0. However, the DCS50 is not grounded to the DCS210. Does that need to be grounded to the DCS210?
I doubt a ground is required when using the DCS50 as a throttle only. I would suggest trouble shooting step by step. First remove the DCS50 and see if the problem still occurs. How old is the PM42? I also am wondering whether differences in the trip speed of the PSX and PM42 may be an issue, the PM42 is a relatively slow device whereas the PSX is very fast.
Larry, great video to us DCC beginners. Thanks for making these videos. Thanks for sharing and stay safe. Ken
Thanks for the video Larry. Very informative.
Most newer decoders, especially Tsunami2, do not require a PTB and Soundtraxx recommends not to use a PTB
I know they say the PTB is not necessary for programming Tsunami2 decoders but I have never seen them recommend against using one. Where did you see that?
@@TheDCCGuy in videos by George, it can actually interfere with programming
I heard back from George and as I suspected you must have misunderstood him. Here is his response:
I have said that a) the Tsu2 and Econami do not NEED to have the PTB-100 installed. If it’s there, that’s fine, it will work illustrates like normal. But if they don’t have one when programming a TSU2 or Eco, then it will not matter. b) the other programming track boosters like the powerpax will not read CVs because they are looking for a higher current draw than NMRA RP, typically through the motor circuit. The TSU2 and Eco do not use the motor circuit, but rather use internal circuitry to create the pulse for a decoder CV read. This is more closely following the NMRA RP, so in many cases, the Pax cannot read or detect these decoders because it’s looking for a higher current draw to acknowledge. That said, the programming commands are still sent and received, just the decoder’s acknowledgement is not “heard” by the Pax. This will not damage
the decoder in any way. It’d be silly if we built a product that was incompatible with other products out there.
@@TheDCCGuy I guess I should have been more specific in my reply. When I said interfere with programming I meant that, as you and George mentioned, will cause readback issues with certain PTB's, not that it will damage the decoder or not send the commands it just won't acknowledge the command which can appear as if there is a problem
Yes but that has nothing to do with the PTB-100 only the DCC Specialties Power Pax which uses a different approach to boosting track power.
Can you do a video on speed matching and advanced consisting Altas QSI decoders.
Sorry, but I haven’t seen a QSI decoder in at least 15 years. Are they still in business?
@@TheDCCGuy Barely from what I see on their website. I have a bunch of Atlas Gold locomotives that are driving me nuts !!!
@@TheDCCGuy I think I solved my issue. It was the QSI BEMF that was messing me up. If either loco in the consist pushed or pulled the other one too much the BEMF would try to compensate and make a Humpty-Dance out of it.
Have you ever done a segment on theNCE E B1? I am installing one on my way out and I am confused on what the instructions are trying to tell me.
It’s on my list of things to do.
Hi Larry, Very interesting vid. I have two, exactly the same brass etch diesel locomotives to build. Both with identical running gear Motor/Gearbox etc.
I want to MU them permanently together, when I DCC them. Would it be an advantage to Service Mode them together on a separate programming track?
Would I need a Power Booster too? May use Loksound decoders. I thank you in advance from New Zealand.
It likely will depend on whether you use sound decoders and keep alives in both as they may interfere with the programming of two decoders on a current limited track. If they are to be permanently run together and assuming that they do have equal performance one option would be to use one large decoder to power both locos. You could also run power pickup wires to both locos which will double the number of wheels picking up power. Just put a second speaker in the second loco and you’re good to go. Lots of companies offer 2 amp decoders and even larger versions. That solves your programming question. If you do put individual decoders in each loco and they are coupled by a permanent drawbar, you could use a PTB-100 if programming is a problem. Should you do that and also run pickup wires between locos make sure that you never allow the wheels of one of them to cross over the isolating gaps between the programming track and DCC powered track, or you will get a short lived smoke generator!
@@TheDCCGuy Many thanks for your reply Larry. You have not only answered me clearly, but have given me some great ideas to move forward on this project. Hadn't thought of maximizing the wheels-to-rail for pick-up. I'll keep an eye out for the "smoke generator" too!
Again thank you and keep safe, keeping life stupidly simple.
I am looking for some help. I have a DCS 210 and two PM42s with two PSX-1 circuit breakers between the equipment. I have a Bachmann 2-8-0 DCC equipped, (no sound) that is running just fine. No issues to report. However, when I put my stock Bachmann 0-4-2 DCC with sound on the track the PSX-1 to the PM42 to that block starts clicking. I pull it off and it stops. I have tested the setup by placing a screwdriver across the tracks and it does set off the PSX-1. So, the 0-4-2 was used with the 2-8-0 for testing track as I built my layout. When I ran the 0-4-2 with only the DCS50 I never had an issue. The DCS50 is currently setup as a throttle to the DCS210. I do not have a common ground between the two DCS units. Any suggestions? I can unplug the DCS50 take it to a section of track to see if the 0-4-2 starts running again.
Do you have a ground connection to the PM42?
@@TheDCCGuy I have a ground wire daisy chained to the PM42s. In one of your videos you mentioned grounding two DCS devices together. I have the DCS50 attached to the DCS210 via LocoNet cable to use it as a stationary throttle. Works fine with the 2-8-0. However, the DCS50 is not grounded to the DCS210. Does that need to be grounded to the DCS210?
I doubt a ground is required when using the DCS50 as a throttle only. I would suggest trouble shooting step by step. First remove the DCS50 and see if the problem still occurs. How old is the PM42? I also am wondering whether differences in the trip speed of the PSX and PM42 may be an issue, the PM42 is a relatively slow device whereas the PSX is very fast.
Hey Larry, How come it is so hard to set the CV's on Bachmann N scale. All other Brands are fine....But Bachmann, can you help. Bob
Are you programming them using service mode or ops mode? That may make a difference.
Service mode (Digitrax).
Try ops mode, the increased voltage and amps may help.
Thank you sir, I will. Bob