Cab & Booster Decoders

BM50 Jan 21, 2007

  1. BM50

    BM50 TrainBoard Member

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    Is it possible for an A & B unit to be set to the same address without any problems? A booster typically isn't run by itself, unless one is simulating moving it around an engine terminal by a hostler. That would make it easier than having to MU them.

    What about other consists like an A-B-A set that usually stay together on most layouts?

    Duane Goodman
     
  2. AB&CRRone

    AB&CRRone TrainBoard Supporter

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    Yes to both questions. Just be sure the speeds are set so all units are close in running speed. To run the 2nd "A" unit in reverse orientation reprogram its CV29 so that physical direction is changed. The documentation for your decoder should tell what value to reprogram for CV29.

    Ben
     
  3. Powersteamguy1790

    Powersteamguy1790 Permanently dispatched

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    You can set up any consist with one number if the units in the consist remain together.


    Stay cool and run steam.....:cool::cool:
     
  4. Mike Sheridan

    Mike Sheridan TrainBoard Member

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    If doing the 'same address' trick with two A units (A-A, A-B-A, etc) I'd be somewhat inclined to swap the motor wires on the second unit rather than setting CV29. Saves any problems if the decoder gets a factory reset, which according to reports sometimes happens spontaneously :)
     
  5. BM50

    BM50 TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks for the answers and tips.

    Duane Goodman
     
  6. SD70BNSF

    SD70BNSF TrainBoard Supporter

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    I'd have to think about this, but in the case of my Kato F7s and F3s, I'm not sure you could reverse the motor leads as I've used a drop in decoder (Digitrax brand, N Scale). I guess you could isolate the motor tabs and run them to the other side, but I think that might be a lot more work then programming the CV.
     
  7. Mike Sheridan

    Mike Sheridan TrainBoard Member

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    I agree with you entirely Chris, which is why I said 'inclined'. I'd only swap the physical connections if it was a relatively simple job and I can't imagine it would be easier than setting CV29 (except maybe if I was installing the decoders myself).

    It's just that I like things to be 'matched' and neat. The RRs often treated A-(B-B-)A units as a single locomotive, so setting all the decoders up with the same program would make sense to me.

    Actually, it just occurred to me that you'd have to separate the trailing unit from it's mate(s), and isolate them, to set (or reset) CV29 because if they all have the same address they will all change.
     

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