Paragon3 Decoder Whistle

Donstaff Apr 28, 2021

  1. Donstaff

    Donstaff TrainBoard Member

    215
    28
    16
    I posted this question under DCC & Electronics, but didn't get any responses, so maybe N Scale a better place to ask.

    The Paragon3 sound decoder in my BLI 2-8-2 Heavy Mikado enables setting the whistle to operate automatically with direction change by setting CV 227 from 2 to 6. This works great, but the sound doesn't play until after the engine has already started moving. In prototypical operation, the engineer would blow the whistle before starting to move.

    Can someone tell me if there Is any way to program the decoder to delay the engine movement until after the automatic while playback sounds?
     
  2. ntex

    ntex TrainBoard Supporter

    76
    51
    23
    On page 186 of the Paragon 3 Steam manual it looks like you set bit 2 (toots enabled)and bit 3 (motor waits) to 1 for CV 227. Total value adds up to 12 for those 2 bits. If you still want automatic brake squeal set bit 1 to 1 for a value of 2.

    All 3 enabled for CV 227 = 14
     
    Last edited: Apr 28, 2021
  3. Donstaff

    Donstaff TrainBoard Member

    215
    28
    16
    Thanks ntex. BLI tec support had me try setting CV 227 to 14 to test whether or not my decoder was of their updated generation which programs the loco to delay performing it's movement until the automatic whistle has sounded. Changing 227 to 14 did not make the change, so my loco will have to go back to BLI if I want the decoder updated. But yes, it is possible to do what I want, IF the Paragon3 has the latest software version. BLI has pretty cool customer service.

    Don
     
  4. ntex

    ntex TrainBoard Supporter

    76
    51
    23
    Too bad BLI doesn’t give us the capability to upgrade decoder firmware like ESU Loksound does. Sure would be nice to be able to add features stated in the decoder tech manual without resorting to returning the locomotive back to the manufacturer.
     
    mtntrainman likes this.
  5. Donstaff

    Donstaff TrainBoard Member

    215
    28
    16
    Yes, that would be nice. Wonder why BLI does not offer that since ESU does. Is there some technical reason why BLI does not offer this. Or is this something to do with Digitrax or ESU command stations or throttles?
     

Share This Page