Paragon4 Explained (for HO Scale)

Broadway Limited Imports is proud to introduce our Paragon4 Series line of steam and diesel locomotives:  the new benchmark for premium HO sound-equipped locomotives.  The dual-mode DC and DCC Sound-Equipped models feature the BLI Paragon4 sound and control system.   Each HO scale Paragon4 locomotive comes with BLI's own integral DCC decoder factory-installed.  Paragon4 locomotives offer dual mode DC and DCC operation with superb back EMF motor control, improved DC motor control, built-in capacitor pack for more reliable electrical pick-up, industry best on-board sound with Rolling Thunder functionality, Pro Mode lighting for prototypical light control, Switcher Mode for precision low speed control, recordable DCC operation for automated playback, and the same excellent detail level that you've come to expect of Broadway Limited Imports models.  

Increased Capacitance for HO Scale Models:

For HO, we built our GoPack! power continuity capacitors into the decoder.  They are enough to provide several seconds of run time to get past dead spots on the track, but unlike external keep-alive type products, we can control the capacitors with software.  For example, someone using block control can set cv12 to 1 to make the model stop after 1 second, or disable it entirely by setting cv12 to 0.  The capacitors are also disabled automatically on the program track so they don't interfere with reading back CVs.  This makes Paragon4 fully compatible with most systems on the market, including Digitrax, NCE, MRC, and Decoder Pro.  Please note the HO scale Paragon4 decoder also has a plug for the installation of an additional GoPack! device if you want to add even more capacitance. 

Switcher Mode:

We've implemented a number of operating  modes that make it easy for modelers to set up the locomotive for common types of use.  Switcher mode is entered by setting cv128 to 3.  This adjusts cv's 3, 4, and 6 to reduce momentum and improve throttle response for more precise low speed control.  To turn off, set cv128 = 4. 

Pro Mode Lighting:

Our models have semi-automatic lighting by default.  The cab light comes on when you stop, the headlight goes off and the rear lights goes on when you switch to reverse, etc.  For most customers, that works great, but some of our more advanced customers want to control and adjust each light independently.  For that we created a mode we call Pro Mode that mostly affects lighting.  Setting cv128 to 1 turns on Pro Mode.  With Pro Mode activated, a user can turn on and off headlight, rear light, front class lights, rear class lights, number boards, cab lights, front rule 17 dimming, rear rule 17 dimming, etc, independently using function buttons.  Nothing happens automatically.  Setting cv128 to 2 turns off Pro Mode.  Setting cv128 just triggers a list of CVs to be set all at once.  Turning Switcher Mode on and off does not affect Pro Mode.  They can be used together or separately.  Note you can only read back the last setting of cv128.  

 

Paragon4 Sound & Control System Features: 

• Operates in DC and DCC with improved DC speed control (use DCMaster for DC Sound)
• Built-in capacitor pack to navigate imperfect track
• Capacitor Pack is automatically disabled on program track for full compatibility with JMRI Decoder Pro
• Pro-Mode Lighting offers individual control of all lights on model
• Switcher Mode for precise low speed control
• Record & Play Operation - Records and plays back sounds and movements once or repeatedly for automatic operation
• High Resolution Audio
• Quillable Whistle for various whistle lengths and patterns
• Choice of three selectable horns
• Alternate whistle / horn where applicable for locomotive with air horn and steam whistle - both the main whistle and alternate horn can be easily played
• Adjustable bell ringing interval for faster or slower bell
• Numerous user-mappable functions - see BLI Operator's Manual for help with remapping your function keys
• Johnson Bar sound at direction change
• Multiple realistic passenger and crew sounds play on command
• Grade Crossing automatic signal
• Automatic Forward / Reverse signal - when activated, stopping triggers stop whistle toot.  When moving forward from a stopped position, toots twice.  When moving in reverse, toots three times. 
• For steam engines, chuff sound intensity varies with load
• For diesel engines, prime mover sound intensity varies with load
• Individually adjustable sound volumes for each effect
• EZ Reset Button for quick return to factory default settings
• Most Paragon4 Steam Locomotive models, and some diesel models, come equipped with puffing smoke.  In most cases the smoke puffs in sync with the sounds.