dcc programing

[chessiecat]

I was wondering if there was a software program that would allow me to program my dcc equipped locomotives from my computer. I'm using Digitrax Zephyr and have mostly BLI sound . I also need to know what cables or adapters I would need. Thanks in advance. Jim [:)]

[Anonymous]

Digitrax does make software to interface with a PC. Check their web site for the latest.

I have also heard that the Zpehyr does not have enough power in programming mode to reliably write to BLI locos. I wish I could test this theory, but I do not have any BLI locos [:(]. In any case, I would be interested to hear if computer based programming overcomes this problem...

Andrew

[rrinker]

I don't know what all the fuss is over BLI programming, I have a BLI M1, a GG1, and a Atlas Trainmaster, and have no problem programming them with my Zephyr.
The JMRI programmers are working on a version that will work with the various indexed CV's of the QSI decoders. So soon you will be able to program them from the computer. Computer-based programming doesn't alter the signal sent to the track - it's exactly the same as if you programmed from the console or with a handheld throttle. It's just a lot easier to fill in a plain English form on the computer than look up all the CV numbers to do it yourself.
To hook up a Zephyr, you need the Locobuffer-II interface, from RR-CirKits. And the already mentioned JMRI software, which is free. If you are comfortable with electronics, you can build your own Locobuffer using a bare circuit board from Hans DeLoof, which is the path I took

--Randy

[ereimer]

home of decoder pro
http://jmri.sourceforge.net/
home of Locobuffer
http://www.rr-cirkits.com/

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by masonjar

d that the Zephyr does not have enough power in programming mode to reliably write to BLI locos. I wish I could test this theory, but I do not have any BLI locos [:(]. In any case, I would be interested to hear if computer based programming overcomes this problem...

Many systems have problems programming BLI locos or QSI decoders (including the DCS100, the Zephyr's bigger brother). However, there's a solution -- the DCC Specialties PowerPax programming track booster. You can see it (and buy it) here at Tony's Train Exchange: http://www.tonystrains.com/products/dccspecialties.htm

And I second the recommendation for DecoderPro and the Locobuffer II. It makes programming and adjusting/tuning decoders a snap.

[trollw]

QUOTE: If you are comfortable with electronics, you can build your own Locobuffer using a bare circuit board from Hans DeLoof, which is the path I took

Where did you get your schematic for the Locobuffer? I would definitely like to build my own.

[trollw]

Just did a quick search on the net for Hans DeLoof and found it: http://www.locobuffer.com/

[Anonymous]

You can find the Locobuffer info here: http://users.pandora.be/deloof/page5.html

[chessiecat]

Thanks for your help! Have already downloaded ProgrmPro and have it working.I'm going to order LocoBufferll and the programing booster . Jim

[jwr_1986]

Just a note on BLI programming with digitrax. The zephyr can actually program the BLI and other qsi locos without any problem. You have to change one of the opswitch settings. It puts it into blast mode (I didn't make up the name) which does allow you to program sound loco's with massive capacitors such as QSI. I had another post some time ago with the details of this. Try searching for it if your interested.

Good luck,
Jesse

[rrinker]

I actually never changed anything on my Zephyr. The first few times, I just programmed the QSI decoders in Ops Mode, because that always works, and all I kept hearing about was how you can't program them on the pgoramming track. Then one day I decided to see for myself what would happen. I think the trick is to mute the sound and turn off the healight, atleast, I did that, picked up the loco, put it on my program track, and everything worked just fine programming and reading back.

--Randy

[bjshelbe]

While on this subject, doe anyone know how to program different locos (i.e. different manufacturers or gearing) in DCC such that they can be consisted and not "buck" each other? I have a feeleing it can be very time consuming matching the different CV's.

[jwr_1986]

That is where JMRI's Decoder Pro shines. If the decoder supports speed tables and your command station supports ops mode programming you can litterally have the two engines running side by side on double track and change the speed tables on the fly. For digitrax you can use the loconet monitor to make sure that the two are actually at the same speed step. As long as they are reasonably close you shouldn't have too much trouble. JMRI has made life as our clubs DCC guru much sweeter.

Randy, my info on the Zephyr's blast mode comes straight from Loy's Toys. I believe their page about the Zephyr actually specifies that you don't need the power pax because of the blast mode programming. My only problem is I can't remember what opswitch to change.

Jesse

[BRVRR]

Randy,
I agree! I have never had any problem programing my BLI steamer with the Zephyr. I turn off the light an mute the sound too. A lesson learned while trying to program a Lenz/Atlas decoder. I follow the same procedure with MRC and Soundtraxx sound decoders. Never had a problem. I will confess though, that I usually tweak the CVs while in OPS Mode now that I have learned to use my DT400.