UpNorth wrote:No you can not use DecoderPro and interface with any DC controler but you can use DecoderPro with the Digitrax MS-100 or PR-2 as they are stand alone programmers that can be used by DecoderPro.
No you can not use DecoderPro and interface with any DC controler but you can use DecoderPro with the Digitrax MS-100 or PR-2 as they are stand alone programmers that can be used by DecoderPro.
You're actually a little confused yourself!
The MS100 isn't a stand-alone programmer. It's an interface that allows communication between a computer and a LocoNet.
In other words, the MS100 allows the computer to "talk" to the command station that's actually doing the programming.
HTH,Steve
"Decoder Pro and Interface...are they worth it?"
If you have an NCE power pro DCC system, don't bother. IMO The NCE is so easy to use it would be harder learning how to use Decoder Pro.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
gandydancer19 wrote:"Decoder Pro and Interface...are they worth it?"If you have an NCE power pro DCC system, don't bother. IMO The NCE is so easy to use it would be harder learning how to use Decoder Pro.
Gandy, doesn't sound like you've ever used DecoderPro ...
I have an NCE system and while I love its great user interface, DecoderPro does so many other things so much easier, there's no comparison.
I can save ALL the CV settings from ALL my decoders to my PC and recall them in a few seconds with a few mouse clicks. If I ever need to completely reset a decoder back to my saved settings, it's a couple of mouse clicks and then in about 30 seconds ALL my settings are restored. Can't do that with any DCC system, even NCE.
If I install a similar decoder in another loco, I can copy the settings from another decoder in my fleet and in less than 60 seconds, voila! The new decoder has all the CV settings I like. Try doing that with NCE.
If I'm speed matching two locos, with DecoderPro, I can program on the main and bring up the two loco speed panels side by side. Speed matching locos doesn't get any simpler!
If I can't remember what CV does what (especially true for sound decoders that can have 50+ CV settings), not a problem. DecoderPro labels the settings in plain english (Bell volume, not CV161), and gives me a slider to adjust the volume.
DecoderPro just gives you so much power and makes things so point and click easy that I almost never do straight throttle handset programming any more. Until you've used DecoderPro, you just can't appreciate how it so outshines onsey-twosey CV programming with a DCC system handset!
Joe Fugate Modeling the 1980s SP Siskiyou Line in southern Oregon
Stevert wrote: You're actually a little confused yourself! The MS100 isn't a stand-alone programmer. It's an interface that allows communication between a computer and a LocoNet. In other words, the MS100 allows the computer to "talk" to the command station that's actually doing the programming.HTH,Steve
Wrong yes, confused no !... You are quite right, my mistake. I did not double check.
The PR-1, PR-2 are/were the stand alone ones. Now we wait for the PR-3 which should do both; MS-100 and PR-2.
http://www.digitrax.com/ftp/PR3%20Programmerweb.pdf
jfugate wrote: ... Until you've used DecoderPro, you just can't appreciate how it so outshines onsey-twosey CV programming with a DCC system handset!
... Until you've used DecoderPro, you just can't appreciate how it so outshines onsey-twosey CV programming with a DCC system handset!
I absolutely, totally and completely agree with all that is said above. Having used it for the last few years it is well worth the time and effort to learn it. I appreciate it so much, I donated to JMRI.
jfugate wrote:I have an NCE system and while I love its great user interface, DecoderPro does so many other things so much easier, there's no comparison.
WooHoo!! Looks like Joe and I can finally agree on a DCC topic!
I use Digitrax, and while I don't find programming with the DT400 to be difficult, Joe hit the nail on the head with the above statement.
He also did a nice job of summing up how easy it is to perform useful programming tasks that as far as I know, can't be done natively with any DCC system.
The only nit I have with Joe's description is that I don't think he stressed enough how well laid out and easy to use the various screens are. And not just "plain english", but a number of other languages as well thanks to JMRI's contributors.
And while it may be a little off-topic for this thread, when you also consider how powerful PanelPro, the other part of JMRI, is - Wow!
So unless your particular DCC system's computer interface is priced way out of line (MRC, are you listening?), and maybe even then, my opinion is Yes, it's well worth it!
Steve
As a side note, I'm planning to video 3 of the JMRI clinics at the NMRA National in Anaheim, and post them on the web.
I'll likewise be videoing my own two clinics (one on DCC and one on the latest about my layout and other hobby projects) and posting them on the web as well.
I'm hoping the videos of the DCC clinics (especially the JMRI/DecoderPro ones) will be helpful to people. There's nothing like seeing things in action to finally have it "click" in your brain.
UpNorth wrote: jfugate wrote: ... Until you've used DecoderPro, you just can't appreciate how it so outshines onsey-twosey CV programming with a DCC system handset! I absolutely, totally and completely agree with all that is said above. Having used it for the last few years it is well worth the time and effort to learn it. I appreciate it so much, I donated to JMRI.
Two points:
Gary
Hi all, i have a question about the circuit that was mentioned on page 2. There are a red and black wire that goes to Loconet and on my Zephyr it shows A and B, does it matter which one goes into which or can i just connect red to A and Black to B? Another question, how do i connect the red and black wires into the Loconet connectors?
thanks
Fanie
fanie wrote:Hi all, i have a question about the circuit that was mentioned on page 2. There are a red and black wire that goes to Loconet and on my Zephyr it shows A and B, does it matter which one goes into which or can i just connect red to A and Black to B? Another question, how do i connect the red and black wires into the Loconet connectors?thanksFanie