Ken, the owner of K-10 Model Trains told me at one time he had a system that used one of the computers to program DCC decoders.
Anyone have one or a link about one? I am torn between two DCC systems, one will let me set CV's and is remote controlled, other can read and set CV's but I am land locked again.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
cudaken Ken, the owner of K-10 Model Trains told me at one time he had a system that used one of the computers to program DCC decoders. Anyone have one or a link about one? I am torn between two DCC systems, one will let me set CV's and is remote controlled, other can read and set CV's but I am land locked again. Cuda Ken
Ken,
With Digitrax systems you simply need a PR3 or Locobuffer II to provides the pyhsical interface from your computer USB port to the booster (or track depending upon configuration). Then you download a copy of Decoder Pro from JMRI and you're ready to go. I can't speak for other manufacturers but it does matter what DCC system you have.
One option is to buy a Digitrax PR3 and hook it to a computer with an isolated piece of track. You can use it with a computer to program locomotives. I do that sometimes. You won't be able to do Ops more programming on the layout but you can program, store and restore locomotive configurations.
Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/
If you have a Digitrax or NCE system, you can hook your computer up to the DCC Command Station. In my case I have a Digitrax system. I bought a 'Locobuffer USB' and one side plugs into the Loconet, the other side to a USB port on my computer. You can then download 'Decoder Pro' for free off of the Internet.
Decoder Pro allows yout to read and program decoders, as well as 'look' at your DCC system. It even has a built-in throttle. What is very nice is I can save my 'roster' of engines with thir CV settings and reload an engine decoder if I have a problem. The JMRI Group supplies the software and updates it on a regular basis with new/current decoder definitions.
Here are the links:
http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/html/apps/DecoderPro/index.shtml
http://www.rr-cirkits.com/locobuffer-usb/LB-usb-flyer.pdf
For NCE systems, you usually need a 'Serial to USB adapter'(unless your computer is old enough to still have a serial port) or their new USB adapter for the system. In the case of the Digitrax systems, the 'Locobuffer USB' is all the extra hardware you need. And as I mentioned, you can control your Digitrax system and monitor the Loconet with Decoder Pro. This is one of the nice things about using one of the 'name brand' DCC system - the computer interface!
Jim Bernier - Do not leave a decoder without it!
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Testomomy to the usefulness of programing via computer happened the other day when a loco somehow lost it's settings and wouldn't run (sound worked ok). I reset the decoder to factory defaults and wrote back the information I had stored on it via Decoder Pro and everything was fine. It would have taken me much longer to put everything in item by item.
Cal
Ken, just sent you a PM.
Since I have the Z and use Decoder Pro it would be a good time for a visit so you can see these things in action.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
jbinkley60...One option is to buy a Digitrax PR3 and hook it to a computer with an isolated piece of track. You can use it with a computer to program locomotives. I do that sometimes. You won't be able to do Ops more programming on the layout but you can program, store and restore locomotive configurations...
CSX Robertjbinkley60...One option is to buy a Digitrax PR3 and hook it to a computer with an isolated piece of track. You can use it with a computer to program locomotives. I do that sometimes. You won't be able to do Ops more programming on the layout but you can program, store and restore locomotive configurations... One thing I wanted to make sure is clear here is that in this configuration you do not have to have a Digitrax DCC system. You could go ahead and get the PR3 and use it to program your decoders. Then, if you decide to go with Digitrax, use the PR3 as a PC interface for you're command station, and if you do not go with Digitrax, you can still use it to program your decoders.
Correct. The PR3 is a nice stepping stone to full Ops mode programming on the layout with Digitrax DCC systems a stopping point, if you just want stand-alone programming and don't have a Digitrax DCC system. Additionally you can downlaod sound files to Digitrax sound decoders.
I originally bought my PR3 for sound files. Now I find I use it more than the programming track. I can sit the locomotive on the bench, hook up the track leads and do all of my programming. With Digitrax's Soundloader software it has a test facility to test functions and sound while on the bench.. You can download sounds and test the results.
Boy, thanks for all the great answers folks! Main thing I was looking for was reading the CV's, but down loading sounds files could be a big plus later. None of my sound engines use Digitrax Decoders, mainly QSI, but I am happy with there current sound files in them anyway.
The two systems I was looking at are the Digitrax Zepher and the Bachmann Dynamis. Start up cost is about the same, $160.00 for the Zepher and $150.00 for the Dynamis.
Dynamis plus are. Wire Less, program decoders, type in the name of the engine like FP-45 503 and reported easy to use. Down side is it cannot read CV's or run a DC only engine, I still have around 25 to convert to DCC.
Zepher plus is reading CV's, will run a DC engine and more support from the site and local people. Down side is it will cost more to add either radio or infrared control than what the Zepher cost. From what I have seen at K-10 Model Trains, Digitrax seems not to be stupid friendly.
Looks like with Simmons 1966 help I will get some hands on time. Thanks Simmon.
Ken
One thing to consider is where will you go with the system and not just the startup cost. With Digitrax the upgrade paths are straightfoward with minimal throw away costs. Not all systems are like this.
A fellow club member came over for a "makeup" session of a club open house I had and I showed him what Decoder Pro could do. By the next meeting, he had an interface on order and the program already on his computer he was so impressed.
jbinkley60 Ken, One thing to consider is where will you go with the system and not just the startup cost. With Digitrax the upgrade paths are straightfoward with minimal throw away costs. Not all systems are like this.
This alone would make me say no to the Dynamis. Bachmann seems to be pulling an MRC here, with various incompatible systems. Maybe their next one will get the concept of upgrading correct. First they use a system designed by Lenz. Now they are using one based on an ESU system. What's next, a rebranded Digitrax system?
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Cuda Ken,
PM me and I'll send you some info you can decide whether you want to use or not, but it's freeand it has really helped me.
TheK4Kid
aka Ed
Another big reason to go with the Decoder Pro (I use a Zephyr with it) is speed matching locos. This winter I matched all my locos into pairs and triplets to go up my big hill using Decoder Pro. I would only be half way on this project at Easter otherwise.
I'm not sure about the Bachmann product, but if you go for it, make sure it is easy to speed match your locos with.