Decoder Pro and MRC Prodigy

[mreagant]

I understand that the MRC Prodigy system will not allow Decoder Pro to link through a computer to set/ program decoders.  However, I have read several times on this discussion board that DP can be very useful even without directly programming decoders.  I've re-read some of those comments, but can't figure out exactly what use I could make of it with my Prodigy Wireless system.

Can anyone dumb it down a bit so I can figure out whether to spend time trying to learn it?

Mike

[rrinker]

 If you are in the roster entry for a locao in JMRI, one of the tabs will be the full CVs - every CV supported by that decoder and whatever JMRI thinks are the current values. If you go to any of the other tabs, like ay the basic address tab, and change something, then go back to the CV tab, the ones you change will be highlighted in red, meaning they have not yet been saved. Using the MRC handheld, set each of those CVs to the value shown in JMRI. This way you can use the dropdowns and checkboxes in JMRI and let is figure out what value a given CV should be, and then just program them like you'd program any CV with the handheld.

                           --Randy

[jrbernier]

  MRC will not release the command source, so JMRI cannot write the code to interface with their command stations.  As of right now, I know of no way to 'talk' to a MRC DCC system.

  However, one can configure Decoder Pro on your PC to use a 'simulator'.  This will allow you to 'configure' an engine in Decoder Pro, and then review the values of the CV's. You then can hand program your engine from your MRC throttle.  Not the most elegant way of doing things, but it works.  At least you know what CV's work for a certain brand of decoder.

  When you setup Decoder Pro, it will prompt you to configure the 'connection' - Select 'Digitrax' for the System Manufacturer and 'LocoNet Simulator' for the System Connection. Save it and it will restart Decoder Pro - It will start up with the simulator each time unless you change it.

Jim

[Stevert]

I'll second what Randy and Jim have said, and add a few more more plugs for JMRI:

1. You can save those "simulated" loco entries, so you have a record of how the CV's are set on each one.
2. JMRI's decoder database covers MANY, MANY different brands and models of decoders, with easy to navigate and interpret on-screen panels for all of them.
3. JMRI also has a complete Ops program that's built right in.  It works so well, and the author does such a great job of fixing bugs and adding features, that a number of folks have dropped one of the "paid" Ops software products for lack of support, and switched to JMRI's Ops program instead.
4. If you ever decide to add signalling or other animation to your layout, you can connect JMRI to one or more OTHER systems to handle those chores.  This includes not only DCC, but C/MRI, Oaktree's RCI, etc. (It's a long list)  Even X10 and Insteon for lighting, so you can have your layout room's lighting follow your fast clock.     

[hornblower]

For those of us who have already invested in MRC Prodigy systems, I understand that there are outboard decoder programmer units such as the Digitrax PR3 that will operate as stand alone computer to programming track interfaces without the need to connect to the DCC system.   Rather than invest in a whole new DCC system with a computer interface, it would be far cheaper to purchase one of these programming units to connect a stand alone programming track to the JMRI software.  Your MRC Prodigy system would still not interface with JMRI but at least your loco decoders could.

[maxman]

hornblower

For those of us who have already invested in MRC Prodigy systems, I understand that there are outboard decoder programmer units such as the Digitrax PR3 that will operate as stand alone computer to programming track interfaces without the need to connect to the DCC system.   Rather than invest in a whole new DCC system with a computer interface, it would be far cheaper to purchase one of these programming units to connect a stand alone programming track to the JMRI software.  Your MRC Prodigy system would still not interface with JMRI but at least your loco decoders could.

I guess I have a question.  I can see where the PR3 (or any equivalent) would work when connected to a programming track.  But if one were to want to do some programming on the main, speed tables or sound adjustment for example, I believe that there needs to be some interface through the command station.  If the command station does not support this interface, then the ability of the PR3 to perform to its fullest extent is severely compromised.

Of course I could be wrong! 

[jalajoie]

The Sprog could be a good alternative, it is also a standalone programmer and a (limited) command station at the same time.

[rrinker]

 Either the PR3 or the Sprog is fully function standalone. There is no setting on the decoder that requiresit to be controlled via the command station to set. It sure is EASIER to speed match if you cna program through the operating DCC system while the locos are actually moving. FOr simple things like a volume change, it's just as easy, and usually faste,r to just use the handheld in ops mode and adjust it

 The Sprog can actually run trains, so instead of a short piece of straight track you could make a basic oval and use that as the 'program' track for the Sprog, which would allow you to actually run the loco under JMRI control

                      --Randy

 

[NSColsMP6]

I've had good luck with the MRC PC interface. The cable version starts around $50 and the wireless one can get up closer to $100 but the software itself is a free download (which is great if you want to check out it's features to decide if you wish to buy the interface hardware).  Here's the official page: http://www.modelrectifier.com/train-controls/accessories.asp

I went with the wireless interface which allows me to plug the USB dongle into any Windows laptop or tablet with a USB port (I'm usng a Surface Pro).  This gives me a really nice touch-screen interface that gives me two cabs, plus instant access to various stationary decoders and routes.  It's made it really easy to configure each locomotive *just* the way I like it - and in a second or two, push the whole config to the locomotive.  I imagine it takes a LOT longer to do it with a handheld cab.

[john.pickles87]

Hi Mike,

We use a Prodigy system on our layout at the club and for programming I use JMRI and a Sprog at home with a yard of Peco as a test track and I don’t see the need to go to the expense of changing what suits us very well.  

The layout is a 16x8 portable setup where the 3.5amps output is more than enough for the half-dozen or so locos at atime.

If I need to do any speed matching, I take the laptop and Sprog to the club and unplug the base station from the bus and fit the Sprog which will handle 2 or 3 locos and I’ve had on problems yet.

Be in touch.

Pick.