jobfather Is there one software and one interface that will work with all decoders??
If you mean for loading different sounds into the decoder, then no, there isn't one device that will cover them all. There is no NMRA or other spec for the sound files, so each company has developed their own format.
However, if you mean for changing CV's, then yes, the PR3 with an appropriate power supply and JMRI will work with virtually all sound decoders.
The key is "an appropriate power supply". The PS12 or PS14 Digitrax recommends for use with the PR3 is plenty powerful for their own sound decoders, but may be marginal for other brands.
I use an 18VDC regulated power brick salvaged from an old inkjet printer with my PR3, and it hasn't yet met a sound decoder that it can't reliably read from and write to.
I've also read reports of similar results from other PR3 users using power supplies in thr 16VDC to 19VDC range. Max per Digitrax is 20VDC, so as long as you stay under that you'll be fine.
Simple CV changing can be done with just about any DCC system. I use my Power Cab to read and write CVs for address, lighting, motor control, volume and even function mapping. No computer is necessary for these changes. I use my ESU Lokprogrammer for sound set changing of Loksound decoders. Soundtraxx sound sets are not changeable by any program. QSI requires their programmer to change sounds to their decoders.
There are a lot on this forum that use JMRI software for programming but they are also just changing CVs.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
If you only want to change CV's, then get a Digitrax PR3 and 18V power supply. Ypu'll need to down load JMRI to use the PR3. I have a PR3 and 18V power supply. The only thing I use my command station for is to program the address of the loco. JMRI makes it easy to use a speed table. Plus you save the cv's into a file so if some thing happens to the decoder and you do a reset, bring up the file for that loco and down load the cv's to the decoder. What could be simpler? Joe.
What type of DCC system do you have?? As mentioned, most DCC systems are designed to allow you to set up a programming track and program decoders. Maybe check the instruction manual index for 'programming'??
If you go the computer / Decoder Pro route, you should have no trouble once it's all set up. I use a PR3 to connect a programming track to my PC, and have adjusted CVs for Digitrax, QSI and Soundtraxx sound decoders with no trouble. You can also load new sounds onto Digitrax decoders using their software.