How do I program my locomotive through a LocoBuffer-USB and Zephyr Xtra?

[NKato]

I'm trying to do my research in advance of the day I pick up a Zephyr Xtra and a command station-to-computer interface (likely a LocoBuffer, as it's cheaper than the PR3). 

I can't seem to find any information suggesting that a LocoBuffer-USB can program my DCC locomotives, so I was wondering if anyone has a LocoBuffer-USB setup with a Zephyr and can tell me how they program their DCC locos with it.

Thanks in advance.

 

(Do note that I am new to DCC, and am not quite knowledgeable about it all. Only until I get fully hands-on with programming and messing with DCC will I be able to know better. Which is not something I can do at the model railroad club.)

[JoeinPA]

Kato:

The LocoBuffer USB serves as an interface between your computer running DecoderPro and your Zephyr. I use this setup with a laptop running Windows Xp and DecoderPro and a Zephyr connected to a programming track. It can also be used to do "programming on the main". You enter the programming commands in the computer and they are tranferred to the command station (Zephyr) which then executes the programming. It's really a nice operation. You can store the programmed data on the computer in DecoderPro.

Joe

[NKato]

JoeinPA

Kato:

The LocoBuffer USB serves as an interface between your computer running DecoderPro and your Zephyr. I use this setup with a laptop running Windows Xp and DecoderPro and a Zephyr connected to a programming track. It can also be used to do "programming on the main".

Joe

 

 

I see.  Would "Programming on the main" also allow you to concurrently test the locomotive's performance characteristics (such as smoke generator, etc), after programming the decoder, without any hassle?

Also, is LocoBuffer-USB compatible with Windows 10? Additionally, would I be able to use Engine Driver (Android App) through JMRI interfaced with the Zephyr Xtra?

I plan to use my Surface Pro 1 (first-gen model) with Windows 10 on it to program my locomotives and test them via wi-fi. This will be basically my mobile control system for module layouts. :)

[JoeinPA]

You can test the CV changes you have made by using the throttle that is included in the DecoderPro software or use a throttle connected to your Zephyr via Loconet. I have not checked but I believe that there is a LocBuffer driver available for download for Windows 10. It may come with the software included with the Locobuffer. Engine Driver works with DecoderPro. You have to have a router connected to your computer and the EngineDriver software on your phone.

Joe

[NKato]

JoeinPA

You can test the CV changes you have made by using the throttle that is included in the DecoderPro software or use a throttle connected to your Zephyr via Loconet. I have not checked but I believe that there is a LocBuffer driver available for download for Windows 10. It may come with the software included with the Locobuffer. Engine Driver works with DecoderPro. You have to have a router connected to your computer and the EngineDriver software on your phone.

Joe

 

Sounds good to me. I actually bought a cheapo compact router from TP-LINK for this purpose. The router is 2"x2"x1". Tiny little bugger, and packs a punch to boot. :D

[mfm37]

NKato

  I see.  Would "Programming on the main" also allow you to concurrently test the locomotive's performance characteristics (such as smoke generator, etc), after programming the decoder, without any hassle?

 

Yes

 

NKato

Also, is LocoBuffer-USB compatible with Windows 10? Additionally, would I be able to use Engine Driver (Android App) through JMRI interfaced with the Zephyr Xtra?

 

Yes

[NKato]

mfm37

 

 

NKato

  I see.  Would "Programming on the main" also allow you to concurrently test the locomotive's performance characteristics (such as smoke generator, etc), after programming the decoder, without any hassle?

 

 

 

Yes

 

 

 

NKato

Also, is LocoBuffer-USB compatible with Windows 10? Additionally, would I be able to use Engine Driver (Android App) through JMRI interfaced with the Zephyr Xtra?

 

 

 

 

Yes

 

 

Thank you for the answers. :)

[JoeinPA]

Kato:

As a final thought make sure that when installing the Locobuffer driver on your computer follow their instructions exactly. Letting Windows do it automatically can cause problems. Have fun.

Joe

[rrinker]

 Keep in mind that despite all the appearances of gee whizbang technology, all JMRI through the Locobuffer is doing is emulating a throttle. It puts a nice easy interface on the programming of CVs, but it can't do anything you can;t already do through a throttle. It's a common troubleshooting path with JMRI when people say they can;t do something with it - the suggestion is to always try performing the same sort of operation with a throttle. If it fails, then the fault is not with JMRI. If you cna carry out the action with a throttle, then you may have an issue with JMRI or the interface device.

 Whatever feature of your particular system are the features it will have with JMRI - ie if the system can read CVs like the Zephyr can, then you can read CVs with JMRI. If the system can't read CVs, like the DB150, then you can't gain a read feature just by using JMRI. Since the Zephyr can do both dedicated program track operation as well as programming on the main )ops mode) then you can do both with JMRI.  JMRI is like a super fancy throttle in that it has the nice menus and dropdowns for configuring decoders and other system components, and then it stores those setting in a database for future reference. Using other aspects of JMRI such as automated operation and control of signal and detection systems works in exactly the same way. JMRI 'sees' a block occupancy sense in the same manner as any other device in the DCC system, and then issues accessory control commands to change the signal display, just like you could from a throttle. The difference is the ability of JMRI to apply 'logic' to the inputs and control the appropriate outputs.

                                             --Randy