Hi, my Power Pax bit the dust earlier this year. The power supply connection became loose, and I was unable to reattach it. I wanted to see what everyone else prefers for a programming track booster. I use the NCE 5 amp Power Pro, and my sound locomotive decoders are as follows: 11 QSI (8 version 5, 2 version 6, and 1 version 7), 2 Soundtraxx Tsunamis, 1 Pargon 2, 1 Tsunami 2, and 8 ESU LokSound. I realize I that don't need the booster for the Tsunami 2 and the ESU LokSound.
Hi,
Many years ago...
I bought a Soundtraxx PTB 100 and wired it to my programming track on my Digitrax command station. It has been working in the background ever since. I look at it occasionally and see the LEDs blinking. Before I had the PTB I was having some issues especially with older Broadway Limited/QSI decoder programming.
Since that time I have installed a Sprogg II on my workshop test track. Besides programming, the Sprogg will act as a command station, too, so you can call up a Decoder-Pro throttle and run your engine to test the decoder changes you have made.
http://www.sprog.us.com/
Perhaps instead of investing in another programming booster you might want to look into one of the several models of Sprogg programmers. You will need a Windows PC a [computer] to run Decoder Pro so that might be an issue for you.
http://mrdccu.com/curriculum/ptb.htm
This is what works for me, others may have better ideas.
Good Luck, Ed
I'm with Ed on this one. I have a Soundtraxx PTB-100 as a programming track booster as well on my NCE PH-Pro.
The Yahoo Groups NCE-DCC forum agrees that the Soundtraxx PTB-100 is preferable to the PowerPax. Recent commentary indicates that the PowerPax does not work well with the PH-Pro.
Rich
Alton Junction
The PTB-100 fixed the programming problems I was having a couple years ago, but like Ed, I have since installed a Sprog and programming track in my office. I am about to start a new layout and based on my experience with the Sprog it's not likely I'll bother with a programming track in the train room.
I have the right to remain silent. By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.
Or...for a little more than the price of the Sprog you could pick up a NCE Power Cab, discounted. You'd have:
I'm sure the Sprog has some advantages over the Power Cab that are worth noting. However, if all you want is a way to program your sound decoders without a booster AND, since you're already familiar with the PH Pro throttle, the Power Cab has its pluses.
My ...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
gmpullmanBesides programming, the Sprogg will act as a command station, too, so you can call up a Decoder-Pro throttle and run your engine to test the decoder changes you have made.
Ed,
Can't you already do that in Decoder Pro w/o the Sprog?
tstageCan't you already do that in Decoder Pro w/o the Sprog?
Yes, absolutely. Of course you would then need a Digitrax PR-3 or a RR Cirkits Locobuffer to connect the PC to the Loconet.
ShawneeHawk was contemplating the purchase of a new programming booster, which either of the two popular ones will not function as a stand-alone command station.
That's the only reason I mention the Sprogg II as an alternative to the boosters.
I like the convenience of having the Sprogg in the workroom and being able to test run a new DCC install without firing up the whole layout.
In fact, just tonight I wired a rotary switch to the test track so I can select the Sprogg or the ESU Lokprogrammer or a DC power pack with meters. I'm prepared for just about any kind of testing or programming. There's an ESU decoder tester available, too
I save my JMRI roster to Dropbox so that either the Digitrax system at the layout or the Sprogg II in the shop always have the most up-to-date decoder files available.
I'm not that familiar with the Power Cab so I'm glad you added that option, too. We don't even know if the OP is even using JMRI or has a PC available. That may be a deal-breaker.
Regards, Ed
Yes, you can get a PowerCab and make a standalone programming track with test functionality - but besides the PowerCab you also need the NCE USB to connect it to JMRI. The SPROG is ready to go, plugs right into your computer. The SPROG is also the fastest programmer on the market, since it used a true Direct Bit mode if the decoder supports it (most do).
Downside is with the SPROG you have to do ALL programming through JMRI. With a PTB-100 or a PowerCab you still have the option of using the throttle to make a quick change.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Thanks for all of the responses. I really appreciate them. Yes, the OP has a laptop and JMRI. It looks like I need to weigh the pros and cons of PowerCab vs. SPROG. I don't like the fact the PowerCab is non radio equipped. More research. I also need to look into replacing those aging QSI decoders, but one thing at a time.
FYI: NCE can convert a Power Cab to radio. It requires sending it into them for modification though. The cost, I believe, is $60.
Hi, I wanted to give a follow-up to this thread. I ended up chosing the SPROG 2. It arrived quickly and I followed the instructions on how to install it on my Windows 10 laptop. I didn't realize it during the installation, but the drivers installed without me having to do anything. I am very impressed with the SPROG 2. I tested it, and it reads and programs all of my sound decoders. Like others, I like the fact I can use it to program from anywhere, and do not have to fire up the layout. I highly recommend this product. Thanks to everyone who gave me input on this topic.
ShawneeHawk I highly recommend this product. Thanks to everyone who gave me input on this topic.
gmpullman You will need a Windows PC to run Decoder Pro so that might be an issue for you. http://mrdccu.com/curriculum/ptb.htm This is what works for me, others may have better ideas. Good Luck, Ed
You will need a Windows PC to run Decoder Pro so that might be an issue for you.
Small correction about decoder pro. It is part of jmri, which runs on java. Decoder pro can be run on Windows, Linux, a Mac and even a raspberry Pi (Which I use, via JMRI, to control layout signals)
I also use a sprog at my work bench however I have discovered one issue. It's output voltage is about a volt or so (12.5 v. 13.8) lower than my main layout. This effects speed matching locomotives that were previously done prior to programming them on the bench. The locos that were speed matched on the layout (both bench and layout had locos on rollers) run very differently. This means I need to either redo sipped curves on 30 engines or figure out a way to up voltage on sprog to match layout. I would like to do all future speed matching at bench (on rollers as I have been doing) but I pool engines so they all need to run together. Hope I can figure it out.
Secondly, I have a power pax unit on my DCS 100 as a backup to the sprog. I hardly ever use it anymore since I got the sprog.
Colorado Front Range Railroad: http://www.coloradofrontrangerr.com/
They shouldn't be that much different as they are all seeing the same consistent voltage difference. Just the forward and reverse trim adjustments should probbaly suffice. But how far different are they, really? There is a voltage trim pot inside the DCS100 to fine tune the voltage apart from the scale switch on the outside.
This obsession it seems people have with speed matching - it's NOT necessary. close is good enough. Two locos who, put on the track a few feet apart, gradually close or open the distance, if coupled together and ESPECIALLY with a train coupled on, will run fine together. The DC people laugh at us - they've been putting multiple powered locos on the same train for, well, forever, with absolutely no way to "speed match" them and it worked fine. DCC does not change that, other than giving the option to perfectly match locos (as long as you use 28 speed steps to control). The only real criteria is that one loco doesn't take off on step 1 while the other still isn't turning a wheel, and if one loco laps the entire layout while the other only gets halfway around - that needs some adjustment. My main power for my train at club shows is a pair of P2K Geeps with an Atlas Trainmaster in the middle. The Geeps have TCS T-1 motor decoders, the TM has a QSI sound decoder. I never did any sort of speed matching, they even just run on the same address. All I did was adjust the lighting CVs so the lights don't turn on on the TM at all, and only the appropriate end of each Geep turns on depending on direction. This combo runs as much as an hour continuously and there are no issues with one dragging the others, or abvious bucking, and they don;t get warm like you might expect if one motor was doing most of the work, or one motor was fighting the other two. They only time there's any wheel spin is if I deliberately crank the throttle from stop to full - there's a small amount of momentum in the QSI no matter what and the others will try to pull it. But PROPER operation, accelerating at realistic speeds and they all move nicely.
I don't ever and probably never will use 28 step speed tables, even for wildly out of sync locos, just doing a 3 step adjustment with CV2, 5, and 6 is pleny sufficient. And I won;t use a decoder that doesn;t support those CVs - considering the only recent ones that don't are Tsunamis, that's no big loss. Never did understand why Soundtraxx left those off, considering even 14-15 years ago the CHEAPEST decoder you could buy, the NCE D13SRJ (12 packs for $119, even that long ago!), supported those CVs.
Renegade1cSmall correction about decoder pro. It is part of jmri, which runs on java.
You are certainly correct, Renegade. Force of habit to write "Windows" I guess. The Microsoft marketing people would be happy with my brainwashing
I use Android devices for my Engine driver app.
Thanks for pointing that out.
Ed