LokSound Programmer V4.... Buiding and editing Schedules? ever do it?

[gary233]

Hi all,

I purchased a LokProgrammer kit and while I’m waiting for it to arrive, I’m watching the ESU Videos.  Just watched the Intro to version 4. WOW

JMRI is surely a lot simpler and intuitive and programming CV’s directly from your DCC system is usually simple too. THIS is a whole new world.

Now I can see why you can’t just Program some CV’s and other functionality is not readable with Decoder Pro.

This system is very detailed and allows the user to control, program and create sounds, conditions and functions but it seems to me you could really mess things up too.

Have you guys used the capabilities of this system to change schedules, create schedules or other features?  Do you find that once you learn it you use it frequently?

[rrinker]

 Haven't done that, usually they already have pre-built what I need. Not really interested in makingmy own sound files, though perhaps someday for some really odd project. I DID though swap out the horn sound for another one they have in their library of sounds, to make the decoder match my prototype. Didn;t have to edit any schedules, that all stayed the same, all I did was swap the sound clips played for the horn with others they already had in their large library of sounds.

                                      --Randy

 

[BigDaddy]

I hadn't encountered the term "schedules" before.  Maybe because I don't have a V 4.0.   You may find this of interest:

http://www.sbs4dcc.com/tutorialstipstricks/esuloksoundnotchingrate.html

There is an ESU group on Yahoo.  They don't respond as fast as this forum but there have a deeper bench of members who are fluent in loksound speak

[peahrens]

I just use the Select decoders.  I bought the LokProgrammer primarily to be able to change or update a decoder sound file; e.g., when the E units file added a 2nd prime mover sound.  I also purchased the decoder tester, often used to test the decoder and add the appropriate sound file to the "generic" Select I usually buy.

I have not invested the time to master Decoder Pro nor the LokProgrammer.  I usually just load the sound file with the LokProgrammer and decoder tester, then install.  Then I check the decoder installed on Program track and if ok, try the Ops (Program on Main) mode.  I can then change the loco address, sound volumes, speed curve (CVs 2, 6, 5) in Ops mode using my NCE PowerPro throttle.  Plus the CV54 BEMF auto adjustment.  I should, but seldom do, turn off the analog mode, as that requires me to look up and determine again how to adjust CV29.  That's easier with Decoder Pro or LokProgrammer.  I imagine it would also be much easier to make sound and lighting changes involving CVs >255 with LokProgrammer, rather than POM where adjusting first the index CV, then the specific CV is required.

A good reason for me to learn better the LokProgrammer features is that I must not program indexed CVs >255 on Program track with my PowerPro (not ProCab) throttle, as this messes up CVs.  Decoder Pro has a built in work-around for that, but I am not fond of Decoder Pro for the Selects as I am satisfied that it is able to identify and show me the correct info for my particular sound file / CV package installed.  I think there are many more sound file packages than Decoder Pro Select setups.  So I should use LokProgrammer for changes I do not want to make on Program track (CVs <256) and/or POM. 

I second the option to also inquire for some LokSound interests on the Yahoo User Groups site.  There have been notices that is will be "moved" to another site, but that has not yet happened.

[gary233]

Thanks for the replies.

At this point I’m not looking to actually figure out how to use all the program features (for that I agree the Yahoo group is probably best).  

I’m just trying to find out how many people on the MR Forum regularly use the LokProgram and if they do what they do with it.

It seems to me the sound selection and control (Volume, pitch, etc) is likely what is most popular.

How about speed-matching? DecoderPro still best with LokSound? 

[KEN MASON]

My question is can you restore the sounds to the Loksound decoder with just JMRI DecoderPro and download through that? Or do you have to have the Loksound programming equipment?

[tstage]

Ken,

While you can restore and alter CV values using Decoder Pro (assuming you wrote them there prior to that), you need the Lokprogrammer for downloading or alter ESU sound files.

Tom

[KEN MASON]

Thanks Tom, That is what I thought the answer would be. Ijust wanted to be sure.