JMRI & DCC decoder identification

[Wazzzy]

I am new to JMRI and have a few questions.

I know how to add a new loco to the roster IF you know what decoder is in the engine. I know you can read CV 8 and refer to the decoder manufacture listings as cross reference to identify the decoder.

What if CV 8 refers to the decoder manufacure but with multiple variations? Is there another CV to help identfy exactly which one is installed?

Thanks,

Wazzzy

 

[rrinker]

 Sometimes CV7 is used to store a version number - but still there can be multiple decoders all using the same firmware version from a given manufacturer.

 For the most part, it doesn't really matter, the variations will all program the same. The only real exception is when the same manufacturer and versioon is used where some of the specific decoders have 2 functions, some have 4, and other have 6. Obviously programming the 5th function effect for a decoder that only has 2 will not do anything. But you won;t know if yoou have the 2, 4, or 6 function version without at least lifting the lid and looking at the actual decoder.

                                            --Randy