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MTH DCC issues

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  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: US
  • 27 posts
MTH DCC issues
Posted by krakow on Saturday, January 15, 2022 9:11 PM

I purchased the Pi sprog full package for my new layout. After using MTH DCS for so long I decided it was finally time to use DCC.  

I’ve had nothing but problems trying to add my engines. I used http://sprog.us.com/Working_with_MTH_locos.pdf 
guide to add my engines. After going through the long complicated menus many times I finally was able to get through the items on the instructions. When I thought it was added tho none of the buttons on the throttle worked. Or I got errors other times when trying to write to the engine. 

Pics;
https://imgur.com/a/Z860yyV

Tags: DCC , JMRI , MTH
  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,228 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Saturday, January 15, 2022 9:42 PM

I use the Sprogg II and JMRI on my test bench. I "sometimes" use JMRI with wi-fi and an android tablet and a Digitrax command station on my layout.

I can't exactly address what problems you might be having as long as all your MTH engines run on the DCC protocal. I have one MTH engine and it runs fine and I can access the main functions I use.

You might want to take your dilemma to the JMRI.groups.io site and ask for further advice there. There's also a groups.io for Sprogg users. You'll find more valuable input there.

There's a bit of a learning curve with JMRI and having every setup parameter and driver installed and working is paramount. The MTH "must be programmed on the main" thing had me confounded for a while, too. I wound up bypassing JMRI altogether and used a Digitrax throttle and spare command station for that.

Good Luck, Ed 

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: US
  • 27 posts
Posted by krakow on Sunday, January 16, 2022 11:36 AM

im already considering ditching this system for the ESU cab control. What was the process for adding an MTH engine to your digitrax system? 

  • Member since
    August 2020
  • 83 posts
Posted by MrMe on Sunday, January 16, 2022 2:16 PM

The problem isn't with your Pi-SPROG, it's that DCS is absolutely not DCC, and it isn't as compatible with DCC as MTH liked to claim.

Many folks end up tearing out the DCS stuff and installing a "real" DCC decoder. You might be better off taking that route, rather than spending money on more DCC systems that DCS still won't work with.

  • Member since
    April 2012
  • From: Huron, SD
  • 1,016 posts
Posted by Bayfield Transfer Railway on Sunday, January 16, 2022 11:01 PM

Decoder Pro with a Sprog is abosluely the way to go for programming.

 

Disclaimer:  This post may contain humor, sarcasm, and/or flatulence.

Michael Mornard

Bringing the North Woods to South Dakota!

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: US
  • 27 posts
Posted by krakow on Monday, January 17, 2022 5:21 PM

That's about 10 times more expensive than getting a different DCC system. And there Is a lot more prep work to do for DCC programming with MTH than on other systems because of the defaults in JMRI. 

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • 2,560 posts
Posted by John-NYBW on Monday, January 17, 2022 6:16 PM

I began my DCC layout about 20 years ago. I only have one MTH loco, a streamlined Empire State Express Hudson. I don't use JMRI so I can't speak to that. My MTH loco works pretty much like my DCC locos. The one thing I can't figure out is why every time I start up, the sound is muted. I have to press F3 until the sound comes on. 

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