I seem to recall seeing a device that allowed you to connect a piece of track to your computer using a USB port, through which you could program your DCC decoders in the locomotive. Having yet to start programming decoders, i have a few questions: a) does this exist, b) does it replace a dedicated programming track on the layout, and c) is it easy to use?
Any info would be appreciated,
Peter.
This is possible, but it depends on which DCC system you are using.
So which system?
Two such systems exists. The original one is the SPROG, and a newer one is the Digitrax PR-3. Both directly connect your computer to a program track, and it doesn't matter what DCC system you are using. The SPROG also has a mini command station built in, enough to test run a loco back and forth on the program track. The ONLY way it works is via JMRI software (which is free anyway). The PR3 can't run locos, only program them, but it has the added advantage of being able to load sounds into Digitrax sound decoders (no others - unfortunately ever brand of sound decoder uses a proprietary method of loading sounds). The PR3 can also function as a general computer interface for a Digitrax system.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinker The PR3 can't run locos, only program them, but it has the added advantage of being able to load sounds into Digitrax sound decoders (no others - unfortunately ever brand of sound decoder uses a proprietary method of loading sounds). The PR3 can also function as a general computer interface for a Digitrax system. --Randy
The PR3 can't run locos, only program them, but it has the added advantage of being able to load sounds into Digitrax sound decoders (no others - unfortunately ever brand of sound decoder uses a proprietary method of loading sounds). The PR3 can also function as a general computer interface for a Digitrax system.
To add a little to what Randy has said about the PR3:
To program decoders, it does not need a command station whatsoever, but it does need a 12v power supply (a wall wart will do) in addition to the USB connection. With this external 12v supply, the PR3 puts out a pretty good "oomph" and will program the CV's on just about any decoder, including those sometimes hard to program sound decoders.
You can use either JMRI or Digitrax's SoundLoader software with it. My personal opinion is that JMRI is easier to use for programming CV's, and Digitrax's SoundLoader is the better choice for, well, for downloading sounds to Digitrax decoders. Both are free downloads.
Also, it does not need a power supply when being used in MS100 mode to connect to a LocoNet. It even has a LocoNet Termination Mode so you can set up a stand-alone LocoNet (no command station). Some folks do this for signalling, etc even if they use a different brand of DCC for loco/accessory control.
Steve
I use a Sprog II away from the layout. AS stated above, the Sprog is a stand alone programmer and command station. It comes with a 1.25 amp wall wart. Have yet to find a decoder that it will not program. The whole works including a section of Nscale Unitrack fits in my laptop bag. I've used it in my hotel room several times to program and test engines.
Martin Myers
Thanks, all, for your responses. It was the digitrax PR-3 that i was thinking of. The information provided was quite helpful. Once again, thanks,