I've been following the discussion on the use of a computer interface to allow for easier programming of DCC decoders and finally decided to jump in. Thanks to David Bedard's fine intro to Decoder Pro without a connection to the layout, I was able to experiment with the software before buying a computer interface. I have a Zephyr system and I bought a Locobuffer USB to go along with it. After a simple setup I was in business. I had recently bought a P2K GP 38-2 and installed a Digitrax DH165LO in it and with Decoder Pro I had it programmed, tweaked and running in no time! Needless to say I was sold. Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to put your comments and ideas on line for those of us who are starting out. A special thanks to David B. whose excellent tutorial got me started.
Joe
Hey Joe,
Just so you know. The Proto 2000 GP38-2s have a wiring issue with them. Here's a couple of links about it from Tony's Train Exchange web site:
Proto 2000 GP-38-2 Wiring Problem
Proto 2000 GP-38 Wiring
I ended up taking Michael's approach (the 2nd link) to the issue I swapped the lighting wires around on the 8-pin DCC plug so that they were on the correct tabs. (They are erroneously connected to track power tabs.) It's no more than a 5-min job to swap them around.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Thanks for the reply Tom. Luckily, I bought my decoder from Tony's and found the info on the wiring issue before I installed the decoder. I simply disconnected the offending lights and plan to replace them later along with the head and tail lights with leds and the proper resisters where required. Now, I'm just enjoying a really smooth running loco.