IS there a programer when using Decoder Pro that can read and write using any manufactured decoders. I have QSI programmer, a PR3 , and PTB100, Trouble reading Tsunami decoders, can write ok , but reading cv s , is not dependable only when using PTB100 . Why can't there be a programmer when using a PC to make it easier to program and save the information and maybe not so frustrating working with them, therefore create more interest in programming your own locos. Hope companies can get together on this and make one programmer that is capable of programming all decoders , because of great improvements with decoders especially sound, more power is needed to program them. I now have 2 ESU decoders, do I need to purchase there programmer to enjoy full use of it?
Unfortunately manufactures are protecting their programing formats so there is no one size fits all type thing. Programming CVs is not a problem. Changing sound sets is where you need each decoders dedicated device. You don't need to read CVs to change them. It helps in knowing that the CV has changed or did not take. I don't use decoder pro and a computer to program CVs. My NCE Power Cab has the uncanny ability to read and write any CV it comes across.
What I would like to see is a standard for CV values. Some are 0 to 60 and others are 0 to 255 and so on. If there was a standard for each CV and what it changes would be a great help. The NMRA has standardized the basic CVs 1 to 29 and left the rest to each manufacture. As an example CV49 does headlight (white wire) configuration in one decoder and changes prime mover sounds in another manufactures decoder. This way we would not need the CV chart for every decoder we own. Its not a perfect world but DCC is better than pulling trains around with string.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
Using a PR3 in standalone mode can read all decoders if you use an adequate power supply.
Digitraqx originally recommended their PS12 which most people found inadequate. They now recommend their PS14 which for some is still to small.
I originally used a 15 volt supply but had problems with some decoders. Changing to a 19 voly supply I can now read and write any decoder I have tried. Others have had similar results to me with an 18 volt supply. 20 volts is the listed maximum for the PR3.
Peter
I have a PR3 with a PS14 for the power supply and it reads and writes my Tsunami decoder just fine. Even goign in to JMRI and doign a 'read all sheets' which makes it read every CV to load the information, it gets through that just fine. No booster, no jury-rigged power supplies. The PR3 I have mounted on a test track that consists of 3 Atlas Code 83 rerailers soldered together with a short (I cut a 9" straight in half) plain section at each end. On each end there is a Kadee coupler gauge (I cut a gap in one of the rails in front of the coupler gauges, sicne they are the metal type and short the track). This all fits on a pice of Rubbermaid shelving from Home Depot. At one end I have marks listing the NMRA recommended weight based on car length. The PR3 connects tot he track through a short piece of #18 speaker wire soldered to the track. As long as the loco wheels and the track are clean, I've never had a problem reading or writing any decoders with this setup.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.