Marty,
Decoder Pro 3 is just 'engine/roster' specific for the most part. For programming engines, it takes you to the 'Roster' at start up. Decoder Pro has other options, one of which is the 'Operations' feature. I normally use Decoder Pro 3 myself for programming, and I have an option in the Decoder Pro menu to go to 'Operations' as I experiment with it for out club use.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
The differences are mostly cosmetic, DP3 is just a different way to present the same data from the roster that DecoderPro shows.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
As promised, here is my update. I received the USB interface and Power Cab upgrade chip from NCE. I installed the chip, downloaded the USB interface driver and hooked it all up according to the instructions and what do you know, it worked. I am just starting to build my roster and learning the JMRI program but so far it looks good.
I do have a question about the difference between Decoder Pro and Decoder Pro 3. I am using DP3 and have not experimented with the other. I'm sure I will have additional questions as I go along but for now all is good.
Again, thanks to all for your help. Hopefully I will be able to return the favor to someone in the future.
Marty C
Thanks to all for the inputs. I followed the advise and spoke with NCE. They told me that the version 7 USB adaptor will work with the power cab without adding the V1.65 upgrade chip. Regardless I took the plunge and ordered the USB adaptor and the upgrade chip. I just downloaded the JMRI decoder pro and the next step is to get the right cable to connect the computer to the adaptor. I will let you know how this all works out after I receive the parts from NCE, make the installation and try to get up and operating.
Thanks again for everyone's help.
The chip you'll have to purchase from NCE. Just e-mail or call Larry Larsen directly. He'll be able to help you with either item.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Tom,
Thanks for that input. I have looked on the NCE website and cannot find the upgrade chip or the version 7 USB adaptor. Am I not looking in the right place? I saw the info about these items on the Mark Gurries site but cannot find where to get the actual parts. Do you know of a website to purchase the adaptor and upgrade chip?
Marty
The chip install is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is loosen and remove the back off your Power Cab, remove the old EPROM, install the new EPROM, then install the back and tighten the screws.
I find that a 1/8" to 3/16" flat screwdriver works well from removing the EPROM. Just pry up one end slightly...then the other end...and back and forth until the EPROM dislodges from the socket.
CAUTION: Be sure you ground yourself BEFORE removing the EPROM from the anti-static bag.
Sorry I can't be of assistance about the USB module. I have it but haven't really used it yet.
Andy,
I looked at the website you sent and it seems to be the answer. If I read it right, the V7 upgraded USB can be used directly with the power cab at my work station program track. That is if I can get the power cab software upgrade V1.65 chip and figure out how to install it.
I probably wasn't clear enough about the set up. I upgraded from the Power Cab by adding the SB3. I have the SB3 on the layout and used the PCP from the power cab on a separate program track at my work station. So with that set up I still think I can use ops mode to program an engine on the layout and as I said earlier move it to the separate program track at the work station if I want to check the cv settings that were changed,
thanks for the help
I should have noted that you can keep the PCP and hook it up to a programming track. When you want programming with readback, move the Power Cab from the SB3A to the PCP and you're in business. This assumes a completely separate programming track that cannot be shorted to the main (sitll connected to the SB3A).
Andy
NCE has a new version 7 update for the USB interface that removes a lot of the previous limitations.
Here is a page that discusses the new USB version:
https://sites.google.com/site/markgurries/home/nce-info/nce-usb-limitations/nce-v7-usb-adapter
IIRC, if you 'upgrade' your Power Cab to a SB3 - Then you do not use the PCP panel & the thick 'fixed' cable. The Power Cab throttle then becomes a Pro Cab type throttle. Have you sent an email to NCE asking about your configuration? I know that the Power Cab system setup can use the NCE 'Auto-SW' to switch between the main line and the program track.
BTW, NCE has discontinued the SB3a(replacement for the SB3) with the SB5.....
Thanks Jim. I am thinking that if I can program in ops mode, I can still then put the engine on the program track and use the Power Cab to read back the appropriate cv's if I want to keep a record of the settings. I am looking forward to additional input from the forum.
Thanks again,
There are limitations for the USB connection for NCE SB3 systems -They do not have a programming track, so programming to the program track cannot be done. Programming 'on the main'(ops mode) can be done. You can still program engines. Maybe Tom Stage will add to this post has he has lots of NCE experience with the Power Cab/SB3 set-up's.
I have been considering downloading the JMRI for programming engines. My system is NCE Power Cab with the sb3 booster.Reading the documentation it appears there are limitations to use with my system but I am not clear on how much. I think it will only program in ops mode with no feedback. I really only want to make pogramming locos easier (lights/sounds/throttle/consist/etc.) not turnouts or signals. And I really don't want to spend a lot of money to upgrade to the NCE Powerhouse. Can anyone tell me what I can and can't do with JMRI on an NCE/SB3 HO system?
Thanks,