Hello everyone,
I'm looking to get started using JMRI and need to know what to buy.
I saw the video on the SPROG IIv3 as an example on MR Video Plus. Is there a newer version that I should get - and where do I get one? We're in HO scale, do we go with the 12v or the higher voltage one?
I'm hoping to do more with the JMRi, but need to know what is recommended to hook it up to our DCC system, a Digitrax DCS200 8 amp.Is there a Digitrax interface, like a PR3 that we should get? We may want to control our NCE switch-it stationary decoders with it.
Thanks in advance for the help.
Tobes
You can use the Digitrax PS4 to interface between your computer and the cmd station.
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
PR4 would be the one to get. It works both standalone, liek the SPROG, and even has the fast direct mode programming of the SPROG, plus it also acts as an interface to the Loconet bus so it can control decoders and do programmign through the DCS200's program track.
Or since you already have an SPROG for standalone programming, the RR CirKits Locobuffer USB is another option - it is just an interface between the computer and the Loconet bus.
With newer versions of JMRI (for 5 years or so now), you can have more than one device connected at the same time. So you can have the SPROG and a Locobuffer connected up, and when you do somethign in JMRI that is programming related, it will use the SPROG, and when you do something like control a train or operate a stationary decoder, it will access via the Locobuffer.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I do not have the Sprog device yet, if I understand you correctly, I won’t need to get one. So the PR4 is what I’ll get first. Then, do I just download the software from JMRI? Does the PR4 come with a power supply, and are there any additional cables I should buy?
thanks again, Tobes
I have a locobuffer USB and a Sprog. The Locobuffer is used to connect the computer to the layout to run the signalling system and Withrottle. The sprog is used on my work bench to program,test run locomotives, and speed curve them.
The Sprog has programmed everything I have thrown at it. I'm not sure if the DCS 200 has the same issue as the DCS 100 with programming sound locomotives but its worth letting you know. If you choose to only get a LocoBuffer you may need a Soundtraxx PB-100 or DCC Specialties Power Pax to program older soundtraxx, QSI and Loksound locomotives. They draw more current than the DCS 100 can supply when programming so it fails to program correctly. This issues has be rectified with the Zephyr and newer command stations (DCS 210/240).
Also newer decoders, Tsunami 2's, newer loksounds, don't appear to have this issue, at least on my system.
I have not used the PR4 nor the PR3 as it does not fit my needs. The Locobuffer did have one major advantage over the PR3. the Locobuffer was Opto-isolated meaning the USB connection and the Loconet connection are electrically isolated from each other which prevents things like ground loops. It looks like this was implemented in the PR4 and it looks like the PR4 automatically switches modes between programming and computer interface.
I like having the sprog around though because it is a self-contained DCC system, which can sometimes make troubleshooting locomotives easier than running it off the layout system. It also means I don't have to have the whole layout booted up to program a single enginer. The one thing I need to do however is boost the power supply that runs it. It currently runs on a 12v power supply and I need to up it to a 15v supply to match my layout power.
The one thing I do like about the sprog is that I can program a locomotive and then switch on track power to test the changes right away, running the locomotive back and forth on the programming track. I don't know if you can do that with the PR4. Maybe someone that owns one can chime in to whether on not you can test run a locomotive on the PR4's programming track.
The advantage to being able to run the locomotive on the work bench really comes in handy when speedmatching locomotives. I can set them up on set of rollers and adjust the Speed step CV's on the fly in OPS mode programming with the Sprog and do it at the work bench and not have to chase it around the layout to speed match it.
By the way, I use DecoderPro to program and speed curve all my locomotives and Panel Pro, running on a Raspberry Pi, to run the signals on my railroad. I have it setup as well so I can also connect to the raspberry pi remotely so I have my dispatcher's panel on my computer in my work room. The computer is wirelessly linked to Loconet over Wifi.
Colorado Front Range Railroad: http://www.coloradofrontrangerr.com/
PR4 has all the programming capability of the SPROG. It doesn't function as a command station though.
PR3 has handled any decoder I've thrown at it, with no boosters needed.
No sense in buying a PR3 today now that the PR4 is out. It comes with everything you need. Just add JMRI software.
I'll second (or third?) the suggestion to get the PR4.
I've had the original PR3, not the PR3 Xtra, since shortly after it came out and it was great. With an 18VDC power supply it would reliably read/write to anything. Never had a bit of trouble with it, except reading the newer sound decoders with 100's of CV's could be slow, even in direct mode.
But I recently upgraded to a PR4. As Randy noted, it's MUCH faster than the PR3 when reading CV's, and with the included PS14 power supply it will read/write anything. So no need to separately source a power supply.
It's also opto-isolated, which many folks touted as the LocoBuffer's big advantage over the PR3 (Although in 15+ years of following the DCC forums, I've heard of exactly ONE case where a ground loop was definitively diagnosed as the issue.) So no slight to RR-CirKits as they make great products, but the LocoBuffer's one technical advantage has just gone away.
It comes with everything you need - The PS14 power supply and a USB cable. And with the PR4 being two devices in one (a LocoNet pass-thru device AND a stand-alone programmer), it beats the competition.
Oh, and one final thing - If you're using Windws 10, and have it current with updates, it will correctly recognize the PR4 and install the correct drivers. No need to download drivers or mess with a CD, etc. I plugged mine in, Windows took maybe 15-20 seconds to recognize it and install the drivers, and I was up and running.
I agree with the reasons for going with the PR4. Highest number wins. But there are reasons to go with the PR3 or PR3Xtra as well. Similar to buying last year's car: you can get a good deal on a perfectly good piece of equipment.
Might be slow reading hundreds of CVs, but I only use Decoder Pro every once in a while. My main purpose is to have the PR3Xtra communicate between the layout and the laptop via Loconet to detect block occupancy and drive the signals. A task it seems to perform perfectly well.
Robert
LINK to SNSR Blog
Hi everyone,
WOW - lots of great information. This has helped a lot.
I do have the Soundtraxx PB100, and have still had difficulty reading cv's etc. but maybe it because I'm still learning.
I decided to order the PR4. For getting started, I think it will fit my needs.
Regarding this:"Panel Pro, running on a Raspberry Pi, to run the signals on my railroad. I have it setup as well so I can also connect to the raspberry pi remotely so I have my dispatcher's panel on my computer in my work room. The computer is wirelessly linked to Loconet over Wifi. "
This would be a whole 'nother level for me...one step at a time. The future is bright!