Layouts and layout building

Hello,

I purchased the Power Pro-R (wireless) system for my new Richfield layout (N-scale) and now I am looking for some way to hook it up to my computer so I can program loco's from there as well as run my entire layout from my computer if possible.

Does anyone know what I need and where to get it to accomplish this? Once again, my hobby shop does not know too much about NCE systems and was directing me towards Digitrax Empire Builder. I chose NCE over Digitrax because my first system is NCE Power Cab.

thanks

Vicky

Tony's Train Exchange sells an adapter to hook the port on the command station to a USB port on your computer.  I have not tried it myself.

Dave H.

You're going to need a program called JMRI Decoder Pro, which is a free download; the latest version of Sun Java, which is also a free download; and a computer to NCE interface device.  I don't use this setup, so I have no personal experience with it, but the Decoder Pro web site should have volumes of information about what you need.

http://jmri.sourceforge.net/DecoderPro/

Digitrax makes the interface device, called the PR2.

http://www.digitrax.com/menu_computercontrol.php 

I think Digitrax is coming out with a newer interface called the PR3 that will plug into the USB port, but they don't show it on their web site.

  Vicky,

 There should be a port on your command station and you will need Decoder Pro and Panel Pro. The USB interface that everyone is waiting for is mainly for the Powercab. I don't know if there is anything else you need. Check the NCE and JMRI group on yahoo. It is free to join but you will need a yahoo email.

               Gary

Hi,

I have the Power House Pro radio also and I have my computer hooked up with a serial cable 9 pin male to 9 pin female. I got my cable at my local computer store free as they said they are seldom used any more.

I also have the Java and Decoder Pro mentioned earlier, great for programming loco's.

The cable mounts to your computer serial port and the Power House Pro has built in a serial port to connect to your computer. You could also get the cable with the USB to serial cable but if your computer only has a couple USB ports you may need them for other hardware.

Barry

Vicky,

The NCE Powerhouse Pro (PHP) comes with an RS232 or serial built into the front of the command station.  All you need is a serial cable to be able to connect it to a PC.  As others have stated, you should also download DecoderPro, and the required Java version, to aid in programming decoders.  If your PC does not have a serial port, you can purchase a USB to serial converter.  I believe that the latest version of DecoderPro was changed to function better with the converter.  The fact that you have the wireless system does not change how or the ease of connecting a PC to a PHP system.  I had mine connected this morning to check on why a loco was not responding to commands.

jktrains

Hello Dave,

thanks for the message. Do you have any other info like a link to the product? I cant seem to find it on their site.

thanks

Vicky

Hello Cacole,

Will check this out. thanks much

Vicky

Hmm, are we talking about an RS232 or Serial. I know from experience that those two are very separate cables. I develop Digital Signage systems using SHARP LCD Monitors and when I try to control the TV's using RS232 but with a serial cable it wont work. I need to use an 'RS232' cable which I believe is a null modem? Either way, I am not an expert on the hardware part of it (I do software design and development) but my hardware team gave me the correct cable after I spent a week with the wrong one trying to give it commands.

I guess in this case I will find out pretty **** quick if it does not detect it.

Vicky

Vicky, 

Read your PM.

Tom 

Hello Tom,

Noted. Thank you much for pointing it out. I see how I could have framed that sentence.

Regards

Vicky

Not a problem, Vickie.  Thanks again for your understanding.

Tom