Electronics and DCC

OK guys please pardon  what are probably dumb questions, But?

On my power cab, I need an adapter (what name?), a USB cable,  and computer with program installed right?  Any thing else?

Is there more than one, Decoder Pro type program that you can use?

Do I still have to put the two locos on the track and keep trying CV values until they perform alike or does the computer help in someway? I guess I don't understand the real value of the computer assist.

Any help is appreciated. 

Lee

It's a piece of cake actually. You just need a serial cable fro your computer to the command station. In my case since I use a little netbook at my layout I have a USB->Serial adapter as well.

Basically just plug it in, fire up decoder pro (jmri.sf.net) and read the documentation (although to be honest it's pretty easy to figure out just looking at it).

I was programming decoders in about 15 minutes and it took me that long only because I didn't realize the cable had come loose from the command station and I couldn't figure out why DecoderPro couldn't see anything!

That's true of the PH Pro system, but with a PowerCab you need the USB interface http://www.ncedcc.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=73&category_id=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

There are some options in DecoderPro for speed matching but you need some sort of measured test area, with with block detectors or beam-breakers at each end, with that it will report the speed through the traps so you can easily compare multiple locos.

               --Randy

yankee flyer:

OK guys please pardon  what are probably dumb questions, But?

There are no dumb questions.

yankee flyer:

On my power cab, I need an adapter (what name?), a USB cable,  and computer with program installed right?  Any thing else?

 See Randy's post for a link to the NCE USB adapter.  You'll also have to supply your own Type A to Type B USB cable. 

  Also, keep in mind that the NCE USB adapter will be considered the 2nd throttle that the Power cab can accept.       

yankee flyer:

Is there more than one, Decoder Pro type program that you can use?

 Probably, but personally I've been so satisfied with Decoder Pro that I haven't bothered to look into any. 

yankee flyer:

Do I still have to put the two locos on the track and keep trying CV values until they perform alike or does the computer help in someway? I guess I don't understand the real value of the computer assist.

  Well, yeah, sorta.  But that's where Decoder Pro comes in.  It calculates all the necessary CV values and writes them to the decoder faster than you can.  And if you save the roster entry at the "right" times you also have a backup in case an adjustment doesn't work out right and you have to fall back.

Here's a link to a method that uses Decoder Pro and doesn't require any timed section, detectors, etc.  You basically have the loco being adjusted chase your benchmark loco, and you adjust the "chaser" as necessary.  A circle of snap-track works very well for this:

http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/html/tools/speedometer/SpeedMatch.shtml   

yankee flyer:

Any help is appreciated. 

Lee

HTH,
Steve

Ok
Steve, Randy and All thanks.

I have something to work with. Every time I ask a question, I learn something. I checked Litchfield Station and I believe the NCE adapter can be had for a good price. The USB is no problem, but if I'm going to use the old computer in the basement I'm going to need a monitor for it. Man, I'm sure glad this hobby is so cheap to be in! 

Have fun.

Lee

Lee, if you can't find an old, but perfectly working CRT style monitor dirt cheap at a yard or rummage sale in your area, you are not looking very hard. Millions of the suckers have been displaced by flat screen LCD's and are destined for the scrap heap.  No reason for a monitor to cut into your hobby budget.

Check your local thrift stores too, I've found them there for $5-$15! You might even find a whole computer system there for the layout for $25-$30. It'll probably ancient, but you won't need much for the layout.

You mention an old PC but be sure to check decodrpro, http://jmri.sourceforge.net/install/Windows.html for hardware requirements. Heres the page for directions specific to NCE's interface, http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/html/hardware/nce/NCE.shtml#powercab . Also, it mentions jumper #1 but in the yahoo forum I was directed to leave all jumpers off and the system works great.

I built an oval specifically for programing as many have, but if you use a distance/speed calculator http://www.mcr5.org/NMRA/articals/speed.htm  and mark off your oval you can simply time the locos to match speed at various settings.

spidge:

I built an oval specifically for programing as many have, but if you use a distance/speed calculator http://www.mcr5.org/NMRA/articals/speed.htm  and mark off your oval you can simply time the locos to match speed at various settings.

That speed calculater is great. thanks

Lee