Decoder Pro and Interface...are they worth it?

[Anonymous]

I am going to start a new post on this.  I am intrigued by the suggestions about using Decoder Pro and an interface to speed match locos.

I see by a quick read of the manuals online that Decoder Pro is a quite powerful or complex bit of electronics.  I have no experience with it.

Is it worth it to get the interface and install Decoder Pro to help speed match locos....if that is all I want it for?  Or would it be using a hammer to kill a bug?  That is, putting too much on my plate to learn for just this purpose?

I have no experience speed matching locos, but will soon be at the point of trying to make eight to ten consists of almost two dozen locos (I have collected too many duplicates and AB or ABA sets one might say....six H16-44s....four Stewart/Kato F series etc. etc.).

I have no reservations about using the computer and making the connections.  That was part of my occupation as a high school teacher.  However, the learning curve looks daunting for the software....or is it just my grey matter disappearing?

So, to the root of the matter:  How long would it take me to learn to use Decoder Pro to speed match locos?

Thanks.

[Vail and Southwestern RR]

I don't have it YET, because my system won't interface to it. 

However, when that changes, I will get it immediately.  Joe Fugate's video on DCC demonstrates speed matching, and it really looks like a snap!  And it would be much harder, and time consuing to do otherwise.  Decoder Pro also gives you the ability to save your configurations, or even copy them, so you can duplicate setups, and reprogram lost settings.  To me it looks worth it.

[Bapou]

Get it! I am saving for the PowerCab interface already. I would have bought it already but track comes first . I wish I had the cash to buy it now.

[simon1966]

Once you have Decoder pro and the interface set up and correctly working with your DCC system the use of the application is trivial.  The graphical user interface for the speed curves is very intuitive.

IMO one of the very best features is the ability to save your settings for a particular loco/decoder combination.  Imagine that you have put several hours into getting your locos speed matched perfectly and you have fine tuned the lighting effects and maybe all the sound effects to your satisfaction.  Then one day your decoder gets scrambled and needs to be reset to factory defaults.  With Decoder Pro you would then just re-download the settings file for that loco and it is back to how you want it.  This alone is a great feature and well worth the cost of the software! (Free)

 

[Anonymous]

No more questions from me. 

A wise man once said, "It requires a very unusual mind to undertake the analysis of the obvious."   

The interface is now ordered!  

[jfugate]

You will find speed matching two locos using DecoderPro to be super easy! And to top it off, the program is free!

DecoderPro lets you open an window for each loco, so I like to arrange them side by side -- and then use ops mode programming (Programming on the Main, or POM) to program the speed settings.

I put the two locos on a stretch of track with a long siding, and put one loco on the main and the other on the siding. Then I match the speeds at 1/4 throttle and 3/4 throttle, both forward and reverse. Often when I check 1/2 throttle and full throttle, they are "close enough". 

With the two locos speed settings in side-by-side windows on my PC screen, speed matching doesn't get any easier!

In my opinion, if you are comfortable with using a PC for non-railroading tasks, you should consider a computer interface and DecoderPro an essential part of your DCC system. Any DCC system that does not have computer interface capability is not a serious DCC system, IMO.

DecoderPro brings so much power and ease to decoder programming, it's like night and day. Programming a new loco decoder with the same settings I used in another loco takes less than 60 seconds with DecoderPro. Try that with your DCC system that has no computer interface!

And did I say DecoderPro is free? 

[MisterBeasley]

According the the JMRI Decoder Pro web site, the program will also work with the Digitrax PR2.  The PR2 is a stand-alone programming interface.  It will NOT connect to your DCC system, but rather to a separate programming track.

I know that the PR2 is a relatively new device, and its primary job may be downloading sound files into Digitrax programmable decoders, but does anyone have any first-hand experience with using this, now that it's been on the market?

[UpNorth]

... And did I say DecoderPro is free? 

...  don't forget to  DONATE to the JMRI cause. It is a great tool that someone is fighting a long drawn out battle to keep availlable " FREE " to all who appreciate and use it, if only for DecoderPro.

[BRVRR]

Decoder Pro is worth it! As you have already made your decision, you must agree.

I added Decoder Pro and a LocoBuffer-USB to my Zephyr about 16-months ago. One of the best moves I have ever made in model railroading. Beyond the fact that you can store your settings for future use, the programming interface is relatively easy to learn.

After hooking things up and installing the program, I was off and running in just a couple of hours. If I can do it, anyone can!

Good luck and enjoy!

 

[NSCOALDRAG]

If the interface you are talking about is the cable from your computer to the dcc system I suggest you check E-bay. I bought mine there and it was 1.99 for the cable and 5.99 for shipping, at radio phone the cost was over 40 dollars. I use NCE if anyone is wondering.

[jamnest]

I have a Digitrax Chief, and interface with Decoder Pro via an MS-100.  Decoder Pro has made my DT-400 obslete for programming.

[Blind Bruce]

As a side note, Does the computer and interface HAVE to be near the layout? I only have a desktop and it  is 20 feet from the nearest track.

I have read David Bedards thread about this and am still in the dark

[jbinkley60]

As a side note, Does the computer and interface HAVE to be near the layout? I only have a desktop and it  is 20 feet from the nearest track.

I have read David Bedards thread about this and am still in the dark

That depends upon your DCC system.  With Digitrax and Loconet, I have mine about 50' away (length of cable).  I used Cat5 cable and crimped my own wnds.  I'll let one of the NCE owners comment on how NCE does it.

 

[Randall_Roberts]

Are they worth it?  Decoder Pro is free (unless you donate to help the JMRI defense fund) and the interfaces are usually cheap.

And for that price you can create a database of your locos with all of their CV settings on your computer, program your throttle response curves from your PC and, I believe you can script operations though I haven't investigated this aspect.

Are they worth it?  In a word, yes.

Best! 

[jfugate]

As a side note, Does the computer and interface HAVE to be near the layout? I only have a desktop and it  is 20 feet from the nearest track.

I have read David Bedards thread about this and am still in the dark

The NCE system uses a standard serial data cable, which can go up to 50 feet. If your computer has a USB port, you can run USB with an powered extender up to 150 feet, then put the USB to serial adapter on the other end and go another 50 feet with the serial cable -- giving you a total of 200 feet.

Or you can put a laptop near your command system connected with a serial cable, and then remote desktop in to the laptop from the other side of the planet through a secure VPN connection over the internet, if you really want to get ridiculous.

The point is, once you move to programming your decoders on a PC, it's literally possible to program decoders on your layout from anywhere you want in or outside your layout room -- we have the technology!

[betamax]

It is worth it.

Last night I tweaked the sound settings on a Tsunami equipped locomotive in operations mode. Just ran it around the loop an changed settings to get the sound the way I liked it.

You sit in front of the computer, adjust settings, and then write them. You can adjust the throttle to see the effect on the whistle, or the chuff when you change speed.

Sure beats having to look in the manual to find the CV, and then spend the time and effort to change them manually.

[RDG1519]

I use an MRC Prodigy Advance control system, I heard a while back that MRC was going to introduce an interface with this control system to enable the use of the Decoder Pro software. Is this a false rumor or does anyone have any  factual information on it?

I use the LokSound and now, the QSI Revolution (sound decoder on order) interface and CV manager software, this is great stuff, Decoder Pro would round out the package.

Chris

[jwils1]

I use an MRC Prodigy Advance control system, I heard a while back that MRC was going to introduce an interface with this control system to enable the use of the Decoder Pro software. Is this a false rumor or does anyone have any  factual information on it?

I use the LokSound and now, the QSI Revolution (sound decoder on order) interface and CV manager software, this is great stuff, Decoder Pro would round out the package.

Chris

I talked to MRC last week and they said that their computer interface is under development and testing but gave no indication as to when it will be available.  They will definitely have one but we don't know when.

I'm using MRC wireless and really miss Decoder Pro.  I've used it in the past with other systems and it's hard to be without it.  I still use it but have to manually transfer results by programming them into the CVs one at a time.  The main problem is speed matching.  It is extremely tedious and time consuming with certain decoders.  I'm having a terrible time matching an Atlas supplied decoder (no V5 or V6) with a Digitrax.  With Decoder Pro it would be much easier.

The thing I'm wondering about is what type of interface MRC will end up with.  Their website says it's wireless but they have never indicated if it will be compatible with Decoder Pro or whether they are developing their own program.  I guess we'll just have to wait and see but I sure hope it comes soon.

[jfugate]

If you go to MRC's web site you will find two flavors of computer interfaces listed: wireless ($180) and full kit ($270).

Both of these seem to be on the pricey side unless they're also including some killer software with it. I sure hope they don't write DecoderPro out of the picture ... in today's market, going proprietary is a sure way to cut your market share way down. It's like cutting off your nose to spite your face.

If they're not going proprietary in some fashion, then their prices seem out of line with what the other vendors are charging. And if they are going proprietary, they'll have to convince us that forking over another $100 - $200 for a computer interface from them buys you something extra you don't get from any other vendor.

I hope I'm just being paranoid, but MRC's approach to the DCC market with some of their products bothers me.

First, we have their decoders, which they totally lowballed on and almost everyone I talk to reports MRC decoders fail very early, are quirky and just don't hold up. I've also heard that MRC's response to people who contact them is "hey, it's just a cheap decoder". Anytime a vendor feels it's okay to make and sell junk, that bothers me.

Now we have the way things are shaping up with their computer interface. I hope I'm wrong, but it feels an awful lot like bait and switch -- get you to buy their system by pricing it very competively -- but once you're hooked, make you pay extra for accessories. 

Like I said, I hope I'm just being paranoid and this all turns out to have a happy ending. 

[fwright]

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong - but it appears that a SPROG-2 unit (about $110) connected via a DPDT switch (PA on the other switch position) would be a reasonable work-around to use Decoder Pro with the Prodigy Advance DCC systems for a lot less money.  Use the SPROG and Decoder Pro to set up/program your locomotives, and use the PA to operate the layout.

just a thought - I've yet to try it personally.

Fred W

[jwils1]

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong - but it appears that a SPROG-2 unit (about $110) connected via a DPDT switch (PA on the other switch position) would be a reasonable work-around to use Decoder Pro with the Prodigy Advance DCC systems for a lot less money.  Use the SPROG and Decoder Pro to set up/program your locomotives, and use the PA to operate the layout.

just a thought - I've yet to try it personally.

Fred W

How does SPOG-2 work?  Can you program on the main with more than one loco moving for speed matching?

[CSX Robert]

Acutally, it is up to the kind folks at JMRI to allow compatability with the new MRC interface. The MSRP of the MRC connection is just crazy. It costs more than the PA itself!

David B

Actually, I think it is more dependant on MRC making the communication protocol available to JMRI. Someone who works for MRC has actually asked what users want in the PC interface software on the Yahoo MRC group. The overwhelming response was to make it compatible with JMRI software, so who knows, maybe they will listen to their users and do it(I wouldn't bet on it, but maybe).

If you go to MRC's web site you will find two flavors of computer interfaces listed: wireless ($180) and full kit ($270).

Both of these seem to be on the pricey side unless they're also including some killer software with it...

My understanding is the $180 interface is for just the PC side of it if you already have the wireless conversion or the wireless base station, and the $270 kit includes the wireless transceiver for the base station. What I don't understand is why wouldn't they do a lower cost wired version, especially since one of MRC's saling points is low cost. Personally, I don't see any need for the PC interface to be wireless in most circumstances since you would want to the PC in the same room as the layout(I can see how it could be handy for remote dispatching), and you're not likely going to be walking around the room carrying your PC like you would a wireless throttle.

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong - but it appears that a SPROG-2 unit (about $110) connected via a DPDT switch (PA on the other switch position) would be a reasonable work-around to use Decoder Pro with the Prodigy Advance DCC systems for a lot less money. Use the SPROG and Decoder Pro to set up/program your locomotives, and use the PA to operate the layout.

just a thought - I've yet to try it personally.

Fred W

If all you want to do with the PC is program your decoders, then yes, that might be an acceptable solution, but you would not be able to use the PC for railroad functions, such as dispatching or even an extra throttle. Also, $110 is still kind of pricey considering a Locobuffer is less than $70, an MS100(if you kind find one) is less than $40, and I hooked up my Zephyr with a $5 home-built circuit.

[jwils1]

The MSRP of the MRC connection is just crazy.  It costs more than the PA itself!

David B

Actually the Prodigy Advance Squared MSRP is $359.98 whereas the complete computer interface MSRP is $269.98.  Of course street prices are always much lower than the MSRP.

The wireless interface units have been listed on the MRC website for quite awhile.  With all of the communication by MRC users to MRC (at MRC's request), maybe the final product will be much different.  But of course we are all just speculating on this subject and only time will tell. 

[bawbyk]

Using a SPROG USB device you do not need a command station attached to the programming track.

My computer and my layout are on different floors of the house.  I set the decoder CV's at the computer with DecoderPRo and the SPROG. DecoderPro has a 'throttle' which allows me to test the loco on a small programming track attached to the SPROG.

Google SPROG to find the US seller.

Bob

[Apennsyrrfan]

If all you want to do with the PC is program your decoders, then yes, that might be an acceptable solution, but you would not be able to use the PC for railroad functions, such as dispatching or even an extra throttle. Also, $110 is still kind of pricey considering a Locobuffer is less than $70, an MS100(if you kind find one) is less than $40, and I hooked up my Zephyr with a $5 home-built circuit.

Would you be willing to share the design of your $5 circuit to hook up the Zephyr?

 Thanks,

Paul

[bearlover2001]

I ususally just read forums and never join in and offer my experience, but this thread interested me greatly. I have an NCE Power Pro wireless that I bought several years ago. Shortly after buying the NCS I ran across the JMRI website. I downloaded the program and have had a great experience ever since. If you can navigate any Windows OS you can use Decoder Pro without any problems. IMO if more modelers, dealers and manufacturers would support this product, DCC would be more acceptable to the hobby. Even model railroad publications seem to want to make DCC more complicated than it really is. When you start discussing CV this and CV that you are going to scare people off. I gave myself a migraine headache trying to learn hexa decimal unnecessarily. Decoder Pro has the best explanation of setting low speed and high speed locomative settings I have come across.

I use Soundtraxx decoders and have had only one problem with them and that was a self inflicted problem with a soldering iron. They repaired it for a very reasonable price and I was on the rails in no time.

Hope this helps with your decision.

[CSX Robert]

If all you want to do with the PC is program your decoders, then yes, that might be an acceptable solution, but you would not be able to use the PC for railroad functions, such as dispatching or even an extra throttle. Also, $110 is still kind of pricey considering a Locobuffer is less than $70, an MS100(if you kind find one) is less than $40, and I hooked up my Zephyr with a $5 home-built circuit.

Would you be willing to share the design of your $5 circuit to hook up the Zephyr?

 Thanks,

Paul

I found it at the bottom of this page:http://www.teamdigital1.com/support_tools.html 

[steam618lover1]

Gentalmen

    I have a question for you, I have a walthers proto-2000 steam loco, i use the bli/atlas engineer to run the DC sounds, it also has dcc, but i think i would have to change the sound decoder to dcc, right?, but my question is can you use the decoder pro and interface with DC, i'm now trying to decide what DCC system that i want to use, i've couple of broadway engines with dc sound, on order, i'll just keep reading the threads on dcc systems, which ones are good and ones that are not so good.

                                            thanks for your help steam618lover1  Earl

[pcman43]

If you have any experience with computers you shouldn't have any trouble getting Decoder Pro to work it is really easy to use. The great thing about it is you can save all your decoder info and redo them if something happens to their programming. It sure beats trying to speed match two locos then having a decoder go out and trying to remember what you had it set at. And after you get all your decoders programmed you can print out the settings for future reference work. Decoder Pro also allows you to clear the internal working slots on your DCC system so you do not run out of working space, especially on digitrax systems. You can even get lazy and run your trains from the desktop of your computer which is kinda cool.

[UpNorth]

Gentalmen

    I have a question for you, I have a walthers proto-2000 steam loco, i use the bli/atlas engineer to run the DC sounds, it also has dcc, but i think i would have to change the sound decoder to dcc, right?, but my question is can you use the decoder pro and interface with DC, i'm now trying to decide what DCC system that i want to use, i've couple of broadway engines with dc sound, on order, i'll just keep reading the threads on dcc systems, which ones are good and ones that are not so good.

                                            thanks for your help steam618lover1  Earl

I'm affraid you are a little confused.  You are not running DC sounds via the Quantum/Atlas Engineer,  you are running DCC sounds. You will not be required to replace any decoder because they are all ready DCC.  DCC can run on DC, you simply don't mave much control of the decoder (unless you get the Quantum Engineer as you did)

No you can not use DecoderPro and interface with any DC controler but you  can use DecoderPro with the Digitrax MS-100 or PR-2 as  they are stand alone programmers that can be used by DecoderPro. 

Once you have made your mind up on which DCC system you purchase, then look into the interface required and buy it.