Can you explaine just what these are? in laymam terms please
From what I read; Its a ''free'' down load to my computer, that will allow me to change CV s, from my computer, correct?
is it as simple as it sounds?
Is it worth it,even if free?
thanks
Yes it is free. If you are getting started, you want to look for the production release found here: http://jmri.sourceforge.net/download/index.shtml#prod-rel
Yes it is worth it.
It will allow you to easily change CVs, as well as making the pages of decoder settings organized and understandable (you don't need to know its CV 34, it will describe the feature as 'Momentum', or 'Horn Model', or a set of sliders for custom speed curves.).
It *does* depend on you having a supported bit of hardware to connect the computer to your DCC system. For example, you can use a SPROG as a standalone environment, or a Locobuffer-USB, PR3, or other device to interface with the loconet bus of a Digitrax system.
I hope this helps.
-mike
I've been using it for years. Wouldn't be without it.
JMRI is the main assembly of programs (Java Model Railroad Interface) Decoder Pro is just one part of the extensive suite of programs developed for model railroad use. There are control panel and signaling functions there, too.
The program is open-source, meaning a work of many contributors. Although free, I have made a few donations to them to help with their on-going work.
The only cost is some form of interface from your computer to your DCC network.
Most computers already have a version of Java on them. If not, it is also a free download and is required to run Decoder Pro or any of the other JMRI programs. You should have Java installed before you install JMRI.
For many years I've used a RR Cirkits Locobuffer USB:
http://www.rr-cirkits.com/description/index.html
Recently I picked up a Digitrax PR3 for the interface. Other DCC systems require their own network interface. You would have to look that up for your use.
You don't actually HAVE to have Decoder Pro connected to your layout as you can use some of the functions of the program to make changes to what functions you want then read the results of the CV values and enter that information through your usual method (i.e. throttle)
I'm not what I would consider a "power-user" but I have about 300 DCC locomotives in my Decoder Pro roster.
One nice advantage is that if you "scramble the brain" in any of your decoders you can place the loco on your programming track and with a few mouse clicks have everything (all your original CVs) reloaded into the decoder.
There are several other programs in the JMRI suite but I am not too familiar with the others. The JMRI site is really cluttered with lots of information and it can be difficult to sort out. You can really ignore all that other stuff, download the latest "working" version of JMRI (4.10) and go from there.
Setup was simple but follow directions closely to see which port your USB device is assigned to.
If you only have a handful of DCC locomotives it may not be all that worthwhile but for me I think it is a very useful tool.
There is a basic throttle included in the Decoder Pro software, too. In addition it will act as an interface with an android device or iPhone using a throttle "app" and that will give you other options for throttles as well.
Good Luck, Ed
gmpullmanThe only cost is some form of interface from your computer to your DCC network. You don't actually HAVE to have Decoder Pro connected to your layout as you can use some of the functions to make changes to CV then read the results of the CV values and enter that information through your usual method (i.e. throttle)
Appreaceate the reply; but I don't understand, interface?
and if I'm not hooked up to layout, how do I know what I did , like speed
UNCLEBUTCHAppreaceate the reply; but I don't understand, interface?
In my case I simply run the Loconet cable from my layout, the RJ-11 plug, and plug it into the PR-3. Then a plain 'ol USB cable plugs into whatever computer you're using with the Java/JMRI installed.
There is specific steps to follow depending on your DCC system. The PR-3 (or 4) or Locobuffer will be assigned to a comm port. You just have to know which one when you first set up JMRI preferences.
It takes longer to write than actually do... really quite simple.
Again, in MY case it is Digitrax DCC and Windows 10 PC. Yours might be different:
http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/html/hardware/loconet/PR4.shtml
The link above will give you some idea of how the layout connects to JMRI.
UNCLEBUTCHand if I'm not hooked up to layout, how do I know what I did , like speed
Some folks use Decoder Pro to simply calculate the CV values needed to program a decoder. No connection to a layout, just copy the value shown for a particular CV and enter it to the decoder using your throttle or command station.
Regards, Ed
The "interface" is a device that connects your programming track (which may or may not be part of your layout) to the computer that is running JMRI. It is available on line or at most train oriented hobby shops. Around $50 depending on where you buy it. You will also need a USB cable to run from the interface to the computer. The interface allows your computer to read the information that is in the decoder and keep a record of it on the computer. It also makes changing the operating properties of your decoder very easy and forthright.
Old Fat Robert
Old Fat RobertThe "interface" is a device that connects your programming track (which may or may not be part of your layout) to the computer that is running JMRI.
Not just the programming track as you can also program on the main with JMRI as well as run any DCC locomotive using the Decoder Pro Throttle.
http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/html/tools/throttle/BasicThrottleWindow.shtml
Decoder Pro will also monitor every command your DCC network sees and display it on your computer screen so it is a good diagnostic tool for your DCC throttles or network wiring.
Cheers! Ed
JMRI stands for "Java Model Railroad Interface". It's a suite of tools that you can use with your model railroad.
DecoderPro is one of those JMRI tools. It provides "plain language" panels (screens) where you can select options for your DCC decoders.
For example, if you want let's say whistle #2, instead of figuring out what value(s) to write to which CV(s), you check the box for whistle #2 and DecoderPro figures out all the rest.
It will send the proper commands to update those CV's to your Command Station or programming device if you have that set up, which is especially cool for indexed CV's. Or you can go to another panel that lists all the CV's and see which ones it has flagged as having been changed, and write those to your decoder manually. It also stores those values in a file so you can pull them up and re-use them if you ever need to.
There are also tools for creating dispatcher control panels, operations paperwork, signaling, room lighting, etc. etc.
And it's not just for DCC. There's at least one large layout I know of using a combination of Lionel's TMCC and C/MRI that are driven by JMRI.
Is it as simple as it sounds? That depends on the user and how deep into JMRI they want to dig. It's a very powerful suite of tools that can do a lot. Just using DecoderPro to change CV's is pretty simple. The more involved stuff is, well, more involved. But you don't have to use any of it that you don't want to.
Is it worth it? Again, that depends on the user. I think it is, enough so that I've been using it for 15+ years and wouldn't be without it.
Give it a try. It won't cost you anything but a little time to download, install, and try it out. If you don't like it, uninstall it and you're done.
More info on JMRI here.
Really great JMRI user's group here (Most of the JMRI developers frequent this list, as do a lot of really experienced users, so you're sure to get authoritative answers).
I've just installed all of this and went and bought the PR4. I put this on a new laptop I got from the kids, for Christmas.
I'll be trying it out real soon, like tormorrow! puting a decoder in an Athearn P40.
I have all of this, plus a section of flex-track, in my 2nd floor office, and the layout is in the basement.
I use a Digitrax Super Empire Builder, from 2004, with a DB150 and a DT400. So, dealing with, viewing, and programing CV's is a challenge, using the throttle.
With JMRI, I will be able to program the loco, with the light configuration that I want, in my office, and take the loco down to the layout, and run it.
I hope! Doing this for the first time!
Mike.
My You Tube