WOW factor! JMRI DCC decoder programming!

[gmpullman]

Hi, Folks...
I'm pretty much a newbie to DCC after converting my layout about 4 months ago. I'll never go back to DC... but that's another thread!
I recently became intrigued by computer programming of the decoders and found the link to JMRI (Java Model Railroad Interface) and also bought the Locobuffer II with the USB adapter! The JMRI is a free download.
I was a little intimidated at first but after a little tweaking of the com port settings I was ready to program my first decoder. The Locobuffer plugs into the Digitrax Loco-net cable which in turn talks to the programming track, or you can program on the main... In short, I AM BLOWN AWAY at the possibilities of this program!!! I've only had time to program two locomotives but everything worked flawlessly! The program detected and identified my decoder. I just choose the options I want to program and it will write to the decoder any changes I want to make! Lighting effects, speed tables, NDOT, kick start... its all in there!
I can't wait to try a QSI (Broadway) decoder to see what I can do with the sound CVs!
Truly, the hobby has entered the "space age" with this amazing program!
No more squinting to see the CV settings on my DT400! I'm a happy camper in DCC land! Anyone else out there have any experience with the JMRI?[8D]
Ed

[Anonymous]

I'm using it and love it, too.

Have you seen the Yahoo group on JMRI?

Here's the link-

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jmriusers/

Doug

[simon1966]

It is a great program, but don't rush out for your BLI as the QSI decoders require some special support for controlling the sound functions and Decoderpro does not yet offer this support. I beleive that there is a new release due soon. The important thing to remember is that this is an uncompensated volunteer development, which is proving to be a very valuable resource for DCC. My hats off to the development team.

[gmpullman]

Thanks, Doug
I've checked it out and I'll be back there often!

[jfugate]

I agree -- DecoderPro is *wonderful* and the price is right!

My upcoming video on all things DCC features a complete how-to chapter on DecoderPro ... installing it, connecting to your command station, and using it to program decoders.

I'm covering many little tips and tricks -- for example, did you know you can open multiple windows for different locos when programming on the main? Makes speed matching locos in consists about as easy as it gets!

[rrinker]

They're still working on the BLI/QSI stuff, the index CV's complicate things a bit. But it's getting there. The throttle feature is great - open a few throttle windows on my laptop and I can have a bunch of trains running and have some control over them, not just start one up and turn it loose.
If you want to get a dispatcher up and running, but haven't had the time to build that CTC panel yet, the PanelPro portion of JMRI does a great job. For a modern road that uses PCs as the dispatcher console anyway, it's REALLY good.

--Randy

[bpickering]

Timely topic!

I'm glad to see this thread, since I was just working on setting up an old laptop for JMRI this past weekend. Only reason I didn't get it working, likely, was that I didn't have a Serial DB9 -> DB25 adapter to connect the Loconet to the laptop. After kicking myself soundly for my "efficiency" at cleaning out several of these from my junk drawer just a couple months ago, I just hit the computer junkstore to pick one up (Ironically, probably one of the ones I sold...).

Too bad about the BLI/QSI, since right now half of my DCC-equipped locos are QSI-equipped (I assume the problem relates to my Lionell Veranda as well...), but I'll look forward to the updates.

After that, it's a tossup- do I work on scenery (sadly living in the Pink Foam Plains right next to Mount Foamy...) or get to installing more decoders? [:)]

Brian Pickering

[rrinker]

I'm in the same boat. Have a great Pink Prairie right now. But 4 unbuilt Branchline kits, an old E &B Valley kit to build, and an MCD caboose kit to build. Plus a yard to install, and about a dozen decoder installs to do.
Not to mention planning the next phase of construction, running additional electrical outlets, and running more outlets for shop lights.

--Randy

[rexhea]

One of the great benefits of using JMRI is having a roster of all your locomotives and a record of their CV settings. When you want to tweak a setting, just look up the loco and the CV and adjust. You have the whole setup in front of you at one time.

A BIG THANKS to all that participate in this software development. [bow]

REX [^]

[rrinker]

Yes, that is a great features. I have a couple of related projects in the works - one is creatign some nice rports from that data, and the other is to be able to import and export that data as an extension to the car and loco roster dtabase I use - ie, let DecoderPro do what it's best at, reading and writing DCC configurations, and let the othe program do what it's best at, storing detailed information about each loco and car.
Someday I might even fini***hese projects - along witht he dozen or so other ones I have on tap.

--Randy