I always have to do things a little differently and the same goes for my choice of DCC systems. Today I ordered a Sprog III DCC system which is both a programmer and a controller. $135.00 including shipping. Everything is included such as power unit and software and all you need is a laptop or home computer to make it all work. I will report on it as soon as I receive it and get it up and running. The functions are point and click right on the computer screen. Should be interesting. I can't hardly wait to get my engine # 151 up and running. Has anyone here ever used Sprog?
The Sprog is THE way to easily program decoders and test the settings without switching tracks. The Sprog has enough power on programming to handle every one of the sound decoders I have encountered. It also acts as a Command Station to power and control any track that is connected to it. You can use a laptop or desktop, connected to it through a USB cable, to program or run trains through the free download JMRI Decoder Pro or Panel Pro software. If your computer is connected to a wireless router and you have either a Droid phone or iPhone, you can download the Engine Driver or WiThrottle app (respectively) to use your smart phone as a wireless throttle for the track that is connected to the Sprog. In essence the Sprog II will operate a small layout with 2 - 3 locomotives, and the Sprog III will operate a small layout with 3 - 5 locos. I use the Sprog and Decoder Pro exclusively for programming and testing decoders.
Interesting. This is all new to me. Do they have, which I'm sure they do, a web-site? How long have they been around? I'm new to the DCC realm as well. The SAF&N, SA&AP will be my first DCC ever. Subscribed.
sprog.us.com However I still haven't found a handheld throttle that would be compatible. No wireless router at my house or I would use my iPhone as a wireless throttle. That would be so cool!
The SROG family has been around for at least 10 years. They are manufactured in England. I own one of the earlier serial SPROG-II devices. Jim, Since the SPROG requires a computer connection to operate, there is no throttle bus for you to connect to, so you have to use a software based throttle ( which includes the smart phone throttles ). Paul
I looked into it a little bit. For a large layout like Keith's I can see it being beneficial. I can't see it for a small layout where I'd want to be up close and personal. I guess the programming aspect of DCC is a positive. Much easier to program your locomotives through Sprog then to do it another way. I'm still researching. If my understanding to this point is in error, would someone please correct me? Thanks, Manny
The easy way to set up a wireless throttle for the Sprog if you don't have a router (if you have an Droid phone or iPhone) is to use your laptop's wireless to create an Ad Hoc network for the iPhone or Droid to connect to, then use the Train Driver or WiThrottle app. Search the net: connect iPhone to pc wireless.
What happens if you have a laptop, or desktop, but don't have an iPhone or Droid? I was originially going to use an NCE system, but I'm curious if the two can mingle?
Manny, I know where you're coming from. I also am edgy about using my laptop for onscreen throttle control but I'll set it right beside the layout and make the best of it. Hopefully I can assign keys to perform functions like make the up and down keys control the speed and other keys could be bell, whistle etc. That wouldn't be as awkward as pointing and clicking. I want to watch trains not computer screens. Hopefully I can eventually use my iPhone as a wireless throttle. If I just can't stand the laptop layout controls of Sprog I'll get a cheap Prodigy Express for locomotive operations on the layout with handheld throttle control comfort and use Sprog to customize my decoder settings. Sprog is very cheap. It's a win win situation. But no more than I really operate my little branchline I'm sure the Sprog setup will be just fine for now.
There are ways to use other devices, such as a Wii remote control or a USB Joypad, as a throttle interface. This is another alternative, but it just puts you a little further away from the computer. Paul
I finally got my SprogIII DCC system today. Wow. I must say that this little device lets you tweak your decoders in more ways than I ever imagined. I had a bit of trouble installing all the software onto my laptop but that is only because I'm not very computer savvy. But old # 151 really came to life tonight for the first time. A rich toned whistle and crisp bell and all the other sweet sounds of a little steamer were clear and slow speeds and smooth response of the motor are amazing. You even hear the dynamo when the lights are turned on. I'm not real tickled by the onscreen throttle and I will probably get an MRC Prodigy Express for operations and use the Sprog for playing with the decoder adjustments. In hindsight I would have bought the Prodigy Express first and then the Sprog but I must say that it is very cool indeed. I guess I have officially entered the DCC world.
Jim, Were did you buy your Sprog at? I'm looking at getting the sprog II for decoder programming, but the website looked like they were based out of the country. Is there a domestic supplier? I guess I could go check ebay. Ethan
Here's the web site, http://www.bbmgroup.com/sprog/. Very good site with lots of info and how to order. It shipped from Oregon.
Jim, do I remember that you have a Mac laptop? Here's how to set up the WiFi connection between your Mac and your iPhone: Step 1. click on wireless icon on taskbar, Select “Create Network.” Give the Network a name. If you want to make it secure, tickmark Require Password and then specify the password. Click “OK” and it will create the network. That’s it for the computer side. Now, Let’s move to the iPhone Side. Step 2. On iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi Networks, you should be able to see the network name listed. Tap on the name and iPhone will try to connect. You are done. Now, open DecoderPro Click Tools, Throttles, Start WiThrottle. Open the WiThrottle App on your iPhone. I believe it will connect and you will be ready to run.
Here is the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVk7Iua4TzE&feature=g-u-u Jim, you did a very nice job on the engine. I think the steam sound is in sync perfectly and the head light has a good glow to it. Ethan
