If you have read about programming decoders on this forum, you have read about the Sprog II which is a programmer and DCC system that will program any decoder and operate any locomotive(s) up to 1.5 amps. It uses the JMRI (free download) DecoderPro for programming and/or running a locomotive. The people who created the Sprog II have just introduced the Sprog 3 which increases the power to 2.5 amps, which is enough to run multiple locomotives easily. They claim up to 10. It is a very inexpensive way to get a DCC system to run a layout. The also introduced the SBoost, which is a 2.5 amp booster that can be used in parallel with either Sprog to control a larger layout, creating multiple power districts. For more info: http://www.bbmgroup.com/sprog/sprog.html If you have any questions, I will also be glad to answer.
Also note that if you have the computer to use with this system, you can use the WiThrottle app (see www.withrottle.com) and make your iPhone (or newer iPod) a throttle through a wifi connection that JMRI will provide. So if you already have a computer and the iphone/ipod, your additional cost is pretty low, AND you have a walk-around wireless throttle. The SPROG is also great as a programmer for those Digitrax sound decoders.
Interesting, didn't realize it would actually run the railroad. 2.5 amps will run 5 silent HO scale locos, max. My NCE system is a 2 amp system and it runs 4, but not 5. I don't know how much a sound decoder pulls, but a silent HO decoder pulls about 0.5 amps normally. Ethan
Just as the WiThrottle app exists for the iPhone and iPod, there is a throttle app for Android phones called EngineDriver. This link will explain a lot:http://enginedriver.rrclubs.org/ The link for WiThrottle is:http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/package/jmri/jmrit/withrottle/UserInterface.shtml In order to take advantage of either, your computer must be connected to a wireless router, and your computer must be connected to your DCC system through some type of interface. Information regarding the whole concept can be found on the JMRI site:http://jmri.org/ Ethan, most of the newer HO locomotives, even with a Tsunami sound decoder installed will draw about 200 - 300 milliamps max at stall. Most peoples' estimates of their power needs are grossly exagerated.
Whatever happened to the simple DC pack and a couple of wires? I for one have never jumped onto the DCC train, never had the need to since I don't use sound decoders or run an apartment-sized layout. I guess I'm just a child of the '50's but my philosophy is K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid). Just my two cents. George
George, I understand exactly where you are coming from, however, some people may want to run more than 1 locomotive in more than 1 direction at the same time, and/or they may want to take full advantage of the offerings of the sound decoders. The Sprog system is much less expensive way to accomplish those ends, especially for those who have small layouts, be they shelf-type or table-type. I would love for you to hear the stunning sound of 1522 pulling a line of freight cars in HO, the sound of an ABBA set of Alcos grinding up Dixon Hill, the clatter of U boats switching an industry or your favorite locomotive just idling. I think you would better understand the appeal.
Yep ours is NCE, the sound and DCC really adds a whole different level. If you like just straight DC that is ok, but once you get DCC you will not go back. Bill Jackson
I will add this. I'm not equipped with DCC yet but my new Rounhouse 4-4-0 (which I've almost butchered) came with sound and a remote controll for the bell, whistle, lights etc. It is really cool to let it sit and idle and hear the soft chuff and occasional sound of steam releasing while it waits patiently at the Zalma depot. I've want to add that feature to my future locos and DCC will make controlling and adjusting the sound and speed steps very easy. The Roundhouse remote control sucks. I think I will go with the MRC Prodigy Express. Doesn't this Sprog system require WiFi for iPhone control? I can't get WiFi.
Oops. I just checked out their website and learned that I can use my laptop to control the loco. The system sounds intersting for sure. Nice website but I'm still leaning toward the Prodigy Express.
Jim, the MRC Prodigy Express is not capable of programming sound decoders without a programming booster. The Sprogs will program any sound decoder using the nice graphical user interface of DecoderPro. If you have a wireless router for your laptop, it will work with your iPhone for WiThrottle, or an Android phone for Engine Driver.
I do not have a wireless router. Does that mean I use my laptop for the throttle? Point and click onscreen controls or keyboard? I would really prefer a conventional knob type throttle if possible. I should give Sprog more consideration.
Yes. JMRI comes with a throttle control that you use from the laptop. You can have multiple throttle windows open on the screen at any given time (if you need).
I have heard several of the new locos in their full glory, and they are impressive. However, like everything else the hobby of model railroading has much diversity to offer each individual hobbyist. If sound DCC is your thing then go for it and enjoy it to the fullest. As for me I choose to run my trains "old school" because I don't have the NEED for sound, nor do I have the DESIRE to convert my trains or layout to DCC. I have ran multiple trains in both DCC and DC on other people's layouts just to see what the big difference was all about. I found each have their advantages and drawbacks. If I were young and just starting out I would consider the DCC only route, but being old and set in my ways, (and having ALL of my locomotive stock in DC only mode) I choose to stick to DC. And with the prices of rolling stock, locomotives, buildings, and track going out of sight I don't know how much longer the hobby will be financially feasible for me anyway, fixed incomes only go so far. George
