I just purchased a SPROG II DCC Decoder Programmer for $99. This device connects to your computer/laptop via a standard USB cable. It comes with its own power supply and a software disc. The SPROG II will readily handle programming of any of the newer sound decoders with no power booster. Now the fun part! SPROG II will not only allow programming via DecoderPro on your laptop (CV settings are as easy as click on the behavior you want) but SPROG II will also allow you to operate a small layout independently of any other DCC system (SPROG II is for all intents and purposes a 1 amp Command Station). It is available through a whole group of authorized resellers including the one I bought from; DCCTrain. They constantly have it available on their ebay store: http://shop.ebay.com/dcctrain/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686 as well as their normal website. DecoderPro and PanelPro are two open source Java-based programs that will allow you to program decoders and control them respectively via your computer. When used with SPROG II, both can be used with no other DCC equipment necessary. The SPROG II has track connections that it controls just as any other command station would. When used with the Locobuffer USB both DecoderPro and PanelPro can be used for programming through a supported DCC Command Station. Below are some screen captures from DecoderPro and PanelPro. Questions?
Re: DCC Control / Programming on the cheap Bob Hoover and I were just discussing the Sprog today. I am glad to hear that you purchased one. I just recived a PTB-100 from Soundtraxx today. It is similar but not as verstile as the sprog. One or the other of these devices is a necessity if one wants to program these newer Sound decoders. I have been battling getting a Soundtraxx Tsunami speed matched to two older Atlas decoders and I have finally gotten the job done. I am getting these ready to take to Rick's for an Op session this Friday evening. I noticed you also have a locobuffer USB. I am very satisfied with mine. I can't say enough about the comapny who produces it. I just recived a new one from them. I had one of the very first one's for about 3 years. I went to use it one day and it was dead. I reached them via email and they gave me several tips to try. Nothing worked so I wrote them back and asked about purchasing a new one. They told me that they had a one year warranty but they routinely just replaced them. They sent me a brand new updated version and a post paid return envelope to send the old one back. In my opinion it just doesn't get better than that. I will recommend RR-Cirkits to everyone I know. Using Decoder Pro is the only way to go. It makes most but not all programming a snap. I say this because I am learning that all aspects of DCC is not standardized and that different manufacturers do things in different ways using different CV's. It has been a learning experience for me these past couple of weeks. I am really enjoying it. By the way I got my PTB from Litchfield Station for Aprox. $54 shipped. Bob Wintle
Re: DCC Control / Programming on the cheap The Sprog discussion Bob and I had actually resulted from a post made by a user on one of the EasyDCC Frisco Library (there are actually 2). The poster said he bought his direct fom the manufacturer in England and said it saved him some money even including the shipping. http://www.sprog-dcc.co.uk/shop.html I ran the current conversion rate (01/26/10) and it came to $85 including shipping. Ulrich for one sells them here and they are a $98.50 and with shipping to here in Wichita it comes to approximately $107. http://www.ulrichmodels.biz/servlet/Categories When I'm ready, I think that is the way I'm going to go and just buy it direct and save a few bucks. Then I won't have to unhook my laptop and carry it dowstairs. I think by what Keith is saying is that the Sprog is Decoder Pro specific and not decoder barand specific so it will be more universal. Also, Keith mentions and shows a picture of a device called a Loco Buffer. To my knowledge this product is not supported for use with EasyDCC System but I may be wrong. They use a USB serial port adapter. Mine just happens to be made by Keyspan.
Re: DCC Control / Programming on the cheap SPROG II is an electrical interface (USB/DCC) between computer and decoders which uses DecoderPro as the GUI (Graphical User Interface) to program any manufacturer's decoders. From DCCTrain's ebay it is $107 delivered anywhere. Locobuffer USB is an electrical interface (USB/Loconet) which must be connected to a Loconet (typically Digitrax) Command Station or Booster. Locobuffer USB also uses DecoderPro as the GUI to program any manufacturer's decoders. The main difference is SPROG II is completely self-contained and does not need a DCC system to program decoders. The manufacturer claims that it will program CVs on any sound decoder without need for a booster.
Yup. Hi neighbor! I'm actually outside the 'city limits' of the thriving Metropolis of Silverhill. Been here since 1958.
