Howdy folks, If you haven't heard about Decoder Pro, a free, open source program for configuring DCC decoders, then you may want to look into it. I've used it since it came out and swear by it. I was having a problem with my Tsunami equipped mountain galloping a bit and thought I had a binding rod. After reprogramming the Tsunami with Decoder Pro, it ran so smoothly that I could switch a yard with it. The program lets you program every CV, configuring lights, starting voltage, sound, etc. There are video's available online (free) that take you step by step through its use. Here is a link to a video introduction: http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/mrht_decoderpro Software is available for MAC, Windows, and Linux: http://jmri.sourceforge.net/download/ There are interfaces available for every DCC system: http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/html/hardware/index.shtml Have fun, mike
Mike: Amen to all of what you said. Decoder Pro is the way to go. You are able to program a decoder to about anything you would want to do. It makes it much easier to figure things out with no worry. They also have an excellent Yahoo group to help with problems. Decoder Pro is just a small part of the total JMRI suite. One can even use it to operate with as well as signaling and transponding. It indeed should be given a hard look by all model railroaders that are into DCC or Operating. Bob Wintle
DecoderPro is so good, I forgot how to program by hand. It also saves a roster of your locomotives, with all your CV settings, so you copy from one to another or recreate your settings. Paul Bender, PBender, is one of the developers of this excellent suite of programs. Thanks Paul!
I've made a few fairly major contributions over the last 6 years or so, but I am just one of many who work on this program, so I certainly can't take full credit. I'm glad you enjoy using the program. Thanks! Paul
Can someone tell me the interface cable that is required to connect your computer (I have a MAC Mini) to the layout/programming track? I may be able to handle the software download but the connection to the locomotive is still a mystery to me. Bob, if you or someone could give us electrically challenged the steps to install Decoder Pro, you may make yourself IMMORTAL. Thanks. Program IT on the Frisco! Rick
Howdy Rick, If I am not mistaken, you may need the USB to Serial converter sold by RRKits. One end of it connects to a USB port and the other plugs into the Loconet or whatever DCC system you are using. Rick, what DCC system are you using? Best, mike
First, your Digitrax system must have a Command Station that has the prefix DCS (like DCS-50, DCS-100, or DCS-200). The booster types (DB-150, etc don't read, they just write) Next, you will need Decoder Pro. Download here: http://jmri.sourceforge.net/ Then the best choice for connecting to the Digitrax Loconet is the Locobuffer USB. Go here to get it: http://www.rr-cirkits.com/ Also while there download the latest USB Drivers and unzip to a CD (these will include the Mac drivers. Load the drivers before connecting the Locobuffer. Or you can get the Locobuffer USB here: http://www.traintekllc.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=RRK-BUFFER&Category_Code=RRCIRKITS&Store_Code=TTK&utm_source=google%20product%20search&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=mm_seo Don't forget to download the manual. One last thing needed - A USB cable A to B. (I discovered this came with the Locobuffer USB when I bought one.) The A to B refers to the type of ends on the cable - The A end plugs into the standard USB port on computer and the B end is the square-ish end which looks like a house. The Locobuffer USB connects to a USB port on your computer via the A - B cable and then connects to a Loconet connector on your Digitrax Command Station via a Loconet cable. Then Decoder Pro can poll the Digitrax network and get information from the decoders out there and program them. When you get the hardware and software, let me know, I will be glad to help. Once again, another hobby of mine (computers, like electronics, woodworking....) supporting Model Railroading. I have not yet bought but that's where I am headed very, very soon.
Rick: Go to www.litchfieldstation.com and order your Locobuffer USB. It looks as if you have already been steered to the correct path. If you have any further questions let me know. If you would like for me to come up and help that would be no problem. Bob
Are you saying that I can operate with my laptop as a controller (throttle)? I tried this with Digitrax equipment and Engine Commander Software and had less than satifactory results. Had much trouble communicating with and mapping ports. Decoder programming is something I would really like to tackle and this seems the way to go.
Yes you can use it as a throttle also. I have used my computer to control my test track many times. You do have to have an interface to do this. I use a Locobuffer USB from RR Cirkits. I do not recommend the devices from Digitrax even though my system is Digitrax. The Locobuffer is the way to go. Bob Wintle
