Hi. Does anyone out there use JMRI Decoder Pro? I'm thinking of adding this, but would like to hear from some of you who use it. I'm assuming here this will make speed matching for consists easier, yes? Any information is helpful. Thanks. JRP
It makes programming easier. Plus once you "master" the loco, you can save the data, so if the decoder ever dumps its programming, you can just reprogram it without figuring it all out again.
A big YES on making speed matching easier and programming as previously stated. I started programming decoders with DecoderPro and would not do it any other way given the choice. I'm sure others will chime in on the various speed matching techniques if you want specifics. Jerry
Not only does it make speed matching easier, it makes all decoder programming easier. Rather than dealing with entering CVs through a throttle, you can enter all the programming needed via panels which have plain English labels for what you are adjusting. And, not just for loco decoders, but others as well (logic switches, signals, lights, etc). And, you get throttle control, panel control, WiFi throttle capability, roster maintenance, and a whole lot more with JMRI.
I have been interested in doing this for a while and might just do it over the holidays. I am thinking JMRI would interface with just a programming track and that my DigiTrax Super Chief would NOT be part of the configuration but I need to research the hardware side of this.
Paul - you still need a command station. Think of JMRI as simply another throttle plugged into your command. The Digitrax PR3 can act in stand alone mode, but if you go LocoBuffer route, you do need the command station.
Rick, I ordered the PR3XTRA USB and will be downloading DecoderPro shortly. One of the reasons that I was holding off on this was lack of a PC (I use a company issued notebook) but my sister-in-law hosed her notebook and since I could not recover it, I suggest she sell it to me and buy a new one. So now I have a PC available.
I have been using Digitrax DCS200 with a PR3 and JMRI for a while. It sure makes programming so much easier. Remember if you are using sound decoders, you may want to get a booster for the programming track. Tony's trains has a good one availible that works with just about any system. The programming track just doesnt have the amps without the booster to program sound.
I'm a recent convert too; only thing that had been holding me back was finding someone in the UK who sold the v1.65 EPROM upgrade I needed for my NCE PowerCab to be able to use the USB Interface.
Paul: Recommend that you invest in the LocoBuffer USB offered by RR--CirKits. Loco-Buffer will allow you to interface your computer with the entire system for programming and/or running trains. You can have a throttle (perhaps even multiple throttles-I've not fully experimented here) on your computer. You can also download a mobile phone app to make any smart phone a throttle. I will echo what other users have said in that Decoder Pro greatly simplifies the decoder programming process.
have been using decoder pro since a very long time. imho there's nothing better out there. might be overkill if you just have a few engines. but with my roster of almost 500 engines it's impossible to keep track of all the individual settings of each decoder. also in case of replacing a decoder it is just a few mouseclicks to have it programmed again.
My PR3 will not program my Broadway Limited locos without a PowerPax. I have tried both using my DCS200 and just the program track. I have also found depending on the decoder manufacturer you have to do different settings and hookups for the PR3 to work. I have heard some people are having better results with a SprogII.
Sandro, I hope you keep your Decoder Pro files backed up... 500 engines would be something of a bother to read to capture their settings.
My PR3Xtra came with a PS14 power supply. Since my DB150 can not read the CV's, I have defined the PR3 as the command station for DecoderPro3 and the DB150 as the command station for PanelPro. This means that my programming track is powered by the PR3. I added my small fleet of engines and I have also defined my layout and being able to control the turnouts from my computer is pretty slick. It took a bit of reading and questions on the Yahoo JMRI Group to figure it all out but I am quite happy. Now to start studying scripting and block detection ...
QSI take alot more power to program. The program track on the digitrax could only set the address (on the main didnt work also), and the PR3/ computer combo couldnt even read the CVs past 18. I will have to check out the SPOG, with all the sound on the layout I have to get a dependable way to program QSI and TSunami sound decoders. Digitrax sound decoderes are alright as well as TCS, on the main. Broadway limited non sound locomotive read alright. (just tried it)
