Programming decoders from my laptop

[wmcbride]

I have a Digitrax Radio Chief bought new aeons ago, upgraded at least once by Digitrax. My main DCC effort uses ESU decoders programmed through my LokProgrammer. The problem with my Digitrax system is it requires an aftermarket booster to program decoders. Mine stopped working last week. I didn't fry it but who knows.

While I am focused on ESU decoders,  I have lots of units with (or needing) decoders from Digitrax and NCE.

I know that there used to be various hardware interfaces to get JMRI (or whatever) programming software from a laptop to the track.

I'd like to move into the 21st century and program my non-ESU decoders with my laptop.

What do I need? I guess I am asking, more specifically, what do you recommend.

Thanks,

[ristooch]

Bill,

While I have no experience in programming sound decoders (I played with some of the CV's on my Athearn Big Boy but that's about it). I recommend JMRI in combination with the Locobuffer USB from RR-CirKits.

http://www.rr-cirkits.com/

It's relatively easy to set up, as long as you read the instructions carefully and follow them to the letter.

This combination has allowed me to finally speed match my locomotives and keep the roster updated and in order. I also use JMRI to interface with the Engine Driver app on my Android phone for a wireless throttle-not the most realistic user interface, but it gets the job done.

Hope this helps and good luck,

Paul R

[AKNscale]

When I'm not using the LOKProgrammer, I use JMRI on my tablet with a Digitrax PR3. I think the PR3 cost me $65-$70 and I'm able to do almost everything with that setup.

[djconway]

I'll second the PR3, and JMRI., I've been usin this combination for over 5 years.  The nice thing is that the PR3 can be used with or without connecting to a DCC command station.

[nickelplate759]

SPROG II + JMRI will work - I've used that.

http://www.sprog.us.com/sprog.html

[C855B]

Another vote for JMRI + PR3. Note, however, that you will want the latest versions of the PR3 ("PR3XTRA" is the current model, I think), designed to better handle the higher current draws of sound decoders. IIRC I had issues programming Tsunamis with my original PR3.

[mmyers]

I have a Sprog, Locobuffer, and PR3. All three work fine for programming. My favorite is the SPROG because i can also use it to test run the engines after programming. The other two must be connected to a DCC system to test run.

Martin Myers

[wmcbride]

Thank you all for your very helpful comments.

[AKNscale]

Another vote for JMRI + PR3. Note, however, that you will want the latest versions of the PR3 ("PR3XTRA" is the current model, I think), designed to better handle the higher current draws of sound decoders. IIRC I had issues programming Tsunamis with my original PR3.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but I believe that with the PR3 you need a booster in order to work with Tsunamis. It does work for LOKsounds, you just can't do everything on a LOK with it.

[C855B]

Yes, with the original PR3. The PR3XTRA is supposed to fix this, in addition to having other sound decoder enhancements.

[sp org div]

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but I believe that with the PR3 you need a booster in order to work with Tsunamis. It does work for LOKsounds, you just can't do everything on a LOK with it.

Ya, you just need an 18v PS and you're golden.
Jeff

[AKNscale]

I know the LOK is still limited with my PR3XTRA, but the ability to program Tsunamis is definitely an improvement (I've never tried this)