Pi-SPROG Experience

[Super_G]

Does anyone have any experience with using a Pi-Sprog DCC system using the Raspberry Pi 3B? If so, how does it stack up to other DCC systems?

[C855B]

No direct experience. But here are JMRI release notes about a few "fine points":

There are issues with the Pi-SPROG One command station operation. A number of workarounds should be applied:

    Do not turn on the track power until the power supply to the Pi-SPROG ONE is turned on
    Do not enable extra debugging through default.lcf, nor open the system console window
    Do not open the SPROG console window
    Disable power conversion (CV 29) in all locos
    If connecting via VNC (or similar), setup the screen layout before turning on the track power

Pi-SPROG One with version 2.4 or earlier firmware will cause a timeout after a track short circuit. A dialog box will open to inform the user of this. The track power will be turned off and must be turned on again using the power control.

As a Raspberry Pi user in general, sounds to me like the DCC equivalent of patting your head and rubbing your stomach. That is, more trouble than it's worth.

Others will offer differing opinions, of course. And YMMV.

[kwledbetter]

I use that exact setup on my test loop downstairs and have complaints whatsoever.  The jmri warnings i always follow and have had no issues.

There are concerns from others but I've experienced  no issues

[Super_G]

Thanks for the responses. I was looking into using it for a small layout, like an N-Trak double or triple module. Something I could play around with for the time being until I can build a larger layout. Would y'all recommend a DCC system to use? I will be tying to use ESU decoders as much as possible.

[peteski]

Thanks for the responses. I was looking into using it for a small layout, like an N-Trak double or triple module. Something I could play around with for the time being until I can build a larger layout. Would y'all recommend a DCC system to use? I will be tying to use ESU decoders as much as possible.

I highly recommend NCE Power Cab.  Perfect for this task. The entire system is housed in the handheld throttle (which can also double as a standard NCE Pro Cab throttle on a full-blown NCE setup.

I have Power Cab, and use it as my workbench DCC system for testing locos. I also take it with me to NTRAK shows for troubleshooting other member's DCC issues, and for programming their locos.  And if you shop around, the price can't be beat.

However the new version of the Digitrax Zephyr system (with a color display and soft-assigned keys) has piqued my interest.  I had a chance to play with it briefly at a model RR show, and I was pleasantly surprised. And I'm a Digitrax hater in general.

[CodyO]

If your using ESU then I would recommend the ESU Cab control.

You'll get the added benefit of Railcom so it will automatically pull up the engines.

[peteski]

If your using ESU then I would recommend the ESU Cab control.

You'll get the added benefit of Railcom so it will automatically pull up the engines.

Of course, if money is no object then ESU DCC system would be a nice way to control any layout.  I recommend the ones I did because the objective was to "Something I could play around with for the time being until I can build a larger layout. Would y'all recommend a DCC system to use?"  Both systems I recommended are affordable starter systems. ESU? not so much.  Very nice, but quite pricey.

[Super_G]

Of course, if money is no object then ESU DCC system would be a nice way to control any layout.  I recommend the ones I did because the objective was to "Something I could play around with for the time being until I can build a larger layout. Would y'all recommend a DCC system to use?"  Both systems I recommended are affordable starter systems. ESU? not so much.  Very nice, but quite pricey.

I agree that the ESU would be nice, but not for what I'm trying to do. Maybe someday... Anyway, how does the NCE Power Cab do with sound decoders, like Loksound decoders and such? I've also though about jumping into the black hole of sound decoders and didn't know if there would be a difference between systems, as long as it supports enough functions. I'm kind of a noob when it comes to DCC, if that hasn't been apparent...

[peteski]

I agree that the ESU would be nice, but not for what I'm trying to do. Maybe someday... Anyway, how does the NCE Power Cab do with sound decoders, like Loksound decoders and such? I've also though about jumping into the black hole of sound decoders and didn't know if there would be a difference between systems, as long as it supports enough functions. I'm kind of a noob when it comes to DCC, if that hasn't been apparent...

NCE Power Cab works well with sound decoders.  Has no problems programmign them (on programming track, and on Main). Well, except there are some issues with reading CVs from BLI decoders (I don't remember the specifics - couldn't read some CV values).  Power Cab is also able to control F0-F28, but anything higher than F11, will require multiple key presses (but that is true for most other DCC systems). 

With the current Power Cab can supply, you should be able to run 3 or maybe 4 N scale sound-equipped locos.