Thanks Larry, a very helpful video. I will have a go at that. The thinking in Bytes had me tricked until my friendly local model shop explained that “ a 2 digit” address was actually 2 Bytes and that included loco numbers up to 128. Thanks again cheers Peter
Thanks Larry. After trying to figure out the Loksound manual I can now see why everyone recommends using decoder pro! Sorry to see you leaving the pages of MR.
Hello Larry, I have started to look into JMRI and after watching different videos on the internet I am getting very confused. I was just watching a video from you about running JMRI without a interface. Then I watched another one from another person about just using a interface, then there was one from another that said to run the program with a interface and a command station. I am really confused now and I am hoping you can give me some advice and or some videos that you have made about these various connections for JMRI
You can use DecoderPro just to calculate the CV changes you need to make and then write down the new CV values and program the decoder using your handheld throttle. I also did a video on programming without an interface specific to LokSoubd decoders and their LokProgrammer software/hardware. That said some DCC command stations, such as those from Digitrax, now come with a built in USB interface. But on others and older systems you would need a computer interface to use JMRI.
Thank you Larry. I think I understand your answer. Say I get a digitraxx PS4 and connect that to my computer I can program a engine with Decoder Pro on a Programing Track, then take it to the layout to check if the programing worked. So I don't need to put a command station like my Super Chief in line with the interface to do the programming.
It's time for an Index of subjects to your videos! I am barely ready for DCC kindergarten, but there are some subjects you have probably covered that I don't know where to look for in your videos. First, where I am: I am in progress on a 4 x 8 N-scale layout, several operational 4 ft sections of track that I can test my locomotives on. I have successfully installed six sound-free decoders in DCC Ready locos, plus I have 4 with factory-installed DCC (only two of them with sound). All are running on 4-digit loco # addresses, but all other CVs are default numbers. Most of the locos have similar speed characteristics, but one Rivet-Counter factory DCC loco is much faster than all the others. CV29 is probably set to 038/039; setting speed tables is beyond my ken at this point. I wonder if you have a video that covers setting those? How do I go about slowing down the speed demon? It's just that I have to turn the throttle way down to match my other locos (I'm not trying to run more than one at a time). Lastly, I have a Digitrax Zephyr DCS-52; should I switch to NCE?
First, if you go to my channel main page I have them grouped by general subject matter, that is as close to an index as I have. Take a look at videos 47 programming the basic eight and 56 speed matching. They both talk about how to adjust the top and mid range speeds. That works whether you are speed matching multiple locos or just modifying the speed of one. Take it slow as this can get overwhelming if you try to take it in gulps!
This is a great video, especially since I am rebuilding my programing track, and still want to program my engines. One question I have is how to program CV4 and the 200 series CVs. I entered in program to turn off the sound on start up, then looked at what CV to change and it shoes T2CV.4.19. Im assuming this is the CV4 CV200 series. In total, Im not sure how to changer those CVs in my NCE cab. Thank you again for your video and help along the way.
To change CV4 you can do that using ops mode programming and when it asks for the CV select 4, then enter the desired value. CV200 may work that way s well. However, I need to know what decoder you are programming to know the specifics about it.
@@TheDCCGuy I have a TCS 101 Diesel decoder, I was having trouble wrapping my head around the fact that you can program the same CV #s and make it program different functions. But I was able to go to TCS website and find out what CVs needed to be changed to mute on startup. I just changed CV 4, CV 201, 202, 203, and 204 and it all work out. Thanks for your help and keep up the great work with your videos.They are very helpful.
do you just hook the decoder pro to a lap top and no track? then it will tell you what value you need to put in the decoder on the layout? is all i need to do is down load jmri to do this? can i put a loco on a test track to tell what kind of decoder is in my loco? and how do i become a member of yours? i am not very good with computers. that came with age. i do enjoy your video's. but i get lost early. thank you.
I just downloaded Decoder Pro on my laptop and do not yet have the ability to connect it to my loconet. But, in trying to enter the loco IDs, I am finding that those locos I purchased with decoders already installed do not give me the specific decoder type asked for in Decoder Pro. How important is it to be able to specifically identify a decoder and how do I find out this information especially on very old locos?
Don't get ahead of yourself, it is better to wait and let DecoderPro id the decoder type. However if you sort through all possible options you may be able to find the correct one. Now some companies like Digitrax and ESU just have one decoder type per version or some similar option as a means of keeping the count down. However Soundtraxx has an id for almost all versions of their decoders. In most cases it may not matter but down the road you may find out a setting where it does and you can't change the decoder type once the loco has been created, you have to start over--been there done that.
Larry, Thanks for this. It looked like there was a print option in the file dialog. Is it possible to print only the CV list sheet after you have made your changes, rather than manually writing down the changes, then taking that printout over to your throttle to change the CVs?
I am going to try to answer both questions in one post. First DecoderPro is a free computer program that can be used with a variety of DCC command stations and in some cases stand alone programmer hardware soecifically for programming decoders and some other equipment. In this video I showed how to use it without a DCC system connection. By making all the edits and then checking the CV lists in the program you can then transfer these changes using a programming throttle such as a DT500. If you do want to use it to program decoders directly then you need an interface between the computer and your Digitrax command station. The PR4 is a good option for Digitrax.
Let me add this warning. I do not recommend that someone who is not computer savvy and/or does not have a knowledgeable helper take this on. From your questions it does not sound like you would be successful alone and I do not have time to lead you through it. Before buying a bunch of equipment I suggest you check with any local clubs or other modelers in your area and see if you an find some local help first.
Thanks Larry, a very helpful video. I will have a go at that. The thinking in Bytes had me tricked until my friendly local model shop explained that “ a 2 digit” address was actually 2 Bytes and that included loco numbers up to 128. Thanks again cheers Peter
Thanks Larry. After trying to figure out the Loksound manual I can now see why everyone recommends using decoder pro! Sorry to see you leaving the pages of MR.
Exactly!
Hello Larry, I have started to look into JMRI and after watching different videos on the internet I am getting very confused. I was just watching a video from you about running JMRI without a interface. Then I watched another one from another person about just using a interface, then there was one from another that said to run the program with a interface and a command station. I am really confused now and I am hoping you can give me some advice and or some videos that you have made about these various connections for JMRI
You can use DecoderPro just to calculate the CV changes you need to make and then write down the new CV values and program the decoder using your handheld throttle. I also did a video on programming without an interface specific to LokSoubd decoders and their LokProgrammer software/hardware. That said some DCC command stations, such as those from Digitrax, now come with a built in USB interface. But on others and older systems you would need a computer interface to use JMRI.
Thank you Larry. I think I understand your answer. Say I get a digitraxx PS4 and connect that to my computer I can program a engine with Decoder Pro on a Programing Track, then take it to the layout to check if the programing worked. So I don't need to put a command station like my Super Chief in line with the interface to do the programming.
thank you for the advice.
Well done.
DecoderPro is a great tool and I wish everyone would use it. It makes programming so much easier once you get past the interface stage.
It's time for an Index of subjects to your videos! I am barely ready for DCC kindergarten, but there are some subjects you have probably covered that I don't know where to look for in your videos. First, where I am: I am in progress on a 4 x 8 N-scale layout, several operational 4 ft sections of track that I can test my locomotives on. I have successfully installed six sound-free decoders in DCC Ready locos, plus I have 4 with factory-installed DCC (only two of them with sound). All are running on 4-digit loco # addresses, but all other CVs are default numbers. Most of the locos have similar speed characteristics, but one Rivet-Counter factory DCC loco is much faster than all the others. CV29 is probably set to 038/039; setting speed tables is beyond my ken at this point. I wonder if you have a video that covers setting those? How do I go about slowing down the speed demon? It's just that I have to turn the throttle way down to match my other locos (I'm not trying to run more than one at a time).
Lastly, I have a Digitrax Zephyr DCS-52; should I switch to NCE?
First, if you go to my channel main page I have them grouped by general subject matter, that is as close to an index as I have. Take a look at videos 47 programming the basic eight and 56 speed matching. They both talk about how to adjust the top and mid range speeds. That works whether you are speed matching multiple locos or just modifying the speed of one. Take it slow as this can get overwhelming if you try to take it in gulps!
This is a great video, especially since I am rebuilding my programing track, and still want to program my engines. One question I have is how to program CV4 and the 200 series CVs. I entered in program to turn off the sound on start up, then looked at what CV to change and it shoes T2CV.4.19. Im assuming this is the CV4 CV200 series. In total, Im not sure how to changer those CVs in my NCE cab.
Thank you again for your video and help along the way.
To change CV4 you can do that using ops mode programming and when it asks for the CV select 4, then enter the desired value. CV200 may work that way s well. However, I need to know what decoder you are programming to know the specifics about it.
@@TheDCCGuy I have a TCS 101 Diesel decoder, I was having trouble wrapping my head around the fact that you can program the same CV #s and make it program different functions. But I was able to go to TCS website and find out what CVs needed to be changed to mute on startup. I just changed CV 4, CV 201, 202, 203, and 204 and it all work out. Thanks for your help and keep up the great work with your videos.They are very helpful.
do you just hook the decoder pro to a lap top and no track? then it will tell you what value you need to put in the decoder on the layout? is all i need to do is down load jmri to do this? can i put a loco on a test track to tell what kind of decoder is in my loco? and how do i become a member of yours? i am not very good with computers. that came with age. i do enjoy your video's. but i get lost early. thank you.
I just downloaded Decoder Pro on my laptop and do not yet have the ability to connect it to my loconet. But, in trying to enter the loco IDs, I am finding that those locos I purchased with decoders already installed do not give me the specific decoder type asked for in Decoder Pro. How important is it to be able to specifically identify a decoder and how do I find out this information especially on very old locos?
Don't get ahead of yourself, it is better to wait and let DecoderPro id the decoder type. However if you sort through all possible options you may be able to find the correct one. Now some companies like Digitrax and ESU just have one decoder type per version or some similar option as a means of keeping the count down. However Soundtraxx has an id for almost all versions of their decoders. In most cases it may not matter but down the road you may find out a setting where it does and you can't change the decoder type once the loco has been created, you have to start over--been there done that.
@@TheDCCGuy Appreciate the info but knowing that will curtail what I can do with Decoder Pro prior to actually hooking it up.
You can still practice and if you can find the correct decoder then it won’t be an issue later on.
Larry, Thanks for this. It looked like there was a print option in the file dialog. Is it possible to print only the CV list sheet after you have made your changes, rather than manually writing down the changes, then taking that printout over to your throttle to change the CVs?
Try opening the CV pane then click on File>Print>Print CVs and it should print out the list of CVs and their values. I just tried it and no problems.
will any digitrax decoder pro work or is the pb4 a good choice to do this with? what decoder pro do i need what number is best. thank you.
I am going to try to answer both questions in one post. First DecoderPro is a free computer program that can be used with a variety of DCC command stations and in some cases stand alone programmer hardware soecifically for programming decoders and some other equipment. In this video I showed how to use it without a DCC system connection. By making all the edits and then checking the CV lists in the program you can then transfer these changes using a programming throttle such as a DT500. If you do want to use it to program decoders directly then you need an interface between the computer and your Digitrax command station. The PR4 is a good option for Digitrax.
Let me add this warning. I do not recommend that someone who is not computer savvy and/or does not have a knowledgeable helper take this on. From your questions it does not sound like you would be successful alone and I do not have time to lead you through it. Before buying a bunch of equipment I suggest you check with any local clubs or other modelers in your area and see if you an find some local help first.