Computer Interfaces For DCC (207)

[@peterjhillier7659]

Thanks Larry, glad I’m not the only one to touch Wood! Keep safe, you too have a good Weekend.

[@Mark_W_L]

Great summary Larry. I find the Sprog is ideal for the test track on my workbench. Not expensive and very robust for programming new locos using JMRI.

[@CajonSub]

Great video, thanks for sharing. I am at the point in my layout where I am adding JMRI so this is very helpful. I have a DigiTrax P3 and an RR circuits loco buffer so I’ll have to see which is the better option for me. Your video does help explain pros cons of each. Thanks - Steve

[@garybeard6483]

I am having some success controlling DCC trains and DCC point motors employing just an Arduino and some DCC++ software that I have customised. Now working on a DCC layout that will encompass two DCC engines running as shuttles (Both controlled by the Arduino) that includes a section of single line of track to which access is managed by signals and points that are in turn manipulated by the Arduino and my modified DCC++ code.

[@TheDCCGuy]

I have had a couple viewers/readers tell me of their adventures with Arduinos. You obviously have a talent for electronics and programming that many either do not or would rather skip in favor of other modeling activities. I just haven’t had the time to put towards it myself but am glad to hear some are enjoying it.

[@garybeard6483]

@@TheDCCGuy I attend exhibitions as a sole exhibitor so the Arduino's ability to automate a layout comes in very useful. But fully appreciate that, just like scratch building for which I have no talent at all but wish I had, its horses for courses ;-)

[@thomasgrassi8817]

Larry, Great video. I am a JRMI user Mainly using Panel Pro Have not yet worked with Decoder Pro. Spending time on building the layout After that may get into Decoder Pro. I am an NCE user and my PowerPro has the Serial interface which I connect to my Laptop. I Have the USB interface also but I replaced that when I got my Power Pro. Today I finished my Helix just waiting on some signals for it. Have a great Weekend

[@thomasdarwin6174]

Great to hear about the SPROG 3 interface. I use the Bachmann Dynamis which I dont think is able to interface with a computer but this will let me use a PC program separately.

[@KenPryor]

Great video. I've been very happy with my Loco Buffer from RR Cirkits. It works very well and the price is great too.

[@westernstatesrailroading]

I have a ESU CabControl...it has WIFI "built in". I connect to the CabControl WIFI signal and im connected to my laptop. I use JMRI to program my locos.

[@donaldshroyer8633]

Nice vid. I'm presently using a Sprog 3 and DecoderPro with my programming track and am very satisfied with the setup. Unfortunately, I can't get an answer whether the Sprog is compatible with my Bachmann E-Z DCC 5A booster so it's limited to the programming track for now.

[@dwightatnorthernstar1820]

Larry, thanks for all your videos. Would you say the Sprog 3 could be used on separate programming track using a MacBook and JMRI?

[@TheDCCGuy]

I will say it should work fine but I have never tested that combination. I think I did try it with my iMac a number of years ago but I don’t use that setup since the iMac is upstairs in my office and my PCs are downstairs with the layout. I know a couple of other guys who use the Sprog with a PC on their workbenches successfully and I use mine a lot with my Dell laptop. If you want a definitive answer I suggest asking on the JMRI forum on Groups.io

[@robertheroux2402]

Another excellent video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@jeffreyrynberk893]

First of all, great videos! I've watched nearly all of them since subscribing and I'm a better man for it ;-). So, I just purchased a PR4 and working through the 13-page installation instructions from Digitrax. I have a fully updated Windows10 PC. I'm finding the instructions confusing and I'm hoping you can help with your experience. The instructions start out emphatic by saying (although the instructions refer to PR3, elsewhere they say they also apply to PR4) "If Windows 10 installed the drivers for the PR3 these instructions are not needed.", then proceed to say "STOP! Read these instructions before connecting the PR3 to your Computer" and there are 11 more pages of steps to take in modifying W10 settings and downloading drivers from their website. Ugh! Do we simply start just by plugging in the PR4, connecting it to the PC and see if it's recognized?, or start with the instructions about modifying W10 and downloading drivers from Digitrax?? Thanks - Jeff

[@TheDCCGuy]

I have Win10 on my Dell and as I remember when I hooked up my DCS240, which has a built in PR4, the entire installation was handled automatically by Windows but that was 3 years ago. I held off as long as I could upgrading from Win7 due to questions I had like yours, but when I did I was impressed at how painless it was. Your experience may differ, and I might have just been lucky that day!

[@jeffreyrynberk893]

Thank you Larry for your quick reply. In spite of the confusing instructions from Digitrax, the setup was a snap by just powering up the PR4 and connecting it to my PC. W10 did the rest. Simple plug-and-play. Or maybe I was just lucky too ...

[@larryo3954]

I have heard about adding resistors to your rolling stock wheels in order to allow detection while the car moves along the layout. Not totally understanding what this means, could you create an episode of The DCC Guy covering resistors on wheels and why you need detection on your layout?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes, I will do one but first I need to get detection working on at least part of the Piedmont Southern so I have something to show. I am using a logic circuit for my signals that requires building each by hand but I think I have enough boards now to do a small section so I will look into it.

[@larryo3954]

@@TheDCCGuy Thank you Larry. I am thoroughly enjoying all of the skills and experience you are sharing. I am about to retire and am re-engaging in model railroading learning all about DCC and planning a yard module.

[@chriscox4023]

Hi, when you started I got excited as you had an Esu unit and I thought you were going to do a computer interface for the ECoS. I am still waiting for someone to explain the best way to interface my ECoS with my computer! Otherwise, nice informative video.

[@TheDCCGuy]

I thought those came with USB built in but maybe it is wifi.

[@chriscox4023]

@@TheDCCGuy hi, it has a yellow internet connection but it can only be connected to a computer via a router, which is ok for downloading software updates but not for direct control from the computer, as far as I know!

[@alanmusicman3385]

Thanks for this summary Larry - very useful. A shame you didn't cover the DigiKeijs controller which is a hugely capable device very similar to - and rather cheaper than - the DigiTrax one that you showed. JMRI is indeed a very capable beast - but I can see why people without any IT background shy away from using it at anything beyond the basic level and why many prefer to go to some of the more - shall we say, "Packaged", but more expensive, systems.

[@TheDCCGuy]

I have a Digikeijs but so far have not had time ti dig into it beyond just running a loco with a throttle. I found the computer interface confusing in spite of Iron Planet’s videos that promise step by step instructions. Maybe it is tome for another try.

[@ronduz1281]

👍👍👍Great video Larry

[@pierrelambert446]

I am now using Iott stick with a loconet interface to connect Jmri to my layout using wifi. It is using Jmri lb server technology. No cable anymore. It give me more flexibility for my computer location. It is not expansive and I can do layout automation on the Iott stick. It is a lot more than a dumb interface.

[@j.mcq.8418]

This is a great video but I can't put it into practice. I'm trying to program a digitrax DH126D decoder using a Digitrax PR4 and Decoder Pro on a dedicated programming track. Whenever I try to write a new CV Decoder Pro says: "302 - programmer busy. The command station has reported that it's busy doing something else, and can't do any programming right now. This usually means that some other part of the DCC system is doing a programming operation, e.g. a hand-held throttle. Some DCC systems can't do ops-mode programming (programming on the main) while also using the service mode programming track, in which case they'll return this error message." There is no other part of the DCC system that can be doing a programming operation such as a hand-held throttle. It is just the computer, the PR4, the programming track and the locomotive. What's up?

[@TheDCCGuy]

I’ve run into that on occasion, usually when I get impatient and try to send a signal before the last one was done. What I have found to clear it is shut down the Digitrax system and close DecoderPro. Then restart the DCC system a d wait until it is on and has finished its startup, then restart DecoderPro. You also may want to check the settings or preferences sheet in DecoderPro and make sure all those are set correctly.

[@raider-px6wd]

I purchased an ecos esu command station as well as 2 digitrax ds74. My question is with the lnet converter from esu can I change the board id on the 2nd ds74 using loconet with the lnet converter?

[@TheDCCGuy]

You may be the first to find out. It all depends on whether ESU implemented all Loconet functions or just a smattering. I know at least one person who tried updating the firmware in a Digitrax throttle using a Digikiejs system only to find out it wouldn’t work. Good luck and let us know if it works.

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Larry great video, have you done a video on wifi interface ( wifi trax from Australia)

[@TheDCCGuy]

No, I don’t have one of the big NCE systems that can use the Trax interface. I have a friend with NCE and I’ll see if he has the Trax unit.

[@brian102256]

Hey Larry! I enjoyed this video. Do you have or do you know a source for an MRC 1516 computer interface? I cannot find one as they seem to be out of stock everywhere. Thanks - Brian

[@TheDCCGuy]

Unfortunately MRC seems to import their components in batches from China and once sold out you have to wait for the next container load to float in. Another thing to consider when selecting a DCC system is whether they make their own components or import from overseas.

[@brian102256]

@@TheDCCGuy I checked with MRC and they said that a standard RJ45 cable can be used to connect an MRC throttle to their DCC power supply. If so, can I just purchase a USB to RJ45 adapter and connect an RJ45 cable between the adapter and the DCC power supply to enable the computer connection? I suppose that worst case would be that it just wouldn't enable a connection...

[@TheDCCGuy]

I doubt that will work but it is worth running it by MRC tech support to see what they say.

[@brian102256]

@@TheDCCGuy Will do. I will let you know what they say.

[@monsDK]

i must say have not found the easy part of this software jmri or any free software for this. but that just me perhaps.

[@mikedurhan9941]

Well, I guess I'm in over my head. Totally lost. I'm trying to go DCC; I bought a DCC locomotive with Lok Sound. I never knew I had to "interface" my locomotive with a computer to have a DCC layout. I thought you just put it on a program track and mashed a few buttons to get it like you wanted it - and gave it an address. Maybe I'm too old.........

[@TheDCCGuy]

Well, that’s the way it is with some decoders. And if you get a new loco with a factory installed decoder it will likely have everything preset for you. You may need to tweak the sound volume settings or learn how to consist more than one loco. But if you buy a new decoder to install in a loco you will need to make a lot more adjustments. You can do that with a throttle on a programming track but with some types of decoders it gets very complicated very quickly. That’s when a program like DecoderPro or LokProgammer can be worth the effort since it becomes more of a click and choose operation.

[@mikedurhan9941]

@@TheDCCGuy Oh, okay. Well, that makes me feel much better. There is still hope for me!!! Thanks. Really enjoy your videos and column in Model Railroader Magazine. (Don't understand it all, but enjoy it anyway.)

[@steve87thpsap]

So question, I use JMRI on my Apple computer. I have not gotten it to interface with my New Zephyr DCS52, or the old Zephyr DCS50 through the PR 4. Anything I need to know?

[@TheDCCGuy]

I have previously used DecoderPro on my iMac but I don’t remember which system I used. However it worked fine so I assume it might be an issue on the setup. When (if) I get a chance I’ll dig out my PR4 and Zephyr and see if it works.

[@wilzdart]

have a question do I need to get an ESU program module to program a Lok pilot decoder? Sound decoders are ok but not a deal breaker for me.

[@TheDCCGuy]

No, you can program them using any DCC system, it is just a lot easier with either the LokProgrammer or DecoderPro. I also did a video on how to use the LokProgrammer software (which is free) without the interface “box” to calculate all the changes and then transfer them to DecoderPro or to change with your DCC programmer. I’ll look up that video number and get back to you.

[@blueridgebonsai9155]

I think it is video #125.

[@wilzdart]

@@TheDCCGuy thanks Larry. I am swapping out my n scale Bachman decoders with ESU Lok Pilot micro the ones in it are junk

[@denniswilson2690]

Hi Larry I've got a Digitrax DCS210 without a USB port on it.

[@TheDCCGuy]

So do I. When first released they did not have the usb port. However about a year ago Digitrax upgraded them to DCS210+ by adding the usb port. So you’ll have to use the PR4 for the computer interface.

[@denniswilson2690]

@@TheDCCGuy Ok Thx

[@vincebagusauskas278]

Railmaster by Hornby is an alternative too.

[@TheDCCGuy]

I forgot to mention it but I have a couple Dapol wagons with non-ferrous axles but they don’t seem to be consistent.

[@Flatline_1]

Can a Sprog 3 program loksound and BLI

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes, when used with DecoderPro it is a very reliable option. However they do not make a throttle you must use a wifi throttle (cell phone or UWT-50, UWT-100, or similar wifi capable throttle) or the virtual throttle in DecoderPro to control trains.

[@Flatline_1]

@@TheDCCGuy Thanks

[@rwilson8]

Hi Larry - unrelated, but I have a trouble shooting issue. I have 2 PSX’s, each one for a separate loop. If I have a loco running on one loop, and I short out the other loop, my loco momentarily stops, then goes for a couple of seconds, then stops again, etc. The loops are isolated and the jumper wire for Digitrax is installed on the PSX’s. Per someone else’s suggestion I measured the volts on my Digitrax DCS 210 with a short, and I lose power to my command station. So apparently when the PSX detects the short and tries to reset, power is momentarily cut-off to my command station, causing the loco to start and stop on the non-shorted loop. Have you ever encountered this? Any suggestions?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Check 2 things. First make sure the OPSW 18 setting for your command station short circuit delay is changed to extended time or about 1/2 second. That gives the PSX time to do its thing before the command station shuts down. Also in the instruction sheet for the PSX there are notes for using them back to back. So if you are doing that then read those notes.

[@rwilson8]

Hi Larry - after a lot of troubleshooting, I figured out the issue. I want to pass along as an fyi. The PSX instruction manual states that when there is a short, D12 led should stay on and not flash. My D12 was flashing on and off, which the instruction manual indicated that the booster did not support “automatic reset.” As a result, I had to solder a jumper wire on the PSX boards between J7-1 and J7-2. Once I did that, problem was solved. Only downside is that when a short occurs, I have to manually reset the PSX by sending an accessory command to 997 in my throttle. So apparently the new Digitrax DCS210+ command/booster’s do not support auto reset, at least with the PSX’s. Thank you for your replies and help, I learn so much from your channel!

[@blueridgebonsai9155]

@@rwilson8 This brings back a memory. I talked with Larry Maier about this about a year ago and he found out from Digitrax that the initial firmware for the DCS210 caused this problem. The fix is to upgrade the firmware and you should be able to use it normally. I never heard back from Larry about this so I assume that it works, worth a try-Larry Puckett, AKA The DCC Guy

[@Curious_Skeptic]

I'm sitting here watching this, wondering what to buy. Then , I realize, wait! My DCS 52 has a USB port.. LOL. This is what happens when you are starting out. You buy things and don't even fully know what you are getting into or what you got! Have to say, I am sad Digitraxx DCS 52 is PLASTIC. I thought it would be a quality unit. Oh well. One day I'll find a super high quality DCC controller that actually has a metal case and metal knobs and controls. ;) OH, PS: Also realize, I think I can set up my STREAM DECK (look it up if you don't know what that is) to trigger my sounds! Hoping I can set icons for each sound trigger. If I could set up my Stream deck to run my layout? OMG how cool!

[@TheDCCGuy]

Plastic has been used for enclosures for many decades. Many early postwar powerpacks and of course the old Lionel one that looked like a football with control levers mounted on each end were made of Bakelite resin and dates back to the late 1940s. So don’t let the wrapper fool you-like they say you can’t judge a book by its cover.