No-Nonsense advice and the best in tools and equipment from modelling experts

Showrooms & Office:

 3/13 Lionel St. Naval Base

WA 6165 AUSTRALIA

Phone   +61 8 9437 2470

Fax        +61 8 9437 2471

sales@DCCconcepts.com

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DCC Computer Interfaces, Programming

Devices & Sound Programming Tools

 

 

Text Box: No matter how good your DCC system is, there are many additional things that you can do by interfacing with a computer… Automatic train control, creation of smart interactive control panels on screen, decoder programming, sound file creation and sound programming are just a few possibilities: Even if you do not intend to use a computer in your day to day layout control or operations, the advantages of a computer can be significant. For example, your DC system may not be able to read CV’s, but you can do it by adding an interface like SPROG and working with the very clever JMRI Decoder Pro computer software, even testing loco’s and doing all set-up on

There are several categories of DCC computer devices:

To make it easier to search, we have provided direct access to each of them below: Just “Click on the heading” to be taken there directly.

Brand-by-Brand DCC System Interfaces         SPROG

ESU LokProgrammer       QSI Quantum Programmer

 

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SPROG II DCC Decoder programmer

Text Box: SPROG II is a fully self contained computer programmer and controller which complements your DCC system. SPROG II is universal, so works well with all decoder bands. SPROG II is supported on a range of hardware platforms (PC, MAC) and operating systems (Windows, Mac OS, Linux) by DecoderPro. SPROG II helps you program decoders using your computer without the need to move your computer to the railway room.

 

Buying SPROG II

 

SPROG II is complete with SPROG II Interface, USB Cable, User manual and a CD-ROM which includes Software, all drivers and user manual in PDF format.

Text Box: DCC-SPROG  Text Box: SPROG II, Manual, USB Lead and CD-ROM  Text Box: $159.95 ea

Text Box: DCC-HQPS  Text Box: Regulated power supply for SPROG II  Text Box: $29.95 ea

 

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More detailed information about SPROG II

Software for SPROG II

DecoderPro is strongly recommended for use with SPROG II. DecoderPro (and the Java runtime engine, which is also required) are available as free downloads. They are supplied on CD-ROM with SPROG II. The CD-ROM may also be purchased separately.

Power Supply for SPROG II

SPROG II requires a regulated DC power supply of 12 - 15V. These are available from DCCconcepts for Australian users, however any quality regulated power supply of the correct voltage may be used.

SPROG II is much more than just a programmer

SPROG II is capable of generating any valid (or invalid) DCC packet to facilitate testing of DCC components. This was originally intended for use with a small 'tail-chaser' test track or rolling road for decoder testing, running-in, performance tuning, etc.

DecoderPro software also now includes a throttle for SPROG II allowing it to be used as a computer based command station/booster for small layouts with "one loco in steam".

An external booster may be used with SPROG to allow larger layouts to be driven.

Other possibilities include using SPROG II as an interface between PanelPro and a DCC accessory bus.

Decoder Compatibility List:

SPROG II will work with any DCC decoder conforming to NMRA standards.

(If you do happen to strike any problems please let us know as any compatibility issues will be quickly addressed as part of SPROGs ongoing development)

Bachmann: No problems reported

BLI BlueLine: Compatible with SPROG II version 1.8 or 2.5 firmware

CT Elektronik: SPROG Firmware version 1.5 or later required for direct mode support

Digitrax: No problems reported with SPROG firmware version 1.4 and later

Hornby: Early versions of R8254? decoder do not support read back

LGB: No problems reported

Lenz: No problems reported

ESU LokSound: No problems reported

Massoth: No problems reported

NCE: No problems reported

QSI: V6 (Due to a decoder bug, CV1 cannot read in direct mode) needs version 1.8 or 2.5 firmware.

SoundTraxx DSD: Firmware version 1.5 or later required for direct mode support

Tsunami: SPROG Firmware version 1.5 or later required for direct mode support

TCS: No problems reported

Team Digital: SMD82 (follow their instructions at bottom of page 4 of user manual)

Zimo: No problems reported

ZTC: There are problems with some ZTC decoders

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SPROG Downloads

SPROG II User Guide

Click here (requires Adobe Acrobat reader).

SPROG II USB Drivers (VCP Drivers)

Updated drivers for Windows Vista are now available.

You should uninstall any previous versions of the SPROG II drivers before installing the new version. Please read User Guide (above) for installation instructions.

Windows

Windows drivers (including Vista)

MAC

SPROG II is known to work with MAC OS, but we can offer only limited support. SPROG II uses the FTDI FT232R USB serial interface. MAC OS drivers are available from FTDI. MAC OS driver installation guide is available from FTDI, click here.

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ESU LokProgrammer

Text Box: The ultimate accessory for programming all ESU decoders and sound decoders with ease. Instead of the difficult process of deciphering complex manuals and changing individual CV’s to get things as you want them, you can just do it with a mouse click! With the aid of the LokSound Programmer you can modify the sounds in your loco’s or optimize synchronization of the sound. All you need is a PC with an audio card and Microsoft Windows!

 

Buying the ESU LokProgrammer

 

LokProgrammer is complete with the LokProgrammer Interface, USB Cable, User manual and a comprehensive CD-ROM which includes Software, A full set of ESU sound files, all drivers and user manual in PDF format.

ESU LokProgrammer needs a 12~14 volt regulated DC power supply with at least 1 amp capacity. We urge you to use high quality power supply and have sourced one which is perfect for reliable programming with Lokprogrammer

Text Box: ESU-LokPrg  Text Box: LokProgrammer, manuals and leads  Text Box: $229.95 ea

Text Box: DCC-HQPS  Text Box: High quality 12v regulated power supply  Text Box: $29.95 ea

 

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More detailed information about LokProgrammer

The ESU LokProgrammer is a comprehensive & easy to use computer interface that can interactively programme ESU decoders, and you can read/write CVS to decoders of other brands too!

Change the sounds already saved on the decoder.

LokProgrammer allows adjustment and re-setting of all digital parameters of any LokSound or LokPilot decoder such as address of the loco, operation speed, maximum speed, braking deceleration, brightness of lights etc; you can do it all with your computer very easily - no cumbersome entering of CVs (configuration variables) with your command station.

You can also rearrange or change sound files or add your own sounds and transfer them to the LokSound decoder, use all sounds that can be downloaded to your computer hard disk, allocate sounds to different events or change which function button activates which activity or sound.

Sound

With the LokProgrammer you can erase or replace the sound data of any LokSound decoder as many times as you wish. To this end ESU offers more than 200 different, fully matching sounds of various prototypes and locos for downloading to your computer.

Click on this Link to be taken to the ESU sound selection

You can also edit parts of a sound project, so if you don’t like the decoder’s whistle, then just replace it with another. You can also add your own wave file based sounds. 

Any sound – even voice or music is no problem for our decoders. With the LokProgrammer you have complete freedom and creative flexibility.

Programming

LokPilot decoders also profit from LokProgrammer’s versatility; Whether they are DCC, Multiprotocol - or mfx decoders. With LokProgrammer it’s possible to edit all parameters of the particular decoder simply and conveniently.

Options depend on the kind of ESU designed decoder you have of course.... Beside addresses, acceleration and deceleration settings, you can easily re-map the allotment of function keys (function mapping), change the allocation of special effects to the individual outputs, or the lamp brightness. The LokProgrammer can also help when optimizing back EMF parameters or the loadable speed table.  

Hook up

It’s this simple: The LokProgrammer is a small programming box, which is wired between the PC and a programming track. To connect it you need either a vacant serial interface, or you use the included USB adapter cable (works with Windows 2000 or Windows XP). For power you will also need a 500 mA wall type power supply.

(The DCCconcepts power supply above is adequate for all scales up to gauge 1)

Software

LokProgrammer software runs on all modern Windows-systems from Windows 98.  

Upgrades

The LokProgrammer can also update decoders. Most ESU decoders are updatable, in case you desire a new software version. To do this, you only need LokProgrammer and a small update-program, which you can download from ESU directly

The future

LokProgrammer software is being reviewed continuously. The latest version can always be downloaded from the ESU website, or if preferred it can be installed automatically via LokProgrammer automatic-update function.

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The Quantum Programmer

Text Box: For anyone having a stable of QSI equipped locomotives, this will be a very useful tool. The Quantum Programmer (QP) is provided with a USB cable, a terminal block for connecting it to your programming track. It also includes two very useful software applications, Quantum CVManager and Q1Upgrade.

Please note: Whilst the illustration shows a power pack included, this is US 110 volt only, so non-US purchasers will need an appropriate power supply.

 

Buying the QSI Quantum Programmer

The QSI Quantum Programmer is complete with the programming Interface, USB Cable, User manual and a comprehensive CD-ROM which includes its Software suite, all required drivers and a user manual.

The Quantum Programmer needs a 12~14 volt regulated DC power supply with at least 1 amp capacity. We urge you to use high quality power supply and have sourced one which is perfect for reliable programming when used with the QSI Quantum Programmer

Text Box: QSI-PRGM  Text Box: Quantum programmer, manuals and leads  Text Box: $159.95 ea

Text Box: DCC-HQPS  Text Box: High quality 12v regulated power supply  Text Box: $29.95 ea

 

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More detailed information about the Quantum Programmer

Rather than regurgitate a lot of already well done and comprehensive QSI review work, we have included a link below for your information.

Click Here to read more about the Quantum Programmer.

 

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Brand-by-Brand

DCC System Computer related Interfaces

The NCE PowerCab USB Interface

Text Box: The NCE USB interface Supports train, accessory, signal operation and Ops mode programming with all NCE DCC systems. It Also Supports the Power Cabs program track ability. * Opt isolated USB prevents “sneak path” short circuits * Multiple USB boards can be used with some NCE systems * USB drivers are readily available for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. Please note: When using this product you will need Internet access to download the latest USB drivers for its operation.

 

Buying the NCE PowerCab USB Interface

Text Box: NCE-USB  Text Box: NCE USB Interface and manuals  Text Box: $79.95 ea

 

Click HERE for a copy of the NCE USB Interface Manual

 

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The Lenz LI-USB computer Interface

Text Box: The LI-USB has been created for connecting to a PC via the USB Port to a Lenz DCC system. Once installed, All system functions can be controlled via your computer. The LI-USB’s Operating system requires Windows 2000 or Win XP. LI-USB software includes tools for setting XpressNet address, a Throttle control panel and CV editor for easy configuration of decoders. Added info / data protocols supplied on the CD packed with each LI-USB.

 

Buying the Lenz LI-USB USB Interface

Text Box: LNZ-LI USB  Text Box: Lenz LI USB Interface, cables and manuals  Text Box: $219.95 ea

 

Click HERE for a copy of the LI-USB Manuals

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The Lenz LI-101F Serial computer Interface

Text Box: The LI-101f Serial interface has been created for connecting via the computers serial Port to a Lenz DCC system. Once installed, All system functions can be controlled via your computer. The LI-101F’s Operating system requires Windows 2000 or Win XP. LI-101F software includes tools for setting XpressNet address, a Throttle control panel and CV editor for easy configuration of decoders. Software & Cables included.

 

Buying the Lenz LI-USB USB Interface

Text Box: LNZ-LI 101f  Text Box: Lenz LI-101f Interface, cables & manuals  Text Box: $199.95 ea

 

Click HERE for a copy of the LI-101f Manuals

 

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The Digitrax PR-3 computer Interface

Text Box: PR3 lets SoundFX users download new Project sound files and even re-flash the sound decoder's firmware for latest updates. The PR3 offers a USB 2.0 interface plus a user selectable MS100 mode. Using MS100 emulation mode will allow full USB/LocoNet connectivity for software such as JMRI, Railroad and Co., and several others.

The Digitrax PR-3 needs a 12~14 volt regulated DC power supply with at least 1 amp capacity. We urge you to use high quality power supply and have sourced one which is perfect for all uses when used with the Digitrax PR-3

 

Buying the Digitrax PR-3 USB computer Interface

Text Box: DIG-PR3  Text Box: Digitrax Pr-3 Interface & manuals  Text Box: $149.95 ea

Text Box: DCC-HQPS  Text Box: High quality 12v regulated power supply  Text Box: $29.95 ea

 

Click HERE for a copy of the LI-101f Manuals

 

Click HERE for a Link to the Digitrax Pr-3 page

 

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From the JMRI Hardware Guide: Connecting to a Digitrax PR3


Support for the Digitrax PR3 was first available in JMRI 2.1.6, released May 31, 2008.

The Digitrax PR3 can be used as either a standalone decoder programmer, or as an interface between your computer and a LocoNet, much like an MS100, however it can only do one or the other of these at any given time.

You select the mode of operation in the JMRI preferences during setup.

When the PR3 is acting as a programmer, it can be used to set CVs in all decoders that DecoderPro supports. It can also be used to download sound information into Digitrax sound decoders and, within its limited current capability, run one locomotive to test it.

When used with Digitrax SFX decoders, "neutral mode" allows you to vary the speed without the motor moving the decoder, so you can hear how the locomotive sound reacts to varying speeds. (Note that Digitrax only guarantees programming for Digitrax SFX decoders with properly installed loads, etc, but our testing has found that the PR3 will work with many common decoders)

When acting as an interface, the PR3 allows JMRI full control of the LocoNet and the devices attached to it. That includes programming decoders on a programming track attached to a LocoNet command station, or on the main track.

The PR3 can also serve as the "LocoNet terminator", which allows it to drive a LocoNet without an attached command station, e.g. if you want to have a LocoNet dedicated to signaling."

A note about RR& Co and the PR-3: Version 5.8 of the Railroad & Co. software does not officially support the PR3. The new version 7.0 of Railroad & Co. has explicit support for the PR3.

 

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