What decoder type? Some do not have speed tables.
Thomas

--- In sprog-dcc@..., "bsly13" <bsly13@...> wrote:
>
> When I go to use the speed tables I am not seeing any of the write  to or read
to options on the bottom of the screen tried adjusting pixel sizes and they are
not there  What am I missing or do I just have to save them Thanks for any help
>

Eric

Don't want 7 to 15 old Kids find any other options
I also using Sprog/JMRI for a tree layout at home too
MikeH

--- In sprog-dcc@..., "ericspacebar" <ericedwards37@...> wrote:
>
> As far as JMRI, is it the install process or too many options/controls that
makes it unattractive for your uses?  I'm using Sprog/JMRI for a tree layout
too.
>
> Eric
>
> --- In sprog-dcc@..., "mlmjh" <mlmjh@> wrote:
> >
> > Thanks Davy
> > Hoping there would more programs
> >
> >
> > --- In sprog-dcc@..., "David" <davydick@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi Mike
> > > How about a program where you click on a button to choose a loco number
between 1 and 10, click a button to decide whether to go forward or backwards,
and a slider to control the speed?
> > > This is available for free download to members of the Model Electronic
Railroad Group.
> > > www.merg.org.uk
> > > There is also a wireless version that uses a Bluetooth numeric keypad to
control the loco.
> > > Hope this helps
> > > Davy
> > >
> > > --- In sprog-dcc@..., "mlmjh" <mlmjh@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Looking for a Simple throttle program that Sprog will work with
> > > >
> > > > Reason Small KIDS and Train around Tree
> > > >
> > > > Away from JMRI software
> > > >
> > > > Thanks
> > > > MikeH
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

I have a laptop running JMRI, a Sprog2 & would like to connect an IPhone as a
throttle.

Does anyone Have A VERY SIMPLE step by step guide for connection

Rod

--- In sprog-dcc@..., "Rod" <rod@...> wrote:
>
> I have a laptop running JMRI, a Sprog2 & would like to connect an IPhone as a
throttle.
>
> Does anyone Have A VERY SIMPLE step by step guide for connection

1)  Get the "WiThrottle" App for your iPhone.  Read the WiThrottle website about
this.  Start with the "free" version to prove you can drive trains before
spending money on the paid one.

2)  Run Sprog within JMRI in "Command Station Mode".

3)  Turn on Track Power to Sprog.

4)  In JMRI, start "WiThrottle Server".  Connect software on iPhone to
WiThrottle Server, and drive trains.



- Nigel

Hello,

I'm curretnly using Decoder Pro 2.10 which works pretty well with LokSound 3.5
and 4.0 chips. However I am now trying to set up a Zimo 646 sound chip (which
does have quite an edge incidentally, on the Loksounds in terms of slow motor
control) with my usual Sprog2 / Decoder Pro setup.
The problem is sporadic in that some of the CV settings that I change are
accepted and saved, such as the de-cceleration rate and CV1 the loco identity
no. But the accelerration rate and the motor "hertz" rate will not change. Or to
be more accurate, I can change them and apparently write them to the loco but it
changes back to the original setting straight after...very odd! I have tried
attacking this problem via the specific tabs and in the general CV tab, but to
no avail.

Can anyone throw any light on what the problem might be?

Kind regards
Andrew Duncan
PS I'd also like to be able to change CVs whilst running the loco through this
setup. Is that an easy thing to do bearing in mind that I am as far from a
computer programmer as you can imagine.

Er, the SPROG is an interface device ... the program is JMRI.



You'll have a better chance of an answer about JMRI asking on their Yahoo
group !



Mike



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Andrew,
Please update your JMRI to 2.14. In the year since 2.10 there has been changes
to the Zimo decoder files (and a lot of other changes)

If its still problematic after an update , I'll look deeper into the decoder
file definitions.


Nigel

--- In sprog-dcc@..., "Andrew Bluett-duncan" <andrew@...> wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> I'm curretnly using Decoder Pro 2.10 which works pretty well with LokSound 3.5
and 4.0 chips. However I am now trying to set up a Zimo 646 sound chip (which
does have quite an edge incidentally, on the Loksounds in terms of slow motor
control) with my usual Sprog2 / Decoder Pro setup.
> The problem is sporadic in that some of the CV settings that I change are
accepted and saved, such as the de-cceleration rate and CV1 the loco identity
no. But the accelerration rate and the motor "hertz" rate will not change. Or to
be more accurate, I can change them and apparently write them to the loco but it
changes back to the original setting straight after...very odd! I have tried
attacking this problem via the specific tabs and in the general CV tab, but to
no avail.
>
> Can anyone throw any light on what the problem might be?
>
> Kind regards
> Andrew Duncan
> PS I'd also like to be able to change CVs whilst running the loco through this
setup. Is that an easy thing to do bearing in mind that I am as far from a
computer programmer as you can imagine.
>

Thanks Nigel, I'll give that a go and report back. Incidentally can point me in
the right direction for tuning a chip whilst the loco is running?
Kind regards
Andrew

--- In sprog-dcc@..., "ncliffe2001" <ncliffe@...> wrote:
>
>
>
>
> Andrew,
> Please update your JMRI to 2.14. In the year since 2.10 there has been changes
to the Zimo decoder files (and a lot of other changes)
>
> If its still problematic after an update , I'll look deeper into the decoder
file definitions.
>
>
> Nigel
>
> --- In sprog-dcc@..., "Andrew Bluett-duncan" <andrew@> wrote:
> >
> > Hello,
> >
> > I'm curretnly using Decoder Pro 2.10 which works pretty well with LokSound
3.5 and 4.0 chips. However I am now trying to set up a Zimo 646 sound chip
(which does have quite an edge incidentally, on the Loksounds in terms of slow
motor control) with my usual Sprog2 / Decoder Pro setup.
> > The problem is sporadic in that some of the CV settings that I change are
accepted and saved, such as the de-cceleration rate and CV1 the loco identity
no. But the accelerration rate and the motor "hertz" rate will not change. Or to
be more accurate, I can change them and apparently write them to the loco but it
changes back to the original setting straight after...very odd! I have tried
attacking this problem via the specific tabs and in the general CV tab, but to
no avail.
> >
> > Can anyone throw any light on what the problem might be?
> >
> > Kind regards
> > Andrew Duncan
> > PS I'd also like to be able to change CVs whilst running the loco through
this setup. Is that an easy thing to do bearing in mind that I am as far from a
computer programmer as you can imagine.
> >
>

Tuning in what sense ?

There is making the motor run smoothly.  Usually Zimo's work out of the box,
though the Zimo manual has clues for the few cases where the default/automatic
sections don't work.
The Automatic Load Setting method works incredibly well; CV #302 = 75 read the
Zimo manual **before** trying it.

Then there is making the loco do what you want; setting speed ranges,
acceleration, exponential acceleration, etc.

Then there is matching sound to the loco speed; steam chuff rates,
synchronisation, etc..


- Nigel



--- In sprog-dcc@..., "Andrew Bluett-duncan" <andrew@...> wrote:
>
>
>
> Thanks Nigel, I'll give that a go and report back. Incidentally can point me
in the right direction for tuning a chip whilst the loco is running?
> Kind regards
> Andrew
>
> --- In sprog-dcc@..., "ncliffe2001" <ncliffe@> wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Andrew,
> > Please update your JMRI to 2.14. In the year since 2.10 there has been
changes to the Zimo decoder files (and a lot of other changes)
> >
> > If its still problematic after an update , I'll look deeper into the decoder
file definitions.
> >
> >
> > Nigel
> >
> > --- In sprog-dcc@..., "Andrew Bluett-duncan" <andrew@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hello,
> > >
> > > I'm curretnly using Decoder Pro 2.10 which works pretty well with LokSound
3.5 and 4.0 chips. However I am now trying to set up a Zimo 646 sound chip
(which does have quite an edge incidentally, on the Loksounds in terms of slow
motor control) with my usual Sprog2 / Decoder Pro setup.
> > > The problem is sporadic in that some of the CV settings that I change are
accepted and saved, such as the de-cceleration rate and CV1 the loco identity
no. But the accelerration rate and the motor "hertz" rate will not change. Or to
be more accurate, I can change them and apparently write them to the loco but it
changes back to the original setting straight after...very odd! I have tried
attacking this problem via the specific tabs and in the general CV tab, but to
no avail.
> > >
> > > Can anyone throw any light on what the problem might be?
> > >
> > > Kind regards
> > > Andrew Duncan
> > > PS I'd also like to be able to change CVs whilst running the loco through
this setup. Is that an easy thing to do bearing in mind that I am as far from a
computer programmer as you can imagine.
> > >
> >
>

Dear Nigel,

I'm sorry I wasn't clear. I meant getting the chuff rate correctly set up whilst
the loco's running, but there's probably other situations as well where this
would be useful such as setting up Maxon motors with LokSound chips which don't
seem to take to coreless motors as well as Zimo.
I think what I'm asking for is "programming on main". Not sure if the
terminology is right as I use ZTC for running my layout, which I don't think has
that facility?

Andrew
--- In sprog-dcc@..., "ncliffe2001" <ncliffe@...> wrote:
>
>
> Tuning in what sense ?
>
> There is making the motor run smoothly.  Usually Zimo's work out of the box,
though the Zimo manual has clues for the few cases where the default/automatic
sections don't work.
> The Automatic Load Setting method works incredibly well; CV #302 = 75 read the
Zimo manual **before** trying it.
>
> Then there is making the loco do what you want; setting speed ranges,
acceleration, exponential acceleration, etc.
>
> Then there is matching sound to the loco speed; steam chuff rates,
synchronisation, etc..
>
>
> - Nigel
>
>
>
> --- In sprog-dcc@..., "Andrew Bluett-duncan" <andrew@> wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> > Thanks Nigel, I'll give that a go and report back. Incidentally can point me
in the right direction for tuning a chip whilst the loco is running?
> > Kind regards
> > Andrew
> >
> > --- In sprog-dcc@..., "ncliffe2001" <ncliffe@> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Andrew,
> > > Please update your JMRI to 2.14. In the year since 2.10 there has been
changes to the Zimo decoder files (and a lot of other changes)
> > >
> > > If its still problematic after an update , I'll look deeper into the
decoder file definitions.
> > >
> > >
> > > Nigel
> > >
> > > --- In sprog-dcc@..., "Andrew Bluett-duncan" <andrew@>
wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Hello,
> > > >
> > > > I'm curretnly using Decoder Pro 2.10 which works pretty well with
LokSound 3.5 and 4.0 chips. However I am now trying to set up a Zimo 646 sound
chip (which does have quite an edge incidentally, on the Loksounds in terms of
slow motor control) with my usual Sprog2 / Decoder Pro setup.
> > > > The problem is sporadic in that some of the CV settings that I change
are accepted and saved, such as the de-cceleration rate and CV1 the loco
identity no. But the accelerration rate and the motor "hertz" rate will not
change. Or to be more accurate, I can change them and apparently write them to
the loco but it changes back to the original setting straight after...very odd!
I have tried attacking this problem via the specific tabs and in the general CV
tab, but to no avail.
> > > >
> > > > Can anyone throw any light on what the problem might be?
> > > >
> > > > Kind regards
> > > > Andrew Duncan
> > > > PS I'd also like to be able to change CVs whilst running the loco
through this setup. Is that an easy thing to do bearing in mind that I am as far
from a computer programmer as you can imagine.
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Andrew,

I don't think ZTC do "programming on the main" (you could write and ask ZTC when
they will be updating their system...), so we need a work around with the Sprog.


Firstly, use the Sprog to read all the CV values in from your decoder and save
the results in JMRI.  Then, connect Sprog to layout - DISCONNECT THE ZTC
completely before doing this !!! (or can use a long test track, or a rolling
road), and change the Connection Preferences within JMRI to "Sprog Command
Station".
[ Tips for this:  Its simplest if the Sprog is turned off and then on again
between changing mode.  And if you setup DecoderPro3 to be "Sprog" and PanelPro
to be "Sprog Command Station", you get the appropriate one without having to
change preferences each time ]


The Sprog will now do programming on the main.  FIRST, turn on the track power
within JMRI.  Next select a Throttle in JMRI and confirm your loco can be
selected and driven, various functions work, etc.. ( Note that a JMRI throttle
can be changed from slider to steps via right-click on the slider, and that
speed/direction can be driven from keyboard arrow keys)
Now, open the decoder settings previously saved for the loco.

That gets it ready for Programming on the main.

Get the speed curve working to your satisfaction; start speed, middle, top, or
the 28-point curve.  Check your speed curves back with the ZTC before proceeding
as the ZTC track voltage is probably different to the Sprog and this may alter
how they drive.

Then, assuming you have JMRI 2.14 (current release), the chuff rate for Zimo can
be set with two parameters.  On the "Sound" tab, second column, the top two
elements are the chuff rate.  Set the upper one with the loco running at about
speed step 15 or 20; ie. modest pace, but you can still easily see what is
happening.  With the lower, try to set it with the loco running at speed step 1.
The values needed are hard to predict, just keep trying until it "works".
Those two should get the chuffs working well, though it usually involves a lot
of fine tuning over and over again.

There are a few other tricks on the Sound panel which may be useful.  The "blow
off time" (3 parameters) allows the loco to clear its drains before moving off.
I usually set the "threshold for deceleration" to 1 and the "duration of reduced
volume on deceleration" to 250.  That means a tiny reduction in throttle (one
step) will shut the regulator and the loco will coast for 25 seconds.  A small
increase in regulator will bring the chuff noises back up.  I find it makes the
loco sounds much more controllable by the driver.


You can also use a couple of tools for Zimo which are available from the
"Scripts" command.  These help with complex function mapping (usually for
lights) and sound PseudoProgramming (selecting which sound files are played,
which function key controls which sound, the volumes for each sound, etc..). 
With the PseudoProgrammer its possible to re-mix the sound combinations offered
on the original chip (eg. change a whistle, remove a sound), or alter the levels
of individual elements.
Its worth reading the Zimo manual alongside using the PseudoProgrammer tool;
both are quite complicated; the JMRI tool tries to remove some of the
complexity, but the tool does not know what is in the decoder, so you have to
listen to each sound, wait for the "jingles", etc...
(I've not checked these tools with Sprog, but they should work!  They work fine
with other command stations which support programming on the main).


I can't give specific guidance on coreless on LokSound chips; I don't have
anything with that combination, but you should be able to use the same approach
for Programming On Main with Sprog.     LokSound's do have similar chuff rate
paramenters to Zimo.


regards

- Nigel


--- In sprog-dcc@..., "Andrew Bluett-duncan" <andrew@...> wrote:
>
>
>
>
> Dear Nigel,
>
> I'm sorry I wasn't clear. I meant getting the chuff rate correctly set up
whilst the loco's running, but there's probably other situations as well where
this would be useful such as setting up Maxon motors with LokSound chips which
don't seem to take to coreless motors as well as Zimo.
> I think what I'm asking for is "programming on main". Not sure if the
terminology is right as I use ZTC for running my layout, which I don't think has
that facility?
>
> Andrew
> --- In sprog-dcc@..., "ncliffe2001" <ncliffe@> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Tuning in what sense ?
> >
> > There is making the motor run smoothly.  Usually Zimo's work out of the box,
though the Zimo manual has clues for the few cases where the default/automatic
sections don't work.
> > The Automatic Load Setting method works incredibly well; CV #302 = 75 read
the Zimo manual **before** trying it.
> >
> > Then there is making the loco do what you want; setting speed ranges,
acceleration, exponential acceleration, etc.
> >
> > Then there is matching sound to the loco speed; steam chuff rates,
synchronisation, etc..
> >
> >
> > - Nigel
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In sprog-dcc@..., "Andrew Bluett-duncan" <andrew@> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Thanks Nigel, I'll give that a go and report back. Incidentally can point
me in the right direction for tuning a chip whilst the loco is running?
> > > Kind regards
> > > Andrew
> > >
> > > --- In sprog-dcc@..., "ncliffe2001" <ncliffe@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Andrew,
> > > > Please update your JMRI to 2.14. In the year since 2.10 there has been
changes to the Zimo decoder files (and a lot of other changes)
> > > >
> > > > If its still problematic after an update , I'll look deeper into the
decoder file definitions.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Nigel
> > > >
> > > > --- In sprog-dcc@..., "Andrew Bluett-duncan" <andrew@>
wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Hello,
> > > > >
> > > > > I'm curretnly using Decoder Pro 2.10 which works pretty well with
LokSound 3.5 and 4.0 chips. However I am now trying to set up a Zimo 646 sound
chip (which does have quite an edge incidentally, on the Loksounds in terms of
slow motor control) with my usual Sprog2 / Decoder Pro setup.
> > > > > The problem is sporadic in that some of the CV settings that I change
are accepted and saved, such as the de-cceleration rate and CV1 the loco
identity no. But the accelerration rate and the motor "hertz" rate will not
change. Or to be more accurate, I can change them and apparently write them to
the loco but it changes back to the original setting straight after...very odd!
I have tried attacking this problem via the specific tabs and in the general CV
tab, but to no avail.
> > > > >
> > > > > Can anyone throw any light on what the problem might be?
> > > > >
> > > > > Kind regards
> > > > > Andrew Duncan
> > > > > PS I'd also like to be able to change CVs whilst running the loco
through this setup. Is that an easy thing to do bearing in mind that I am as far
from a computer programmer as you can imagine.
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Nigel's advice is spot on.

Another way, however, would be to use a rolling road (or even connect it to the
layout, BUT REMOVE ALL OTHER LOCOS FIRST!!!) with the SPROG in normal
programming mode. It's a bit fiddly as you need to do separate program - run -
program - run operations. You can't program whilst running but you can at least
test run the loco after making a change.

Andrew Crosland

--- In sprog-dcc@..., "ncliffe2001" <ncliffe@...> wrote:
>
>
> Andrew,
>
> I don't think ZTC do "programming on the main" (you could write and ask ZTC
when they will be updating their system...), so we need a work around with the
Sprog.
>
>
> Firstly, use the Sprog to read all the CV values in from your decoder and save
the results in JMRI.  Then, connect Sprog to layout - DISCONNECT THE ZTC
completely before doing this !!! (or can use a long test track, or a rolling
road), and change the Connection Preferences within JMRI to "Sprog Command
Station".
> [ Tips for this:  Its simplest if the Sprog is turned off and then on again
between changing mode.  And if you setup DecoderPro3 to be "Sprog" and PanelPro
to be "Sprog Command Station", you get the appropriate one without having to
change preferences each time ]
>
>
> The Sprog will now do programming on the main.  FIRST, turn on the track power
within JMRI.  Next select a Throttle in JMRI and confirm your loco can be
selected and driven, various functions work, etc.. ( Note that a JMRI throttle
can be changed from slider to steps via right-click on the slider, and that
speed/direction can be driven from keyboard arrow keys)
> Now, open the decoder settings previously saved for the loco.
>
> That gets it ready for Programming on the main.
>
> Get the speed curve working to your satisfaction; start speed, middle, top, or
the 28-point curve.  Check your speed curves back with the ZTC before proceeding
as the ZTC track voltage is probably different to the Sprog and this may alter
how they drive.
>
> Then, assuming you have JMRI 2.14 (current release), the chuff rate for Zimo
can be set with two parameters.  On the "Sound" tab, second column, the top two
elements are the chuff rate.  Set the upper one with the loco running at about
speed step 15 or 20; ie. modest pace, but you can still easily see what is
happening.  With the lower, try to set it with the loco running at speed step 1.
The values needed are hard to predict, just keep trying until it "works".
> Those two should get the chuffs working well, though it usually involves a lot
of fine tuning over and over again.
>
> There are a few other tricks on the Sound panel which may be useful.  The
"blow off time" (3 parameters) allows the loco to clear its drains before moving
off.
> I usually set the "threshold for deceleration" to 1 and the "duration of
reduced volume on deceleration" to 250.  That means a tiny reduction in throttle
(one step) will shut the regulator and the loco will coast for 25 seconds.  A
small increase in regulator will bring the chuff noises back up.  I find it
makes the loco sounds much more controllable by the driver.
>
>
> You can also use a couple of tools for Zimo which are available from the
"Scripts" command.  These help with complex function mapping (usually for
lights) and sound PseudoProgramming (selecting which sound files are played,
which function key controls which sound, the volumes for each sound, etc..). 
With the PseudoProgrammer its possible to re-mix the sound combinations offered
on the original chip (eg. change a whistle, remove a sound), or alter the levels
of individual elements.
> Its worth reading the Zimo manual alongside using the PseudoProgrammer tool;
both are quite complicated; the JMRI tool tries to remove some of the
complexity, but the tool does not know what is in the decoder, so you have to
listen to each sound, wait for the "jingles", etc...
> (I've not checked these tools with Sprog, but they should work!  They work
fine with other command stations which support programming on the main).
>
>
> I can't give specific guidance on coreless on LokSound chips; I don't have
anything with that combination, but you should be able to use the same approach
for Programming On Main with Sprog.     LokSound's do have similar chuff rate
paramenters to Zimo.
>
>
> regards
>
> - Nigel
>
>
> --- In sprog-dcc@..., "Andrew Bluett-duncan" <andrew@> wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Dear Nigel,
> >
> > I'm sorry I wasn't clear. I meant getting the chuff rate correctly set up
whilst the loco's running, but there's probably other situations as well where
this would be useful such as setting up Maxon motors with LokSound chips which
don't seem to take to coreless motors as well as Zimo.
> > I think what I'm asking for is "programming on main". Not sure if the
terminology is right as I use ZTC for running my layout, which I don't think has
that facility?
> >
> > Andrew
> > --- In sprog-dcc@..., "ncliffe2001" <ncliffe@> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > Tuning in what sense ?
> > >
> > > There is making the motor run smoothly.  Usually Zimo's work out of the
box, though the Zimo manual has clues for the few cases where the
default/automatic sections don't work.
> > > The Automatic Load Setting method works incredibly well; CV #302 = 75 read
the Zimo manual **before** trying it.
> > >
> > > Then there is making the loco do what you want; setting speed ranges,
acceleration, exponential acceleration, etc.
> > >
> > > Then there is matching sound to the loco speed; steam chuff rates,
synchronisation, etc..
> > >
> > >
> > > - Nigel
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In sprog-dcc@..., "Andrew Bluett-duncan" <andrew@>
wrote:
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Thanks Nigel, I'll give that a go and report back. Incidentally can
point me in the right direction for tuning a chip whilst the loco is running?
> > > > Kind regards
> > > > Andrew
> > > >
> > > > --- In sprog-dcc@..., "ncliffe2001" <ncliffe@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > Andrew,
> > > > > Please update your JMRI to 2.14. In the year since 2.10 there has been
changes to the Zimo decoder files (and a lot of other changes)
> > > > >
> > > > > If its still problematic after an update , I'll look deeper into the
decoder file definitions.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > Nigel
> > > > >
> > > > > --- In sprog-dcc@..., "Andrew Bluett-duncan" <andrew@>
wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Hello,
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I'm curretnly using Decoder Pro 2.10 which works pretty well with
LokSound 3.5 and 4.0 chips. However I am now trying to set up a Zimo 646 sound
chip (which does have quite an edge incidentally, on the Loksounds in terms of
slow motor control) with my usual Sprog2 / Decoder Pro setup.
> > > > > > The problem is sporadic in that some of the CV settings that I
change are accepted and saved, such as the de-cceleration rate and CV1 the loco
identity no. But the accelerration rate and the motor "hertz" rate will not
change. Or to be more accurate, I can change them and apparently write them to
the loco but it changes back to the original setting straight after...very odd!
I have tried attacking this problem via the specific tabs and in the general CV
tab, but to no avail.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Can anyone throw any light on what the problem might be?
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Kind regards
> > > > > > Andrew Duncan
> > > > > > PS I'd also like to be able to change CVs whilst running the loco
through this setup. Is that an easy thing to do bearing in mind that I am as far
from a computer programmer as you can imagine.
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

What Andrew says does, of course, work, but I find it is a pain in the neck to
fine-tune chuff rates on a steam loco with "program", "run", "back to program".

Much easier to do it with Operations Mode (Programming on Main) using the
approach I outlined, then the loco can tick along and you see the result, write
a slight change and the chuff will change instantly, think about the result,
change back, etc...

You can _only_ work Zimo Psuedo Programming for selecting various decoder
sounds, mixing volumes, etc. with Operations Mode (Programming on Main).




- Nigel



--- In sprog-dcc@..., "andrew_croslanduk" <andrewcrosland@...>
wrote:
>
> Nigel's advice is spot on.
>
> Another way, however, would be to use a rolling road (or even
> connect it to the layout, BUT REMOVE ALL OTHER LOCOS FIRST!!!)
> with the SPROG in normal programming mode. It's a bit
> fiddly as you need to do separate program - run - program
> - run operations. You can't program whilst running but you
> can at least test run the loco after making a change.
>
> Andrew Crosland
>
> --- In sprog-dcc@..., "ncliffe2001" <ncliffe@> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Andrew,
> >
> > I don't think ZTC do "programming on the main" (you could write and ask ZTC
when they will be updating their system...), so we need a work around with the
Sprog.
> >
> >
> > Firstly, use the Sprog to read all the CV values in from your decoder and
save the results in JMRI.  Then, connect Sprog to layout - DISCONNECT THE ZTC
completely before doing this !!! (or can use a long test track, or a rolling
road), and change the Connection Preferences within JMRI to "Sprog Command
Station".
> > [ Tips for this:  Its simplest if the Sprog is turned off and then on again
between changing mode.  And if you setup DecoderPro3 to be "Sprog" and PanelPro
to be "Sprog Command Station", you get the appropriate one without having to
change preferences each time ]
> >
> >
> > The Sprog will now do programming on the main.  FIRST, turn on the track
power within JMRI.  Next select a Throttle in JMRI and confirm your loco can be
selected and driven, various functions work, etc.. ( Note that a JMRI throttle
can be changed from slider to steps via right-click on the slider, and that
speed/direction can be driven from keyboard arrow keys)
> > Now, open the decoder settings previously saved for the loco.
> >
> > That gets it ready for Programming on the main.
> >
> > Get the speed curve working to your satisfaction; start speed, middle, top,
or the 28-point curve.  Check your speed curves back with the ZTC before
proceeding as the ZTC track voltage is probably different to the Sprog and this
may alter how they drive.
> >
> > Then, assuming you have JMRI 2.14 (current release), the chuff rate for Zimo
can be set with two parameters.  On the "Sound" tab, second column, the top two
elements are the chuff rate.  Set the upper one with the loco running at about
speed step 15 or 20; ie. modest pace, but you can still easily see what is
happening.  With the lower, try to set it with the loco running at speed step 1.
The values needed are hard to predict, just keep trying until it "works".
> > Those two should get the chuffs working well, though it usually involves a
lot of fine tuning over and over again.
> >
> > There are a few other tricks on the Sound panel which may be useful.  The
"blow off time" (3 parameters) allows the loco to clear its drains before moving
off.
> > I usually set the "threshold for deceleration" to 1 and the "duration of
reduced volume on deceleration" to 250.  That means a tiny reduction in throttle
(one step) will shut the regulator and the loco will coast for 25 seconds.  A
small increase in regulator will bring the chuff noises back up.  I find it
makes the loco sounds much more controllable by the driver.
> >
> >
> > You can also use a couple of tools for Zimo which are available from the
"Scripts" command.  These help with complex function mapping (usually for
lights) and sound PseudoProgramming (selecting which sound files are played,
which function key controls which sound, the volumes for each sound, etc..). 
With the PseudoProgrammer its possible to re-mix the sound combinations offered
on the original chip (eg. change a whistle, remove a sound), or alter the levels
of individual elements.
> > Its worth reading the Zimo manual alongside using the PseudoProgrammer tool;
both are quite complicated; the JMRI tool tries to remove some of the
complexity, but the tool does not know what is in the decoder, so you have to
listen to each sound, wait for the "jingles", etc...
> > (I've not checked these tools with Sprog, but they should work!  They work
fine with other command stations which support programming on the main).
> >
> >
> > I can't give specific guidance on coreless on LokSound chips; I don't have
anything with that combination, but you should be able to use the same approach
for Programming On Main with Sprog.     LokSound's do have similar chuff rate
paramenters to Zimo.
> >
> >
> > regards
> >
> > - Nigel
> >
> >
> > --- In sprog-dcc@..., "Andrew Bluett-duncan" <andrew@> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Dear Nigel,
> > >
> > > I'm sorry I wasn't clear. I meant getting the chuff rate correctly set up
whilst the loco's running, but there's probably other situations as well where
this would be useful such as setting up Maxon motors with LokSound chips which
don't seem to take to coreless motors as well as Zimo.
> > > I think what I'm asking for is "programming on main". Not sure if the
terminology is right as I use ZTC for running my layout, which I don't think has
that facility?
> > >
> > > Andrew
> > > --- In sprog-dcc@..., "ncliffe2001" <ncliffe@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Tuning in what sense ?
> > > >
> > > > There is making the motor run smoothly.  Usually Zimo's work out of the
box, though the Zimo manual has clues for the few cases where the
default/automatic sections don't work.
> > > > The Automatic Load Setting method works incredibly well; CV #302 = 75
read the Zimo manual **before** trying it.
> > > >
> > > > Then there is making the loco do what you want; setting speed ranges,
acceleration, exponential acceleration, etc.
> > > >
> > > > Then there is matching sound to the loco speed; steam chuff rates,
synchronisation, etc..
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > - Nigel
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- In sprog-dcc@..., "Andrew Bluett-duncan" <andrew@>
wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks Nigel, I'll give that a go and report back. Incidentally can
point me in the right direction for tuning a chip whilst the loco is running?
> > > > > Kind regards
> > > > > Andrew
> > > > >
> > > > > --- In sprog-dcc@..., "ncliffe2001" <ncliffe@> wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Andrew,
> > > > > > Please update your JMRI to 2.14. In the year since 2.10 there has
been changes to the Zimo decoder files (and a lot of other changes)
> > > > > >
> > > > > > If its still problematic after an update , I'll look deeper into the
decoder file definitions.
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Nigel
> > > > > >
> > > > > > --- In sprog-dcc@..., "Andrew Bluett-duncan" <andrew@>
wrote:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Hello,
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I'm curretnly using Decoder Pro 2.10 which works pretty well with
LokSound 3.5 and 4.0 chips. However I am now trying to set up a Zimo 646 sound
chip (which does have quite an edge incidentally, on the Loksounds in terms of
slow motor control) with my usual Sprog2 / Decoder Pro setup.
> > > > > > > The problem is sporadic in that some of the CV settings that I
change are accepted and saved, such as the de-cceleration rate and CV1 the loco
identity no. But the accelerration rate and the motor "hertz" rate will not
change. Or to be more accurate, I can change them and apparently write them to
the loco but it changes back to the original setting straight after...very odd!
I have tried attacking this problem via the specific tabs and in the general CV
tab, but to no avail.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Can anyone throw any light on what the problem might be?
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Kind regards
> > > > > > > Andrew Duncan
> > > > > > > PS I'd also like to be able to change CVs whilst running the loco
through this setup. Is that an easy thing to do bearing in mind that I am as far
from a computer programmer as you can imagine.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Hello group:

I would like to thank you for approving my membership into your group.

My name is Mike McAnally, and have been an HO scale modeler for 35+ years, and
more recently delving into On30; also, only using DCC for about 4 1/2 years.  I
do have quite a few decoder installs to my credit, as I am the installer /
programmer for my local MRR club.

I very recently decided to use JMRI's Decoder Pro, and as my DCC system does not
support it, purchased the SprogII to interface with my computer.  All is hooked
up and running well.

As I am not as computer savvy as I would like to be, I am learning to use the DP
program using my Sprog.

Again, thank you for your time and considerationvery respectfully,
Michael B. McAnally
Pahrump, NV

Using JMRI can I interface with Digitrax DS-64

--- In sprog-dcc@..., "duhannig" <duhannig@...> wrote:
>
> Using JMRI can I interface with Digitrax DS-64

Yes because the DS64 is a DCC accessory decoder.  You will probably need a power
supply into the DS64 as the Sprog only puts out 1amp. I'd expect things to work
fine if the Sprog is set to "Sprog Command Station".

But, the Sprog does not talk LocoNet, and with many Digitrax devices, the full
capabilities are only found when running through a LocoNet system.


- Nigel

Hi group, my name is Peter Rose from Kent. Thanks Andrew for inviting me to join
you all, im new to dcc and have lots to learn and hopefully will pick up some
helpfull hints and tips from you all in time,i an running a Dynamis with a 5amp
booster and would like to change to a sprog.
Is there anyone in the Kent area that could show me a practical demonstration of
the sprog.
Thanking you in advance for your help
Regards
Peter

Hi Peter,

It depends upon what part of Kent you are in, I will be at the Erith Show at the
end of the month if that is of any help.

Regards
Kevin



________________________________
  From: pjrose0134 <blooming.roses@...>
To: sprog-dcc@...
Sent: Thursday, 19 January 2012, 15:45
Subject: [sprog-dcc] new member

Hi group, my name is Peter Rose from Kent. Thanks Andrew for inviting me to join
you all, im new to dcc and have lots to learn and hopefully will pick up some
helpfull hints and tips from you all in time,i an running a Dynamis with a 5amp
booster and would like to change to a sprog.
Is there anyone in the Kent area that could show me a practical demonstration of
the sprog.
Thanking you in advance for your help
Regards
Peter



------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Kevin
Thanks for the offer I will try to get to Erith to see you,what stand will you
be on. I live on the Romney Marsh near to Folkestone.
Regards
Peter


--- In sprog-dcc@..., Kevin Dickerson <kw.dickerson@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Peter,
>
> It depends upon what part of Kent you are in, I will be at the Erith Show at
the end of the month if that is of any help.
>
> Regards
> Kevin
>
>
>
> ________________________________
>  From: pjrose0134 <blooming.roses@...>
> To: sprog-dcc@...
> Sent: Thursday, 19 January 2012, 15:45
> Subject: [sprog-dcc] new member
>
> Hi group, my name is Peter Rose from Kent. Thanks Andrew for inviting me to
join you all, im new to dcc and have lots to learn and hopefully will pick up
some helpfull hints and tips from you all in time,i an running a Dynamis with a
5amp booster and would like to change to a sprog.
> Is there anyone in the Kent area that could show me a practical demonstration
of the sprog.
> Thanking you in advance for your help
> Regards
> Peter
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

I am in Deal, although very busy at the moment! I can demonstrate the SPROG with
Decoder Pro. I used to use it for controlling my layout and programming all my
locos. Email me privately if I can be of assistance.

Andrew (B)
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

-----Original Message-----
From: "pjrose0134" <blooming.roses@...>
Sender: sprog-dcc@...
Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:50:31
To: <sprog-dcc@...>
Reply-To: sprog-dcc@...
Subject: [sprog-dcc] Re: new member

Hi Kevin
Thanks for the offer I will try to get to Erith to see you,what stand will you
be on. I live on the Romney Marsh near to Folkestone.
Regards
Peter


--- In sprog-dcc@..., Kevin Dickerson <kw.dickerson@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Peter,
>
> It depends upon what part of Kent you are in, I will be at the Erith Show at
the end of the month if that is of any help.
>
> Regards
> Kevin
>
>
>
> ________________________________
>  From: pjrose0134 <blooming.roses@...>
> To: sprog-dcc@...
> Sent: Thursday, 19 January 2012, 15:45
> Subject: [sprog-dcc] new member
>
> Hi group, my name is Peter Rose from Kent. Thanks Andrew for inviting me to
join you all, im new to dcc and have lots to learn and hopefully will pick up
some helpfull hints and tips from you all in time,i an running a Dynamis with a
5amp booster and would like to change to a sprog.
> Is there anyone in the Kent area that could show me a practical demonstration
of the sprog.
> Thanking you in advance for your help
> Regards
> Peter
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Andrew (B)
Thanks for your answer and if it wouldn't put you to to much inconvenience I
would love to come over and see you.
I have read so much about the sprog and JMIR I'm now so confused that I don
t now wether I'm coming or going.
Reading your message I get the feeling you no longer use your sprog, have
you upgraded to something better.
Perhaps you could let me know when it would be conveniant to pop over and
see you.
Thanks for your help
Regards
Peter




-------Original Message-------

From: andrew.berridge@...
Date: 19/01/2012 19:38:39
To: sprog-dcc@...
Subject: Re: [sprog-dcc] Re: new member

I am in Deal, although very busy at the moment! I can demonstrate the SPROG
with Decoder Pro. I used to use it for controlling my layout and programming
all my locos. Email me privately if I can be of assistance.

Andrew (B)
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

-----Original Message-----
From: "pjrose0134" <blooming.roses@...>
Sender: sprog-dcc@...
Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:50:31
To: <sprog-dcc@...>
Reply-To: sprog-dcc@...
Subject: [sprog-dcc] Re: new member

Hi Kevin
Thanks for the offer I will try to get to Erith to see you,what stand will
you be on. I live on the Romney Marsh near to Folkestone.
Regards
Peter


--- In sprog-dcc@..., Kevin Dickerson <kw.dickerson@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi Peter,
>
> It depends upon what part of Kent you are in, I will be at the Erith Show
at the end of the month if that is of any help.
>
> Regards
> Kevin
>
>
>
> ________________________________
>  From: pjrose0134 <blooming.roses@...>
> To: sprog-dcc@...
> Sent: Thursday, 19 January 2012, 15:45
> Subject: [sprog-dcc] new member
>
> Hi group, my name is Peter Rose from Kent. Thanks Andrew for inviting me
to join you all, im new to dcc and have lots to learn and hopefully will
pick up some helpfull hints and tips from you all in time,i an running a
Dynamis with a 5amp booster and would like to change to a sprog.
> Is there anyone in the Kent area that could show me a practical
demonstration of the sprog.
> Thanking you in advance for your help
> Regards
> Peter
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I have just ordered a SDH164D Sound Decoder and understand it is possible to
download sound files and reprogram this decoder. Can I do this via  Sprog. This
will be Steam type files.
Graham

--- In sprog-dcc@..., "graham_wass" <g.wass@...> wrote:
>
> I have just ordered a SDH164D Sound Decoder and understand
> it is possible to download sound files and reprogram this
> decoder. Can I do this via  Sprog. This will be Steam type files.

With a Sprog, you can set the CV values in the decoder to control how it plays
things.

But, to load new sound files to Digitrax decoders requires a Digitrax hardware
device - PR3 (or the old PR2).
This is the same as any other sound chip maker with end-user loading of sounds;
you can configure the loaded sounds with CV changes, but loading new sounds
requires maker-specific hardware.  ESU requires ESU LokProgrammer, Zimo requires
ZIMO MXDECUP (or other Zimo hardware options), CT requires CT programmer, etc..


For what its worth, Digitrax sound chips are decidely "budget" and not a patch
on ESU or Zimo (or Tsunami for US sounds) in sound quality, control of sound,
etc.. Some find the budget options are OK, but I don't; I don't like steam
sounds which chuff to a stop !


- Nigel

--- In sprog-dcc@..., "ncliffe2001" <ncliffe@...> wrote:
>
>
>
> --- In sprog-dcc@..., "graham_wass" <g.wass@> wrote:
> >
> > I have just ordered a SDH164D Sound Decoder and understand
> > it is possible to download sound files and reprogram this
> > decoder. Can I do this via  Sprog. This will be Steam type files.
>
> With a Sprog, you can set the CV values in the decoder to control how it plays
things.
>
> But, to load new sound files to Digitrax decoders requires a Digitrax hardware
device - PR3 (or the old PR2).
> This is the same as any other sound chip maker with end-user loading of
sounds; you can configure the loaded sounds with CV changes, but loading new
sounds requires maker-specific hardware.  ESU requires ESU LokProgrammer, Zimo
requires ZIMO MXDECUP (or other Zimo hardware options), CT requires CT
programmer, etc..
>
>
> For what its worth, Digitrax sound chips are decidely "budget" and not a patch
on ESU or Zimo (or Tsunami for US sounds) in sound quality, control of sound,
etc.. Some find the budget options are OK, but I don't; I don't like steam
sounds which chuff to a stop !
>
>
> - Nigel
>

   Hi Nigel
   Thanks for the valuable info. I am fairly new to this hobby and having to
learn fast.. I know it is a budget decoder and the sounds may be a bit off but I
am on a very limited budget so any sound is prefrable to none at all.
    Graham

not that I know of.  You need a PR3 or earlier Digitrax programmer.

--- In sprog-dcc@..., "graham_wass" <g.wass@...> wrote:
>
> I have just ordered a SDH164D Sound Decoder and understand it is possible to
download sound files and reprogram this decoder. Can I do this via  Sprog. This
will be Steam type files.
> Graham
>

Hi Graham,

      You have my sympathies.  You are about to
find what a piece of garbage the Digitrash
decoders are.  Their manuals are even worse.  You
will need to download a generic decode manual from
their website to even start to make sense of their
of mindset.

      The Sprog will not load the sound files.  It
requires a Digitrash item and a long learning
curve.  If you survive this, you may be able to
correct some of problems with this decoder.  It
appears they just did a copy and paste with the
firmware.  Lighting functions are overlaid with
the sound functions and cannot be remapped enough
to be useful.

      The Sprog is an excellent device for
programming.  Unfortunately, it cannot correct the
shortcomings of the decoder.

Michael

On 1/27/2012 11:27 AM, graham_wass wrote:
> I have just ordered a SDH164D Sound Decoder and understand it is possible to
download sound files and reprogram this decoder. Can I do this via  Sprog. This
will be Steam type files.
> Graham
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

--- In sprog-dcc@..., Michael Watnoski <freestatesystems1@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi Graham,
>
>      You have my sympathies.  You are about to
> find what a piece of garbage the Digitrash
> decoders are.  Their manuals are even worse.  You
> will need to download a generic decode manual from
> their website to even start to make sense of their
> of mindset.
>
>      The Sprog will not load the sound files.  It
> requires a Digitrash item and a long learning
> curve.  If you survive this, you may be able to
> correct some of problems with this decoder.  It
> appears they just did a copy and paste with the
> firmware.  Lighting functions are overlaid with
> the sound functions and cannot be remapped enough
> to be useful.
>
>      The Sprog is an excellent device for
> programming.  Unfortunately, it cannot correct the
> shortcomings of the decoder.
>
> Michael
>
> On 1/27/2012 11:27 AM, graham_wass wrote:
> > I have just ordered a SDH164D Sound Decoder and understand it is possible to
download sound files and reprogram this decoder. Can I do this via  Sprog. This
will be Steam type files.
> > Graham
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> > Hi Michael. Sounds like the voice of experience. Bit of a learning curve for
me.  I will try it and see what sounds eminate from it. I seem to be the
origional Beetamax man. Started off with all Bachmann split chassis locos. They
went smartish. Now mainly Hornby. But the sound decoder that I would dearly like
seems to be 3 times the price. When all my locos I have converted to DCC I am
left with replacing the lot with sound decoders and losing pounds on decoders
fitted. Was origionally looking for a sound only decoder but can not find any.
Pressume if I did they would be just has bad. What a mine field
Graham
> >
>

Hi Graham,

	 Good luck.  I used mine in a F3 AB set.  I still get a coupler clank when I
turn on the markers.  Be warned that some of the functions require a 1 rather
than zero as a minimum setting.  Zero sets the function to max, same as 255.  Go
figure.

Michael



On 1/28/2012 1:14 PM, graham_wass wrote:
>
> --- In sprog-dcc@..., Michael Watnoski<freestatesystems1@...> 
wrote:
>> Hi Graham,
>>
>>       You have my sympathies.  You are about to
>> find what a piece of garbage the Digitrash
>> decoders are.  Their manuals are even worse.  You
>> will need to download a generic decode manual from
>> their website to even start to make sense of their
>> of mindset.
>>
>>       The Sprog will not load the sound files.  It
>> requires a Digitrash item and a long learning
>> curve.  If you survive this, you may be able to
>> correct some of problems with this decoder.  It
>> appears they just did a copy and paste with the
>> firmware.  Lighting functions are overlaid with
>> the sound functions and cannot be remapped enough
>> to be useful.
>>
>>       The Sprog is an excellent device for
>> programming.  Unfortunately, it cannot correct the
>> shortcomings of the decoder.
>>
>> Michael
>>
>> On 1/27/2012 11:27 AM, graham_wass wrote:
>>> I have just ordered a SDH164D Sound Decoder and understand it is possible to
download sound files and reprogram this decoder. Can I do this via  Sprog. This
will be Steam type files.
>>> Graham
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ------------------------------------
>>>
>>> Yahoo! Groups Links
>>>
>>>
>>> Hi Michael. Sounds like the voice of experience. Bit of a learning curve for
me.  I will try it and see what sounds eminate from it. I seem to be the
origional Beetamax man. Started off with all Bachmann split chassis locos. They
went smartish. Now mainly Hornby. But the sound decoder that I would dearly like
seems to be 3 times the price. When all my locos I have converted to DCC I am
left with replacing the lot with sound decoders and losing pounds on decoders
fitted. Was origionally looking for a sound only decoder but can not find any.
Pressume if I did they would be just has bad. What a mine field
> Graham
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

--- In sprog-dcc@..., Michael Watnoski <freestatesystems1@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi Graham,
>
>  Good luck.  I used mine in a F3 AB set.  I still get a coupler clank when I
turn on the markers.  Be warned that some of the functions require a 1 rather
than zero as a minimum setting.  Zero sets the function to max, same as 255.  Go
figure.
>
> Michael
>
>
>
> On 1/28/2012 1:14 PM, graham_wass wrote:
> >
> > --- In sprog-dcc@..., Michael Watnoski<freestatesystems1@> 
wrote:
> >> Hi Graham,
> >>
> >>       You have my sympathies.  You are about to
> >> find what a piece of garbage the Digitrash
> >> decoders are.  Their manuals are even worse.  You
> >> will need to download a generic decode manual from
> >> their website to even start to make sense of their
> >> of mindset.
> >>
> >>       The Sprog will not load the sound files.  It
> >> requires a Digitrash item and a long learning
> >> curve.  If you survive this, you may be able to
> >> correct some of problems with this decoder.  It
> >> appears they just did a copy and paste with the
> >> firmware.  Lighting functions are overlaid with
> >> the sound functions and cannot be remapped enough
> >> to be useful.
> >>
> >>       The Sprog is an excellent device for
> >> programming.  Unfortunately, it cannot correct the
> >> shortcomings of the decoder.
> >>
> >> Michael
> >>
> >> On 1/27/2012 11:27 AM, graham_wass wrote:
> >>> I have just ordered a SDH164D Sound Decoder and understand it is possible
to download sound files and reprogram this decoder. Can I do this via  Sprog.
This will be Steam type files.
> >>> Graham
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> ------------------------------------
> >>>
> >>> Yahoo! Groups Links
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Hi Michael. Sounds like the voice of experience. Bit of a learning curve
for me.  I will try it and see what sounds eminate from it. I seem to be the
origional Beetamax man. Started off with all Bachmann split chassis locos. They
went smartish. Now mainly Hornby. But the sound decoder that I would dearly like
seems to be 3 times the price. When all my locos I have converted to DCC I am
left with replacing the lot with sound decoders and losing pounds on decoders
fitted. Was origionally looking for a sound only decoder but can not find any.
Pressume if I did they would be just has bad. What a mine field
> > Graham
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> > Well. My decoder arrived and I set about fitting it to my Hornby Castle
class DCC ready loco. Bit of a tight squeeze and had to fit the speakere in the
tender. I had to constuct a sound box for that as well. It works. Its very loud
so had to turn it down. I think the sound files have been upgraded by all
acounts. They are not as bad as I thought they would be and quite adjustable.
For £40 I am not complaing and if I buy the programer I can upload British sound
files. Would like to hear a top quality sound decoder to compare it with
Graham
> >
> >
>

--- In sprog-dcc@..., "graham_wass" <g.wass@...> wrote:
>
>
>
> --- In sprog-dcc@..., Michael Watnoski <freestatesystems1@>
wrote:
> >
> > Hi Graham,
> >
> >  Good luck.  I used mine in a F3 AB set.  I still get a coupler clank when I
turn on the markers.  Be warned that some of the functions require a 1 rather
than zero as a minimum setting.  Zero sets the function to max, same as 255.  Go
figure.
> >
> > Michael
> >
> >
> >
> > On 1/28/2012 1:14 PM, graham_wass wrote:
> > >
> > > --- In sprog-dcc@..., Michael Watnoski<freestatesystems1@> 
wrote:
> > >> Hi Graham,
> > >>
> > >>       You have my sympathies.  You are about to
> > >> find what a piece of garbage the Digitrash
> > >> decoders are.  Their manuals are even worse.  You
> > >> will need to download a generic decode manual from
> > >> their website to even start to make sense of their
> > >> of mindset.
> > >>
> > >>       The Sprog will not load the sound files.  It
> > >> requires a Digitrash item and a long learning
> > >> curve.  If you survive this, you may be able to
> > >> correct some of problems with this decoder.  It
> > >> appears they just did a copy and paste with the
> > >> firmware.  Lighting functions are overlaid with
> > >> the sound functions and cannot be remapped enough
> > >> to be useful.
> > >>
> > >>       The Sprog is an excellent device for
> > >> programming.  Unfortunately, it cannot correct the
> > >> shortcomings of the decoder.
> > >>
> > >> Michael
> > >>
> > >> On 1/27/2012 11:27 AM, graham_wass wrote:
> > >>> I have just ordered a SDH164D Sound Decoder and understand it is
possible to download sound files and reprogram this decoder. Can I do this via 
Sprog. This will be Steam type files.
> > >>> Graham
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> ------------------------------------
> > >>>
> > >>> Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Hi Michael. Sounds like the voice of experience. Bit of a learning curve
for me.  I will try it and see what sounds eminate from it. I seem to be the
origional Beetamax man. Started off with all Bachmann split chassis locos. They
went smartish. Now mainly Hornby. But the sound decoder that I would dearly like
seems to be 3 times the price. When all my locos I have converted to DCC I am
left with replacing the lot with sound decoders and losing pounds on decoders
fitted. Was origionally looking for a sound only decoder but can not find any.
Pressume if I did they would be just has bad. What a mine field
> > > Graham
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ------------------------------------
> > >
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > > Well. My decoder arrived and I set about fitting it to my Hornby Castle
class DCC ready loco. Bit of a tight squeeze and had to fit the speakere in the
tender. I had to constuct a sound box for that as well. It works. Its very loud
so had to turn it down. I think the sound files have been upgraded by all
acounts. They are not as bad as I thought they would be and quite adjustable.
For £40 I am not complaing and if I buy the programer I can upload British sound
files. Would like to hear a top quality sound decoder to compare it with
> Graham
> > >
> > >
> >
>
As an update to my fitting this decoder.  The sound was rather weak untill i
made a baffle for it in the tender, Then it was far to loud and I had to turn it
down. The chuff rate was far to high but by altering the drive wheel size in the
CV settings it now matches pretty well. Smooth running took a bit of fidling
with the figures but now OK . The sounds may not be brilliant but more than
acceptable.
If you download the sound files they are very realistic. I have yet to do that.
Need PR3 first. Bottom line, for £40 I have a sound loco that I am satisfied
with,  I can equip 3 locos for the same price as one expensive decoder
Graham