--- In sprog-dcc@..., "andrew_croslanduk"
<andrewcrosland@...> wrote:
>
> Thanks, Keith, and others who've responded off list.
>
> Andrew
>
> --- In sprog-dcc@..., "Keith Woodbridge"
> <keithrwoodbridge@> wrote:
> >
> > --- In sprog-dcc@..., "andrew_croslanduk"
> > <andrewcrosland@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Trying to figure out Tim Hale's problems:
> > >
> > > Does anyone know if the NCE tester really allows you to program
> > > decoders without a motor load attached? It seems to have a
light
> bulb
> > > built in which may be intended to replace the motor.
> > >
> > > Anyone successfully used one with a SPROG?
> > >
> > > Andrew Crosland
> > >
> > Hi Andrew,
> >
> > I have used the NCE decoder tester with a PowerCab - I would
assume
> > that it would work just as well with the Sprog. The tester
includes
> a
> > light bulb as a dummy motor load and it does work. You can also
> connect
> > a motor and run it if you wish. It also allows testing of a
number
> of
> > functions which light up LEDs on the tester.
> >
> > Keith
> >
>
Hi All,
Since my last post, Ive now done some programming of a decoder using
the Sprog in conjunction with an NCE decoder tester. It all seems to
work fine, just as if the decoder were installed in a loco.

Regards,
Keith

Switch mode power supplies do provide a smooth output. They are a
direct replacement for the traditional transformer/rectifier/resevoir
caps.

Andrew

--- In sprog-dcc@..., "acoomber_2000"
<acoomber_2000@...> wrote:
>
> I am very surprised that you are recommending a switching power
> supply for use on DCC.
> Most experts recommend a fully smoothed supply.
> Does not the switching spikes interfere with the signals?
>
> Allan
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In sprog-dcc@..., "andrew_croslanduk"
> <andrewcrosland@> wrote:
> >
> > I don't bother with extra fusing. The wall warts we sell are
> limited
> > to 1A. SPROG will not allow you to utilise the full current of a
> > laptop supply and will shut off the track if it detects an
overload.
> >
> > Andrew
> >
> > --- In sprog-dcc@..., joseph o keeffe <socaoimh@>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Ok Andrew thats good I have a spare 12v laptop psu.I measured
> > voltage.Should I put a fuse inline to sprog.If so what amps.
> >
>
> > Joe.
> > >
> > >
> > > andrew_croslanduk <andrewcrosland@> wrote:
> > >           Definitely! That's exactly what I do, but make sure
it
> > isn't more than
> > > 15V. Some laptop supplies are higher than this.
> > >
> > > The power supplies we sell in the UK are switch mode wall warts.
> > >
> > > Andrew
> > >
> > > --- In sprog-dcc@..., "socaoimh" <socaoimh@>
wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Andrew ,
> > > > is it ok to use a switched mode 12 v psu to power sprog
> > > say
> > > > a laptop power supply.
> > > > Thanks Joe.
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ---------------------------------
> > > Sent from Yahoo! Mail.
> > > A Smarter Inbox.
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> >
>

Tim,

Can you give me the model number of the Roco BR64 loco you are
struggling with?

I'm a little confused as the ones on the Roco website seem to be AC
locos (for the Maerklin system?) or DC.

Is there a true DCC version, or have you fitted a decoder to the DC
version?

Andrew


--- In sprog-dcc@..., "timhaledorset" <reichsbahn@...>
wrote:
>
>
> http://www.rmweb.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=20180
>
> BTW my rig has a motor as a load and I still have problems with
> Bachmann/Roco decoders.
>
> Surely the SPROG2 should be able to recognise two of the most
commonly
> used decoders fitted to RTR locomotives? I looked at the list of
> decoders on my system and there are types that I never encountered
but
> not a mention of Roco or the later Bachmann types.
>
>
>
> --- In sprog-dcc@..., "andrew_croslanduk"
> <andrewcrosland@> wrote:
> >
> > Trying to figure out Tim Hale's problems:
> >
> > Does anyone know if the NCE tester really allows you to program
> > decoders without a motor load attached? It seems to have a light
bulb
> > built in which may be intended to replace the motor.
> >
> > Anyone successfully used one with a SPROG?
> >
> > Andrew Crosland
> >
>

--- In sprog-dcc@..., "andrew_croslanduk"
<andrewcrosland@...> wrote:
>
> Tim,
>
> Can you give me the model number of the Roco BR64 loco you are
> struggling with?
>
> I'm a little confused as the ones on the Roco website seem to be AC
> locos (for the Maerklin system?) or DC.
>
> Is there a true DCC version, or have you fitted a decoder to the DC
> version?
>
> Andrew
>
>
> --- In sprog-dcc@..., "timhaledorset" <reichsbahn@>
> wrote:
> >
It is a dealer special set which is pre-chipped with a decoder common
to Bachmann.




> >
> > http://www.rmweb.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=20180
> >
> > BTW my rig has a motor as a load and I still have problems with
> > Bachmann/Roco decoders.
> >
> > Surely the SPROG2 should be able to recognise two of the most
> commonly
> > used decoders fitted to RTR locomotives? I looked at the list of
> > decoders on my system and there are types that I never encountered
> but
> > not a mention of Roco or the later Bachmann types.
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In sprog-dcc@..., "andrew_croslanduk"
> > <andrewcrosland@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Trying to figure out Tim Hale's problems:
> > >
> > > Does anyone know if the NCE tester really allows you to program
> > > decoders without a motor load attached? It seems to have a light
> bulb
> > > built in which may be intended to replace the motor.
> > >
> > > Anyone successfully used one with a SPROG?
> > >
> > > Andrew Crosland
> > >
> >
>

I use a Digitrax Empire Builder DB150 and all my decoders are from Digitrax as
well.  I purchased a Sprog II unit a few years ago to set up on my stand-alone
PC in my train room to program the decoders. It runs Windows XP.  That computer
is NOT connected to the layout or the Digitrax system.

   Lately I have been experiencing some unusual behavior from the Decoder Pro
software. With a loco on the programming track and when I get to the
“Service-mode Programmer Set-up”, I cannot use either of the “Indent” function
buttons. I get an error message: “No locomotive detected”. I can still select a
loco from the pull-down roster and then access it from the “Open Programmer”
button. But when a friend of mine came over last week, we could not find out
what Digitrax decoder was in his loco; we had to dismantle it first. And also
with one specific loco, an Atlas RS3 with a DH121 installed, I cannot adjust any
of the speed variables. Sounds to me like something is deteriorating with time
or usage.

   Any thoughts or comments would be very appreciated.  Perhaps I should state
that I can use a computer but I really don’t feel comfortable doing things to a
computer.

   Thanks in advance.

   Gerry


---------------------------------
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the Web BETA

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

Hi Gerry



I am in the UK but maybe my thoughts will help a bit.



It might be your Sprog needs its firmware updating. I have recently had mine
updated to 2.4. This would make sure you have covered that base.



Excellent customer service by Andrew.



Although I to still have an issue with getting Decoder Pro to read a certain
chip type.



If I do a Read type from decoder it fails saying "Stopping due to error: no
locomotive detected".



If I Indent the decoder it finds it and says P2k GP7 wo/Mars.



Yours might be a different problem of course. When you opened the loco up
did you have the correct template for that decoder in your drop down list?



If you think about it the error "No Locomotive Detected" is not necessarily
it could not find the Locomotive on the test track, just not the decoder
type within the model.



What version Decoder Pro and Java are you using?



Chris





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

Gerry,

Have you tried giving the programming track, wheels, etc. a good
clean?

Andrew Crosland

--- In sprog-dcc@..., Gerry LeJeune <gerry.lejeune@...>
wrote:
>
> I use a Digitrax Empire Builder DB150 and all my decoders are from
Digitrax as well.  I purchased a Sprog II unit a few years ago to set
up on my stand-alone PC in my train room to program the decoders. It
runs Windows XP.  That computer is NOT connected to the layout or the
Digitrax system.
>
>   Lately I have been experiencing some unusual behavior from the
Decoder Pro software. With a loco on the programming track and when I
get to the "Service-mode Programmer Set-up", I cannot use either of
the "Indent" function buttons. I get an error message: "No locomotive
detected". I can still select a loco from the pull-down roster and
then access it from the "Open Programmer" button. But when a friend
of mine came over last week, we could not find out what Digitrax
decoder was in his loco; we had to dismantle it first. And also with
one specific loco, an Atlas RS3 with a DH121 installed, I cannot
adjust any of the speed variables. Sounds to me like something is
deteriorating with time or usage.
>
>   Any thoughts or comments would be very appreciated.  Perhaps I
should state that I can use a computer but I really don't feel
comfortable doing things to a computer.
>
>   Thanks in advance.
>
>   Gerry
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Instant message from any web browser! Try the new  Yahoo! Canada
Messenger for the Web BETA
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Andrew,

   Yes, that was one of the 1st things I thought of.  But if I select any loco
from the roster and then change, say the address, it works.  So it can't be a
dirt issue.  Very frustrating!

   Gerry

andrew_croslanduk <andrewcrosland@...> wrote:
           Gerry,

Have you tried giving the programming track, wheels, etc. a good
clean?

Andrew Crosland

--- In sprog-dcc@..., Gerry LeJeune <gerry.lejeune@...>
wrote:
>
> I use a Digitrax Empire Builder DB150 and all my decoders are from
Digitrax as well. I purchased a Sprog II unit a few years ago to set
up on my stand-alone PC in my train room to program the decoders. It
runs Windows XP. That computer is NOT connected to the layout or the
Digitrax system.
>
> Lately I have been experiencing some unusual behavior from the
Decoder Pro software. With a loco on the programming track and when I
get to the "Service-mode Programmer Set-up", I cannot use either of
the "Indent" function buttons. I get an error message: "No locomotive
detected". I can still select a loco from the pull-down roster and
then access it from the "Open Programmer" button. But when a friend
of mine came over last week, we could not find out what Digitrax
decoder was in his loco; we had to dismantle it first. And also with
one specific loco, an Atlas RS3 with a DH121 installed, I cannot
adjust any of the speed variables. Sounds to me like something is
deteriorating with time or usage.
>
> Any thoughts or comments would be very appreciated. Perhaps I
should state that I can use a computer but I really don't feel
comfortable doing things to a computer.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Gerry
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Instant message from any web browser! Try the new Yahoo! Canada
Messenger for the Web BETA
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>






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

Hi Chris,

   Thanks for getting back to me.

   Let me first repeat something I said in my original request for help.  I can
use a computer but I am very uncomfortable doings things to a computer.

   Having said that, I booted up the computer in my train room, which is not
connected to either the layout or the internet, and checked the JAVA folder.  It
refers to what I believe to be version 1.4.2_05 and the JMRI refers to a date of
Feb 7/06 but I cannot find a version number.  All of this came on the CD along
with the Sprog II that I ordered for the UK, and having absolutely no idea what
I was doing, it took me about 3 weeks to get it going.  So it is possible
something did not install properly.  And if I need to download any new files,
I'll have to do it on this computer, transfer the files to a disk, and then copy
the files to the dedicated train computer.  Does that procedure work?

   Among the decoders it can't find is the Digitrax DH121, as basic as it gets.

   Andrew had asked if dirty wheels or programming track might be the problem.  I
replied to him saying I had thought of that, and did clean them, but when I
choose a loco from the roster, I can change any CV and the change is accepted. 
But there is still that 1 RS3 that does not respond to anything.  So if these
changes are accepted, then there ought to be a good connection between rail and
wheels.

   I'm starting to pull out what little hair I have left!

   Gerry



Chris Marrable <borg2657-1@...> wrote:
           Hi Gerry

I am in the UK but maybe my thoughts will help a bit.

It might be your Sprog needs its firmware updating. I have recently had mine
updated to 2.4. This would make sure you have covered that base.

Excellent customer service by Andrew.

Although I to still have an issue with getting Decoder Pro to read a certain
chip type.

If I do a Read type from decoder it fails saying "Stopping due to error: no
locomotive detected".

If I Indent the decoder it finds it and says P2k GP7 wo/Mars.

Yours might be a different problem of course. When you opened the loco up
did you have the correct template for that decoder in your drop down list?

If you think about it the error "No Locomotive Detected" is not necessarily
it could not find the Locomotive on the test track, just not the decoder
type within the model.

What version Decoder Pro and Java are you using?

Chris

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






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

Hi Gerry

If you fire up DP (DecoderPro) it tells you what version you are running
both of DP and Java on the opening DP screen. This is not the black Dos type
window but the one with the JMRI engine and little man on. The one you click
to go to Service Mode.

Mine at present is DP2.0 and Java 1.6.0_05

As for grey hair that's about all I have left and not a lot of it these days
LOL.

You can download to any computer, then copy to a memory stick or a cd and
install from there. It might help if you note down your JMRI connection
preferences. Also worth backing up your loco files.

What version of windows do you use?

This might all be down to an old installation of DP and lack of the decoder
templates of the loco you are trying to access. I had the same issue with a
loco not being found because there was no file on my system for the decoder
I had in a loco. Upgrading to a newer version of DP and it all worked :-)

Chris

Gerry,

with a version of Decoderpro from a couple of years ago, there have
been several changes that might help clear this up with a new version.

The usual reasons to get a "no loco detected" response are:
1, as Andrew suggested, dirty track, and or a poor connection in the
wiring somewhere. Strangely enough, this can cause you to be unable to
Ident, but still able to read settings, as the Ident process may fail
erratically as it tries several different read steps, but looking at
one CV repeast  the same read. Sounds silly but it happens!
2, the process is trying the wrong "mode" of read. Decoderpro enables
you to select Paged Mode, Direct Byte, mode, etc. and some decoders do
not respond to all modes. If Decoderpro is trying to read in the wrong
mode, it will not detect the loco. Here the work-around is to select a
different mode and the try again.
Old versions of DecoderPro got this wrong more often than newer
versions do, and different vendor decoders all exhibit different behavior.
3, no decoder definition exists to match the decoder that you have,
but usually here you see a different message "read mfg 999 but no such
manufacturer exists" or something like this.

So I strongly suggest that you download DecoderPro version 2.0 and try
again.
Your Java 1.4.2 will be fine with JMRI 2.0

Hopefully you will get it going; please let us know how you get on,

Bill


--- In sprog-dcc@..., "Chris Marrable" <borg2657-1@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi Gerry
>
> If you fire up DP (DecoderPro) it tells you what version you are running
> both of DP and Java on the opening DP screen. This is not the black
Dos type
> window but the one with the JMRI engine and little man on. The one
you click
> to go to Service Mode.
>
> Mine at present is DP2.0 and Java 1.6.0_05
>
> As for grey hair that's about all I have left and not a lot of it
these days
> LOL.
>
> You can download to any computer, then copy to a memory stick or a
cd and
> install from there. It might help if you note down your JMRI connection
> preferences. Also worth backing up your loco files.
>
> What version of windows do you use?
>
> This might all be down to an old installation of DP and lack of the
decoder
> templates of the loco you are trying to access. I had the same issue
with a
> loco not being found because there was no file on my system for the
decoder
> I had in a loco. Upgrading to a newer version of DP and it all
worked :-)
>
> Chris
>

Hi Bill

Interesting with my Sprog II I only get the choice of Paged Mode or Direct
Mode. The other 3 Direct Byte, Register Mode & Address Mode are greyed out.

I tried both of the modes I could with the same results. Indent works ok but
choosing Read type from Decoder did not.

Chris

Chris,

   I use Windows XP.

   I see DecoderPro 1.6 and Java 1.4.2_05 so I guess a newer version of
DecoderPro would certainly help.  Do I need to delete JMRI in my "Program Files"
before I copy over?  And am I copying or installing?  And are you saying I
should copy the /JMRI/Roster files to somewhere else before I copy or install
the newer version?  If so can I then copy the old roster files into the new
folder?

   And can you tell I'm not comfortable around computers?

   Looking through older communications I see references to PanelPro, signals,
etc.  Are these used when the computer is connected to the Digitrax system?  I
don't do that so if this is what they are all about, then I don't need to worry
about them.

   Bill Chown had responded suggesting dirty track or poor connections.  I
cleaned the track again and checked all the wiring and saw nothing.  Problem
persists.

   Are we having fun yet?

   I REALLY appreciate all this help.

   Gerry

Chris Marrable <borg2657-1@...> wrote:
           Hi Gerry

If you fire up DP (DecoderPro) it tells you what version you are running
both of DP and Java on the opening DP screen. This is not the black Dos type
window but the one with the JMRI engine and little man on. The one you click
to go to Service Mode.

Mine at present is DP2.0 and Java 1.6.0_05

As for grey hair that's about all I have left and not a lot of it these days
LOL.

You can download to any computer, then copy to a memory stick or a cd and
install from there. It might help if you note down your JMRI connection
preferences. Also worth backing up your loco files.

What version of windows do you use?

This might all be down to an old installation of DP and lack of the decoder
templates of the loco you are trying to access. I had the same issue with a
loco not being found because there was no file on my system for the decoder
I had in a loco. Upgrading to a newer version of DP and it all worked :-)

Chris






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

Hi Gerry

Yes well worth upgrading to version 2.0.

I just install over the top of the old version.

Not sure if that is the best way. You can deinstall but then you need to
copy your files to safety just in case.

Yes just copy the roster files from

C:\Documents and Settings\***\JMRI\roster

What ever your *** is then you can if you need to copy them back

I am not sure about any other functions that Decoder Pro can do, other than
play with DCC locos.

Fun! Fun! Oh yes that thing which is supposed to make playing trains
relaxing LOL yes we are having fun really he he



Nite from the UK it is 01:15 now zzzzzzzzz

Chris







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

--- In sprog-dcc@..., "Bill Chown" <orrrbrit2004@...>
> The usual reasons to get a "no loco detected" response are:
> 1, as Andrew suggested, dirty track, and or a poor connection in the
> wiring somewhere. Strangely enough, this can cause you to be unable
to
> Ident, but still able to read settings, as the Ident process may
fail
> erratically as it tries several different read steps, but looking at
> one CV repeast  the same read. Sounds silly but it happens!

That's a good point. If a read or a CV fails, DP will try three times
before marking the CV red on the screen. I'm not sure if the read to
ident a loco is retried. But retrying it manually shoul eventually
work.

> 2, the process is trying the wrong "mode" of read. Decoderpro
enables
> you to select Paged Mode, Direct Byte, mode, etc. and some decoders
do
> not respond to all modes. If Decoderpro is trying to read in the
wrong
> mode, it will not detect the loco. Here the work-around is to
select a
> different mode and the try again.

Another good popint. Some old SPROGs have an issue reading Digitrax
decoders in direct mode.

Before trying the ident, click the "set" button at the bottom of the
window and change the mode.

Now let's try and find which SPROG version you have:
In the main DP window (the one Chris mentioned that gives the version
info) select "command monitor" and then "send command" from the SPROG
menu. In the "send command" enter a ? and then press the send button.
What reply do you get in the command monitor?

Andrew

To Andrew, Chris Marrable and Bill Chown,

   SUCCESS!

   Per Andrew's suggestion I hit the SET button and changed from DIRECT BIT to
PAGED MODE and it runs!  I can find decoders when I indent.  I can change the
speed settings on a loco that was stuck in 10th gear.  See, I said I wasn't too
good with computers.

   Thanks to all of you.

   Andrew, to answer your other question, I have Sprog II USB vers1.4a when I go
through that SEND command.  And at Chris's suggestion I'll download version 2.0
of DecoderPro to this computer and then copy it into the JMRI folder in "Program
Files" on my train computer so that I can find some of the newer decoders.

   On another topic, what is PanelPro that I see discussed in other e-mails?  Is
that related to connecting the PC directly to the Digitrax box?  As I said, my
computer is completely isolated from everything but the wall socket.

   Thanks again.  Don't take this personally, but I hope I don't need to log back
on for more help.

   (a much happier) Gerry

andrew_croslanduk <andrewcrosland@...> wrote:
           --- In sprog-dcc@..., "Bill Chown" <orrrbrit2004@...>
> The usual reasons to get a "no loco detected" response are:
> 1, as Andrew suggested, dirty track, and or a poor connection in the
> wiring somewhere. Strangely enough, this can cause you to be unable
to
> Ident, but still able to read settings, as the Ident process may
fail
> erratically as it tries several different read steps, but looking at
> one CV repeast the same read. Sounds silly but it happens!

That's a good point. If a read or a CV fails, DP will try three times
before marking the CV red on the screen. I'm not sure if the read to
ident a loco is retried. But retrying it manually shoul eventually
work.

> 2, the process is trying the wrong "mode" of read. Decoderpro
enables
> you to select Paged Mode, Direct Byte, mode, etc. and some decoders
do
> not respond to all modes. If Decoderpro is trying to read in the
wrong
> mode, it will not detect the loco. Here the work-around is to
select a
> different mode and the try again.

Another good popint. Some old SPROGs have an issue reading Digitrax
decoders in direct mode.

Before trying the ident, click the "set" button at the bottom of the
window and change the mode.

Now let's try and find which SPROG version you have:
In the main DP window (the one Chris mentioned that gives the version
info) select "command monitor" and then "send command" from the SPROG
menu. In the "send command" enter a ? and then press the send button.
What reply do you get in the command monitor?

Andrew






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

That's good news. If you ever want to use Soundtraxx or QSI decoders
you'll need a firmware upgrade for the SPROG but it should be OK for
other decoders.

PanelPro is a tool for making a computer control panel for
controlling turnouts. There's a very brief introduction in the new
SPROG User Guide at http://www.sprog-dcc.co.uk/download.html

Andrew

--- In sprog-dcc@..., Gerry LeJeune <gerry.lejeune@...>
wrote:
>
> To Andrew, Chris Marrable and Bill Chown,
>
>   SUCCESS!
>
>   Per Andrew's suggestion I hit the SET button and changed from
DIRECT BIT to PAGED MODE and it runs!  I can find decoders when I
indent.  I can change the speed settings on a loco that was stuck in
10th gear.  See, I said I wasn't too good with computers.
>
>   Thanks to all of you.
>
>   Andrew, to answer your other question, I have Sprog II USB
vers1.4a when I go through that SEND command.  And at Chris's
suggestion I'll download version 2.0 of DecoderPro to this computer
and then copy it into the JMRI folder in "Program Files" on my train
computer so that I can find some of the newer decoders.
>
>   On another topic, what is PanelPro that I see discussed in other
e-mails?  Is that related to connecting the PC directly to the
Digitrax box?  As I said, my computer is completely isolated from
everything but the wall socket.
>
>   Thanks again.  Don't take this personally, but I hope I don't
need to log back on for more help.
>
>   (a much happier) Gerry
>
> andrew_croslanduk <andrewcrosland@...> wrote:
>           --- In sprog-dcc@..., "Bill Chown"
<orrrbrit2004@>
> > The usual reasons to get a "no loco detected" response are:
> > 1, as Andrew suggested, dirty track, and or a poor connection in
the
> > wiring somewhere. Strangely enough, this can cause you to be
unable
> to
> > Ident, but still able to read settings, as the Ident process may
> fail
> > erratically as it tries several different read steps, but looking
at
> > one CV repeast the same read. Sounds silly but it happens!
>
> That's a good point. If a read or a CV fails, DP will try three
times
> before marking the CV red on the screen. I'm not sure if the read
to
> ident a loco is retried. But retrying it manually shoul eventually
> work.
>
> > 2, the process is trying the wrong "mode" of read. Decoderpro
> enables
> > you to select Paged Mode, Direct Byte, mode, etc. and some
decoders
> do
> > not respond to all modes. If Decoderpro is trying to read in the
> wrong
> > mode, it will not detect the loco. Here the work-around is to
> select a
> > different mode and the try again.
>
> Another good popint. Some old SPROGs have an issue reading Digitrax
> decoders in direct mode.
>
> Before trying the ident, click the "set" button at the bottom of
the
> window and change the mode.
>
> Now let's try and find which SPROG version you have:
> In the main DP window (the one Chris mentioned that gives the
version
> info) select "command monitor" and then "send command" from the
SPROG
> menu. In the "send command" enter a ? and then press the send
button.
> What reply do you get in the command monitor?
>
> Andrew
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr!
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Hello Ladies and Gents,
It's my first post so be gentle with me…

First off: a bit of an introduction. I'm Paul. I've been watching the
DCC develop over the five to six years and I've no doubt that the
future of Model Railway control  (Amongst other things.) is DCC.
I have an electrical/instrumentation background and am reasonably PC
savvy but don't want to get into the programming/writing code aspect
of DCC.

As a way into digital, I've been mulling over going the sprog route.
First off I just want play about with CV's and functions on a
programming track and then later develop a small layout to run no
more than two or maybe 3 locos with the odd ground signal and turnout.

So to the nitty gritty. Before I buy, I wonder if someone could maybe
answer a couple of questions.

I plan mainly to use a sprog II with my main Desktop machine. No
problem, it has usb 2.0 but when on the road I'll be using it with my
old… no… very old laptop. The Laptop runs Win 98SE Decoder pro &
Panel pro ok. It's a pentium150 with loads of ram, it had no USB port
but I've added USB 2.0 via its card bus port. The USB works fine but
I'm a bit dubious as to its reliability so;

i)Is there any way too connect sprog II to the serial port or is an
alternative solution available?

ii) Is the firmware that's mentioned in the faq, "to use the sprog as
a small command station", available yet?

Thanks and sorry to be a nuisance.
PwD

Paul,

For (i) you could hope someone offers to sell you their old serial
SPROG (sorry we haven't had any for ages) or join MERG and build the
SPROG kit if you're happy with small surface mount components.

(ii) Sorry, that's a little out of date. In fact, all you need is the
latest version of DecoderPro. Choose "SPROG command station" in the
connection preferences instead of "SPROG". There's a bit more in the
User guide on the SPROG-DCC web pages.

Regards,

Andrew Crosland

--- In sprog-dcc@..., "brigantes_gob"
<brigantes_gob@...> wrote:
>
> Hello Ladies and Gents,
> It's my first post so be gentle with me…
>
> First off: a bit of an introduction. I'm Paul. I've been watching
the
> DCC develop over the five to six years and I've no doubt that the
> future of Model Railway control  (Amongst other things.) is DCC.
> I have an electrical/instrumentation background and am reasonably
PC
> savvy but don't want to get into the programming/writing code
aspect
> of DCC.
>
> As a way into digital, I've been mulling over going the sprog
route.
> First off I just want play about with CV's and functions on a
> programming track and then later develop a small layout to run no
> more than two or maybe 3 locos with the odd ground signal and
turnout.
>
> So to the nitty gritty. Before I buy, I wonder if someone could
maybe
> answer a couple of questions.
>
> I plan mainly to use a sprog II with my main Desktop machine. No
> problem, it has usb 2.0 but when on the road I'll be using it with
my
> old… no… very old laptop. The Laptop runs Win 98SE Decoder pro &
> Panel pro ok. It's a pentium150 with loads of ram, it had no USB
port
> but I've added USB 2.0 via its card bus port. The USB works fine
but
> I'm a bit dubious as to its reliability so;
>
> i)Is there any way too connect sprog II to the serial port or is an
> alternative solution available?
>
> ii) Is the firmware that's mentioned in the faq, "to use the sprog
as
> a small command station", available yet?
>
> Thanks and sorry to be a nuisance.
> PwD
>

Wow Andrew,
Thanks for the swift reply.
Payment should now be with you for a young sprog. I look forward to
my first playtime.

I'll see how things go with the laptop but suspect I may be in the
market for a second hand RS232 sprog in the next few months.

Also over the coming months... stand by to be bombarded by questions
from a sprog nooby. DCCUK here I come...

Thanks again,
PwD

--- In sprog-dcc@..., "andrew_croslanduk"
<andrewcrosland@...> wrote:
>
> Paul,
>
> For (i) you could hope someone offers to sell you their old serial
> SPROG (sorry we haven't had any for ages) or join MERG and build
the
> SPROG kit if you're happy with small surface mount components.
>
> (ii) Sorry, that's a little out of date. In fact, all you need is
the
> latest version of DecoderPro. Choose "SPROG command station" in the
> connection preferences instead of "SPROG". There's a bit more in
the
> User guide on the SPROG-DCC web pages.
>
> Regards,
>
> Andrew Crosland

Good Afternoon All



At the weekend I purchased another sound loco and am having grave issues
setting any CV's. First off Decoder Pro gives these messages:-

Using Service Mode (Programming Track) Programmer and connected to Sprog
Com3  Baud 9,600

Read type from decoder

Using Direct mode

"Stopping due to error: no locomotive detected"



Using Page mode programming

"Found mfg 0 version 0; no such manufacturer defined"



If I hand select either of the QSI Steam Ver 6 or 7 for this loco "P2K USRA
0-8-0" interesting things happen!



If I change just one CV it changes many other address details! Even just
changing the running address from 3 to 21 if I write it, it seems to write
ok in the beginning but then can give the error: no locomotive detected,
although I do not get left with any red boxes. If I then read the sheet I
just changed it say the running number is now 2. And also shows changes on a
number of other addresses! This includes changing the sound volumes or
turning the loco completely off so I have to reset.



I did a full reset on the loco with the provided wand before trying each
definition file.



Please see other relevant information below.



I am losing what little hair I have left.

Thanks for any help.

Chris



Locomotive

Proto 2000 Steam Collection

Item 31571

L&N #2123

USRA 0-8-0

Steam Locomotive

w/Sound & DCC



In manual it says Quantum Software Version: ho215f24

Chip in tender says HO315F24 this dates the chip to 9th of May 2005



Hardware & Software Driver  Info

Decoder Pro 2.0

Java Version 1.6.0_05(en_GB)



Sprog II firmware SPROG II USB Ver 2.4



Sprog Decoder Programmer (Com 3)

Driver Provider FTDI

Driver Date 27/06/2007

Driver Version 2.2.4.0



Sprog Decoder Programmer (USB)

Driver Provider FTDI

Driver Date 27/06/2007

Driver Version 2.2.4.0



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

Hi all; this question was sent to DCCUK by mistake, so some of you may
have seen it before.

I have purchased a ZTC 511 to run my layout which has four tail-chaser
circuits, station on one side of the room and ladder
sidings on the other side. Originally, I ran this with Hornby Zero-1'
controllers and I have a considerable investment of time and money in
the controls for the 32 points for the ladder sidings. I want to
organise computer controlled entrance-exit for the ladder sidings and
may, later, look at automatic train sequencing so that I can play with
the station and 'some-one else' (i.e. the computer) runs the rest of BR.

(I got the ZTC in the hope that it would enable me to control the
points to the ladder sidings using the existing 'Zero-1' accessory
modules but it transpires that it will do this, or run DCC trains, but
not both).

So now the question - I am looking for an interface between my
computer and the 'Zero-1' modules, has anyone programmed a 'SPROG' to
run 'Zero-1' components and can give me any pointers how to proceed? I
can, at a pinch, modify a 'Zero-1' controller for computer control but
they are getting on to about 20 years old and it is my experience that
modifying/disturbing such aged equipment is likely to be problematical.

Thank you, in hope, Heath.

Chris
Did you ever resolve this issue?

If not, the following may help.

At our club we had much the same problem with a QSI Diesel V6.0 using
DecoderPro 2.1.4 and latest USB SprogII.

We measured (roughly) using a CRO, the  current draw whilst OPS mode
programming and found around 5 amp peaks. This lead to us updating
the
wallwart powering the Sprog from 12V/ 350mA  to 12V/ 2Amps. This
change
fixed the problem, the QSI decoder became readable and programmable
without further problems.

We suspect (can't prove) that the momentary power draw of the sound
decoder was overloading/shutting down the wallwart and obscuring the
feedback signals from the decoder....all this happening before the
safety
overload protection provided by the Sprog cuts in.  (Andrew might
like to
comment on this speculation)

I hope this may help
Regards
Charles

--- In sprog-dcc@..., "Chris Marrable" <borg2657-1@...>
wrote:
>
> Good Afternoon All
>
>
>
> At the weekend I purchased another sound loco and am having grave
issues
> setting any CV's. First off Decoder Pro gives these messages:-
>
> Using Service Mode (Programming Track) Programmer and connected to
Sprog
> Com3  Baud 9,600
>
> Read type from decoder
>
> Using Direct mode
>
> "Stopping due to error: no locomotive detected"
>
>
>
> Using Page mode programming
>
> "Found mfg 0 version 0; no such manufacturer defined"
>
>
>
> If I hand select either of the QSI Steam Ver 6 or 7 for this
loco "P2K USRA
> 0-8-0" interesting things happen!
>
>
>
> If I change just one CV it changes many other address details! Even
just
> changing the running address from 3 to 21 if I write it, it seems
to write
> ok in the beginning but then can give the error: no locomotive
detected,
> although I do not get left with any red boxes. If I then read the
sheet I
> just changed it say the running number is now 2. And also shows
changes on a
> number of other addresses! This includes changing the sound volumes
or
> turning the loco completely off so I have to reset.
>
>
>
> I did a full reset on the loco with the provided wand before trying
each
> definition file.
>
>
>
> Please see other relevant information below.
>
>
>
> I am losing what little hair I have left.
>
> Thanks for any help.
>
> Chris
>
>
>
> Locomotive
>
> Proto 2000 Steam Collection
>
> Item 31571
>
> L&N #2123
>
> USRA 0-8-0
>
> Steam Locomotive
>
> w/Sound & DCC
>
>
>
> In manual it says Quantum Software Version: ho215f24
>
> Chip in tender says HO315F24 this dates the chip to 9th of May 2005
>
>
>
> Hardware & Software Driver  Info
>
> Decoder Pro 2.0
>
> Java Version 1.6.0_05(en_GB)
>
>
>
> Sprog II firmware SPROG II USB Ver 2.4
>
>
>
> Sprog Decoder Programmer (Com 3)
>
> Driver Provider FTDI
>
> Driver Date 27/06/2007
>
> Driver Version 2.2.4.0
>
>
>
> Sprog Decoder Programmer (USB)
>
> Driver Provider FTDI
>
> Driver Date 27/06/2007
>
> Driver Version 2.2.4.0
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Charles,

Chris and I are meeting later this week to compare notes. He's kindly
offered me the loan of a loco to look at.

In the UK we supply 1.2 A power supplies, but it's a good point,
there may still be an issue.

I have only one QSI example and that now works flawlessly. The
problem with earlier firmware SPROGs was due to the magnitude of the
current pulse during the Acknowledge from the decoder (I think it was
3 - 4A from memory). A firmware bug meant that the current
measurement was out of range and confused the SPROG.

Andrew

--- In sprog-dcc@..., "Charles Dearden" <charlied@...>
wrote:
>
> Chris
> Did you ever resolve this issue?
>
> If not, the following may help.
>
> At our club we had much the same problem with a QSI Diesel V6.0
using
> DecoderPro 2.1.4 and latest USB SprogII.
>
> We measured (roughly) using a CRO, the  current draw whilst OPS
mode
> programming and found around 5 amp peaks. This lead to us updating
> the
> wallwart powering the Sprog from 12V/ 350mA  to 12V/ 2Amps. This
> change
> fixed the problem, the QSI decoder became readable and programmable
> without further problems.
>
> We suspect (can't prove) that the momentary power draw of the sound
> decoder was overloading/shutting down the wallwart and obscuring
the
> feedback signals from the decoder....all this happening before the
> safety
> overload protection provided by the Sprog cuts in.  (Andrew might
> like to
> comment on this speculation)
>
> I hope this may help
> Regards
> Charles
>
> --- In sprog-dcc@..., "Chris Marrable" <borg2657-1@>
> wrote:
> >
> > Good Afternoon All
> >
> >
> >
> > At the weekend I purchased another sound loco and am having grave
> issues
> > setting any CV's. First off Decoder Pro gives these messages:-
> >
> > Using Service Mode (Programming Track) Programmer and connected
to
> Sprog
> > Com3  Baud 9,600
> >
> > Read type from decoder
> >
> > Using Direct mode
> >
> > "Stopping due to error: no locomotive detected"
> >
> >
> >
> > Using Page mode programming
> >
> > "Found mfg 0 version 0; no such manufacturer defined"
> >
> >
> >
> > If I hand select either of the QSI Steam Ver 6 or 7 for this
> loco "P2K USRA
> > 0-8-0" interesting things happen!
> >
> >
> >
> > If I change just one CV it changes many other address details!
Even
> just
> > changing the running address from 3 to 21 if I write it, it seems
> to write
> > ok in the beginning but then can give the error: no locomotive
> detected,
> > although I do not get left with any red boxes. If I then read the
> sheet I
> > just changed it say the running number is now 2. And also shows
> changes on a
> > number of other addresses! This includes changing the sound
volumes
> or
> > turning the loco completely off so I have to reset.
> >
> >
> >
> > I did a full reset on the loco with the provided wand before
trying
> each
> > definition file.
> >
> >
> >
> > Please see other relevant information below.
> >
> >
> >
> > I am losing what little hair I have left.
> >
> > Thanks for any help.
> >
> > Chris
> >
> >
> >
> > Locomotive
> >
> > Proto 2000 Steam Collection
> >
> > Item 31571
> >
> > L&N #2123
> >
> > USRA 0-8-0
> >
> > Steam Locomotive
> >
> > w/Sound & DCC
> >
> >
> >
> > In manual it says Quantum Software Version: ho215f24
> >
> > Chip in tender says HO315F24 this dates the chip to 9th of May
2005
> >
> >
> >
> > Hardware & Software Driver  Info
> >
> > Decoder Pro 2.0
> >
> > Java Version 1.6.0_05(en_GB)
> >
> >
> >
> > Sprog II firmware SPROG II USB Ver 2.4
> >
> >
> >
> > Sprog Decoder Programmer (Com 3)
> >
> > Driver Provider FTDI
> >
> > Driver Date 27/06/2007
> >
> > Driver Version 2.2.4.0
> >
> >
> >
> > Sprog Decoder Programmer (USB)
> >
> > Driver Provider FTDI
> >
> > Driver Date 27/06/2007
> >
> > Driver Version 2.2.4.0
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

Have people managed to program accessory decoders via a Sprog? If so
which ones & were there any problems?

I don't use accessory decoders so have never tried it. I am asking on
behalf of a friend.

Howard.

I've had limited success with a CVP AD4. My own servo decoder
definitely works ;-) MERG decoders should work.

For best results you need to be sure the accessory decoder has the
neccessary circuitry to generate an ACK pulse.

Sorry I can't be more specific.

Regards,

Andrew

--- In sprog-dcc@..., "Howard Watkins" <howard@...> wrote:
>
> Have people managed to program accessory decoders via a Sprog? If so
> which ones & were there any problems?
>
> I don't use accessory decoders so have never tried it. I am asking on
> behalf of a friend.
>
> Howard.
>

I just purchased a sprogII and it has came as far as the local post
office!!  Wife will pick it up tomorrow and I can then play.  I hope to
learn from you guys, have never used anything like this.  Hope I won't
ask any "too stupid" questions.

Thanks,  Bob

The only question that's 'too stupid' is the one you didn't ask.
ask away.... and enjoy.
Ian

In message <g12b09+54tk@eGroups.com>, Bob Willie <bdwillie@...>
writes
>
>I just purchased a sprogII and it has came as far as the local post
>office!! Wife will pick it up tomorrow and I can then play. I hope to
>learn from you guys, have never used anything like this. Hope I won't
>ask any "too stupid" questions.
>
>Thanks, Bob
>
>
>
>No virus found in this incoming message.
>Checked by AVG.
>Version: 8.0.100 / Virus Database: 269.24.0/1459 - Release Date:
>21/05/2008 17:34

--
Ian Birchenough

I have just installed my sprog on to a computer with Windows Vista on
it and have not been able to ident any loco's on it. It reads CV7 & 8.
and then says that it can't detect a loco, even the the loco does its
usual shuddering when it reads.

I know it is not the loco as it shows up on my XP unit and I have
programmed it successfully.

Any help would be greatfully recieved as i am at my wits end.

Thanks

Alistair

Are you saying that both the loco and SPROG work on a Windows XP system?

The fact that the loco responds shows that communications is OK and I
would say that rules out a problem peculiar to Vista. Otherwise you
would get a timeout error, rather than no loco detected.

Can you read any CVs by selecting the NMRA standard CVs in the decoder
tree?

What make/model of decoder is it?

Have you tried changing the programming mode?

I will be away for a week, so hopefully someone else will be able to
offer further assistance.

Andrew Crosland




--- In sprog-dcc@..., "Alistair Buchan"
<alistair_1985@...> wrote:
>
> I have just installed my sprog on to a computer with Windows Vista on
> it and have not been able to ident any loco's on it. It reads CV7 & 8.
> and then says that it can't detect a loco, even the the loco does its
> usual shuddering when it reads.
>
> I know it is not the loco as it shows up on my XP unit and I have
> programmed it successfully.
>
> Any help would be greatfully recieved as i am at my wits end.
>
> Thanks
>
> Alistair
>