Model Railway Forum

Hi, have a sprog 2 and sprog 3. Know nothing about them, Does anyone on here, use them. john

Hi

I have a Srog3 but only use it for decoder setting using JRMI's DecoderPro

I originally got it with the intention of trying to automate my layout but just couldn't get the hang of the software, hence just using DecoderPro.

Paul

Hi
I have a SPROG II. Like previous poster, I use it with JMRI for decoder settings and keeping a record on a laptop of the locos and their decoder setting.
It can via JMRI also power a small layout.

Hello,

I've recently purchased a SPROG 3 which I'm successfully using DecoderPro with for programming and single-engine testing. At the moment I use it with an old laptop running Debian Linux

Long term I'm planning to use it for actual layout control (via the SPROG boosters if necessary) and possibly get a second one just for programming. DecoderPro looks fiddly to switch between the modes, and I can only imagine the carnage if everything on the layout was accidentally reprogrammed...

I currently use a Bachmann EZ which is adequate at the moment while I am still in the process finishing track laying. I was planning on asking Santa for an NCE Powercab or the like, but now wonder if a SPROG 3 would be a better option?

Am I correct in thinking that I could use the SPROG (with PC & software) to fine tune the decoders then just stick with the EZ to actually control them. I like the simplicity of the EZ and this seems like the best of both worlds. Is there anything that I couldn't do with this option? I would usually only be running 1-2 engines at any one time, possibly three but that would not be essential.

Typo I guess, as its an NCE PowerCab. (North Coast Engineering Corp.)

The Bachmann EZ is a very basic DCC system and can only control 9 DCC loco addresses.

The NCE PowerCab can control 9999 loco addresses! As too can a SPROG 2 or 3. Plus of course all Accessory addresses should you ever need DCC operated items.

The NCE PowerCab can also connect to a PC and JMRI via a add on USB Interface connector board, it can also connect to WIFI with another adaptor board.

Overall the NCE PowerCab is IMO the best choice.

I never thought about the accessory address option, that does make the PowerCab more attractive.

darkscot wrote: ↑Tue Oct 06, 2020 4:21 pm I never thought about the accessory address option, that does make the PowerCab more attractive.

Hi
Not quite what I meant. Both the PowerCab and the Sprog can operate Accessories. The SPROG does this solely via a PC and JMRI while the PowerCab operates Accessories either directly or via a PC and JMRI plus a USB interface module, purchased as an extra.

So could the SPROG be programmed to operate a points sequence? That would be quite attractive as I have two passing loops on my track-plan so operating points at both ends together would be nice.

I assume JMRI allows route selection under its Panel Pro?
if not then its not the control system I thought it was!
However, I don't use JMRI for accessory (or loco) operation, only to read and store CV details.