I just started using JMRI and Decoder Pro to make a roster of my engines. I was able to read the decoder type for most of them. Some reported “no such mfr defined” or “multiple found, select one” or just “CV 8”.
Should I choose the simplest decoder from the list and see if it works, or is better to disassemble and look?
It seems like I can’t create a roster entry without a decoder selection.
Terry,
I used to run across that from time-to-time in the past but haven’t in a while. If you know the decoder, try to pick the closest match - at least the correct manufacturer. Also make sure you are running the most updated version of JMRI.
Tom
Thanks (manufacturer is most important). Any suggestion for multiple? Command station is Digitrax 50.
Terry,
When “multiple found” comes up, is one or more than one decoder manufacturer hightlighted in the selection tree? Or are any highlighted?
Tom
Assuming it correctly identifies the manufacturer and gives you multiple choices for that manufacturer, simply pick the one you think it might be (I’d pick the one with the most function outputs.)
The reason is that for most decoders* JMRI uses the manufacturer ID and the firmware ID to identify the decoder, because that’s all there is to go on. And a manufacturer will often use the same firmware on a number of decoders, some with more or less function outputs, or maybe different form factors, or whatever.
So JMRI will list ALL the decoders that have that firmware ID. And since they all have the same firmware, they’ll all work the same. If you pick the one with the most function outputs, you’re sure to have everything covered (and it won’t hurt anything to set a CV for an output that doesn’t exist.)
Steve (An 18-year JMRI user, since version 1.1.3)
Well a lot depends the decoder. Does it have sound? Can you open theloco. I would try several decoder options to see how the loco responded.
Sorry for the delayed response. “Multiples” are all the same manufacturer (Digitrax).
One is a GP bought from hobby shop: Series 3 with FX (several), Economy (2), Basic(DH121), and Early decoders (DH120, DZ120).
Other is a Mantua I converted, reports 4 Digitrax with sound (but no sound).
If I choose the wrong one, what will happen (how much do decoders differ)?
Nothing. It’s only recording what it thinks is the decoder. The most important thing for me (and it sounds like for you) is reading & recording the CV values for each of my locomotives. I believe the CV parameters settings within Decoder Pro will still be the same within each manufacturer - even if some have more or less functions than others.
I haven’t found a way to change the decoder type once it has been selected inside an individual DP roster file. Maybe someone else knows that answer.
Tom
Decoder Pro Ingnorant but wouldn’t DP need to know which decoder, even in the same brand, to select different horn, bell or lighting effects? I’m not familiar with Digitrax and maybe if these are all non-sound it is a moot point.
I also found no way to edit decoder tpye once entered in roster.
My biggest concern is selecting the wrong decoder and have to go through every CV to fix it. Some DP posts are very confusing and tedious.
Good news it’s only my really old locos (10 yrs?). All the newer locos are OK. I think I will select the simplest decoder in DP. If there are problems, I’ll upgrade.
Thanks for your help.
Terry,
I opened Decoder Pro and was able to create an indivdiual roster file (w/o reading the decoder) by 1) clicking the “New Loco” button, 2) choosing the proper decoder from the decoder drop-down list, 3) filling out the initial basic roster entry information then 4) saving the roster entry. Course, that only works if you know the decoder that’s installed in your locomotive.
Tom