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Sprog II decoder programming aid
Sounds interesting. Tell me more. Please.
Excellent product just started using it and have had great success. Very user freindly even my grandfather who has very very limited computer knowledge can use it.
I’m surprised that there wasn’t more to this article. It would’ve been helpful had the writer gone through different scenarios of setup applications, etc. Strengths and weakness of the unit would’ve been helpful, as well. It’s good that this type of aid is available & it was made aware of. Thanks!
Not enough depth to be really helpful.
Hi everybody.
Working along way from model railway clubs,i found the sprog 2 a great device. i was able to programe all my locos in the comfort of my den in the house . Its portability is great,i have not found any decoders it will not work with.
PATRICK
I have had a Sprog for about 4 years and find it to be a great product. I use an NCE Power Cab and had no way to program decoders. Using the Sprog allows me to use Decoder Pro with my computer and bypass the need for a command station. You simply connect the power supply to two terminals of the green connector that goes into one end of the Sprog. You then connect two wires with alligator clips to a short piece of track that is used to program your engine. The other end of the Sprog connects with a USB cable to your computer. It’s size is 1" thick, 2" wide and 3" high. It is an invaluable part of my railroad. I highly recommed it for anyone that programs engines.
I’d never heard of the ‘SPROG’ before reading this article. Unfortunately the 2 paragraphs by writer does not review the product at all, in my opinion, and he simply writes a very limited view about his hiccup in setting the system up. Very disappointing. I would not rush out to but this product based on this review!
Like some have said not very forthcoming with only two sentences.
for instance who is the manufacturer where does one buy it. does it come with serious instructions on it’s use and what problems
this and more. As a novice railroader I would certainly be interested in procuring one if not too too costly
Googled and found it for $100.00 us. Mail order(www.dcctrain.com/shop/category.asp?catid=716)
Made in the UK and comes with software and manuals.
Their is also a link to the software site JMRI Decoder PRO
If your a XTrkCad user, there is some real good info on some new software JMRI has developed.
Hi I too wrote a review of this amazing little box December 2009. Apart from other peoples comments on the product and for that matter my review, which wasn’t initially well received. I did later add the following. Hopefully this adds some needed information for many. If you want more info google sprog (be prepared for some “interesting” results though).
As many have intimated it’s not just the SPROG that allows use of JMRI software, it’s a means of connecting your computer to a piece of track and that for me makes the SPROG worthwhile. It must be noted that the SPROG is effectively a DCC command station in a box around the size of 2 x 1 x .5 inches - one end has USB and the other has power and rail connections. Current is limited to around 1amp from a wall wart, though if you run it through a pass through booster such as Bachmanns 5amp version then you could use is as a DCC system as well. Whats the difference to others, well as best I can tell PR3 from Digitrax is able to be used live whilst Digitrax system is running (Zepher, Empire Builder or Chief), USB Loco Buffer is the same and is compatible with Digitrax’s network protocol as well. Lenz users need to look to the Li-USB connector to get expressnet interface and it too can be used live. As for other connection devices I cannot comment on as have not researched or used. Though NCE I believe have a USB/Ethernet connection that also works with JMRI (I stand to be corrected here if anyone can help). EOS also offers an ethernet port and I also think Hornby Elite as well (again corrections welcome)
So in a nut shell the SPROG is a DCC system that cannot be run concurrently with other systems on the same layout but offers a relatively cheap solution for off layout programming. Particularly for those that do not have their computer near their layout. And the best bit, as many others have attested to, is the ability to use JMRI - hopefully this answers some questions people may have that I left out of the initial post
Got more information from the comments of others. Would love to see a truly in depth review, possibly with comparisons to others.
Very helpful, GOD willing, I will buy a Sprog II soon.