I’ve been eyeing a Sprogg 2 on eBay and wondering if I should go that route or another. After playing with CVs on my Digitrax Super Chief I want to get a computer interface. Using the throttle is nutty for something like this. Any suggestions from the audience would be appreciated.
Do you want to be able to run trains and control signals as well? If so, get a Locobuffer-USB. The Sprog is a great device, but it is basically just a standalone programmer. A very good one, but it in no way provides an interface to your Digitrax system.
–Randy
Wouldn’t a Digitrax PR3 be better suited? It’s cheaper than the Sprogg, can be used as a stand-alone programmer, and also (for Digitrax users) as a computer interface. I use the Lenz DCC system myself, but still find the PR3 fairly useful.
Sprog II is not an interface between your DCS100 and computer. I have one. It is an excellent programmer and also has the capability of being a command station and 1.5 amp booster to run a train as well. You just need it, a computer with JMRI loaded, and a piece of track.
For an interface, I use a Locobuffer II. That gives me complete access to loconet.
I’d probably own a PR3 but already had the above before it was available.
Martin Myers
I’ll join in and add my recommendation for the Digitrax PR3. As has been mentioned, it is both a standalone programmer and can be used as a computer interface for the Digitrax Loconet.
Vernon
+1
In addition to programming CV’s on any brand of decoder, it can also be used to download different sound schemes onto Digitrax sound decoders
Also, unless you have some specific requirements that the Sprog addresses and the PR3 doesn’t, the utility programs that Digitrax has released (DigiIPL, DigiGroupSetup, and DigiMon) and may release in the future would in my opinion make the PR3 the better choice for a Digitrax user.
Steve
Not quite ready to connect to Loconet, but when I am I’ll probably try out the PR3, or it might be the PR7 by the time I’m ready. From the Digitrax site it seems like some of the unique software might be Windows oriented. I’m a Mac user, though I do have Windows on my computer. I jumped into Digitrax on its reputation, but I’m a tad shy about their products at times. Dense documentation and a user interface that seems trapped in time in the 1990’s can be a bit off putting. Most of that seems inevitable with DCC regardless of the brand. Some of the systems that are trying to be more cutting edge are less familiar to me, though they seem capable in little ways.
Is it correct that a PR3 will program ANY decoder? I’ve always read and heard that Sountraxx decoders require a separate booster like the one Tony’s trains sells (who’s name escapes me a the moment).
Using my PR3 with a generic, unregulated, 12v wall wart, I’ve programmed CV’s without problems on various models of oem QSI decoders, Soundtraxx LC’s, TCS, Lenz, NCE, and of course Digitrax.
I’ve also heard of folks using power supplies of up to 16-18v with the PR3 (it’s rated for up to 20v, I believe) to program some of the more “difficult” sound decoders.
So I can’t say from personal experience that it will program ANY decoder, but based on my own experience and anecdotal evidence it seems like it will at least come pretty close.
Steve
I have no problem programming the QSI decoders in my P2k F3 ABBA set, nor do I have any problems with the Tsunami decoders in my Athearn F7 AB set using my PR3.
I am not using any booster.
Vernon
Hi.
At last i ncan give a bit of info,i have a sprog 2 and find it very good,the main point for me is that i do not have a computer close to the layout,i use a 3 foot lenght of track on a board and conduct programing in confort and sitting down in a nice warm room.I have programed about 30 locos,without a problem,i run the layout with an NCE PROCAB, i find this an excelent solution.
regards
PATRICK
The Digitrax software is Windows only (although it might run in Parallels or similar virtualization software - and certainly with Bootcamp), however JMRI for programming locos and controlling signals and so forth is a multi-platform app that works in Windows, OS X, and Linux. JMRI is the ONLY software that works with the SPROG, so naturally the SPROG works on non-Windows paltform. But so does the PR3 when used with JMRI.
Another cool thing with JMRI - if you also happen to have an iPhone or iPod Touch there is a really cool app called WiThrottle that turns it into a wireless throttle.
–Randy