Anyone use Decoder Pro to run trains?
- Thread starter ICG/SOU
- Start date
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Yep - It's absolutely *awesome*! [and has been noted, free and open source]
You can even use your iphone or other smartphone as a wireless throttle!
Cheers,
Ian
You don't like it, or you haven't used it for such?
Or, wandering around with your smartphone - No tethers here!
+1 As I think we've agreed before, the task becomes a joy rather than a chore.
However, if you're only using Decoderpro you're missing a lot of what JMRI has to offer IMHO - Panelpro for example will build a virtual dispatcher panel on your computer (the so called "glass panel"). It will automatically detect DCC controlled turnouts etc and populate it's database - These can then be controlled from the 'puter. Routes can be programmed and so on. [I also have a Digitrax SE8C awaiting use, and am pretty sure that's going to be programmed and maintained via JMRI]
Further, it runs on all the "PC" platforms - Mac OSX & Linux in addition to various flavors of Windows.
And you've gotta love the price!
Cheers,
Ian
So - grab the S/W and do the port!
Does it give any reasons why it won't install?
I'm an iPhone guy, and don't know much of Android or HTC phones - Does the site claim support?
Cheers,
Ian
Its OK, but I much prefer a 3D, tangable throttle
Besides, why pay for an upgraded phone when my ProCabR already does the job?
If the layout ever progresses to that point, maybe. However, if given the choice of watching trains run on the computer or standing trackside, I'd rather be trackside. I'd rather use the computer for printing switchlists or trainorders!
And you've gotta love the price! OK , ya got me there!
Does this make sense:
http://enginedriver.rrclubs.org/
[Scroll to the bottom of the page.]
Cheers,
Ian
OK. I can go with that.
+1 indeed.
But, it could be an option for others without a ProCabR who do have a smartphone
Get 'er done!
Cheers,
Ian
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Yep - It's absolutely *awesome*! [and has been noted, free and open source]
You can even use your iphone or other smartphone as a wireless throttle!
Cheers,
Ian
kbkchooch
"retired" conductor
Not so much to run trains. The virtual throttles are neat, and can be used to run the layout from the comfort of the chair at the PC.
Where it really shines (for me) is programming. No more looking up what CV controls what. Just click on the tab, move a slider and your done!
Especially when it comes to speed matching units on the fly! It's so easy to get engines from different manufacturers to run well together. Also once you have your fleet all set up in DP, consisting is actually easier than it is though a throttle.
Where it really shines (for me) is programming. No more looking up what CV controls what. Just click on the tab, move a slider and your done!
Especially when it comes to speed matching units on the fly!
It's so easy to get engines from different manufacturers to run well together. Also once you have your fleet all set up in DP, consisting is actually easier than it is though a throttle. You don't like it, or you haven't used it for such?
Or, wandering around with your smartphone - No tethers here!
+1 As I think we've agreed before, the task becomes a joy rather than a chore.
However, if you're only using Decoderpro you're missing a lot of what JMRI has to offer IMHO - Panelpro for example will build a virtual dispatcher panel on your computer (the so called "glass panel"). It will automatically detect DCC controlled turnouts etc and populate it's database - These can then be controlled from the 'puter. Routes can be programmed and so on. [I also have a Digitrax SE8C awaiting use, and am pretty sure that's going to be programmed and maintained via JMRI]
Further, it runs on all the "PC" platforms - Mac OSX & Linux in addition to various flavors of Windows.
And you've gotta love the price!
Cheers,
Ian
.... it says can not be installed on this device (HTC hero)
So - grab the S/W and do the port!
Does it give any reasons why it won't install?
I'm an iPhone guy, and don't know much of Android or HTC phones - Does the site claim support?
Cheers,
Ian
kbkchooch
"retired" conductor
Its OK, but I much prefer a 3D, tangable throttle
Smartphone? Me? Nope! I just traded a Motorola Razr for an LG slide phone,(rather basic, but slide out QWERTY keyboard) just so I can text my kids. Other than that, its a phone, and it only gets used for that.
Besides, why pay for an upgraded phone when my ProCabR already does the job?
If the layout ever progresses to that point, maybe. However, if given the choice of watching trains run on the computer or standing trackside, I'd rather be trackside. I'd rather use the computer for printing switchlists or trainorders!
And you've gotta love the price!
OK , ya got me there!
Last edited by a moderator:
ICG/SOU
HO & O (3-rail) trainman
I'm not looking to automate my layout (the version 2, once I get it started), but would like a way to generate switch lists, control signals, and other stuff. I'm only using Decoder Pro now (through a SPROG 2) for the programming of locomotives, and have begun adding rolling stock into the system. The computer isn't hooked up to my Zephyr yet, and still prefer to walk around with the train and use manual ground throws on the turnouts.
Does this make sense:
http://enginedriver.rrclubs.org/
[Scroll to the bottom of the page.]
Cheers,
Ian
OK. I can go with that.
+1 indeed.
But, it could be an option for others without a ProCabR who do have a smartphone
Get 'er done!
Cheers,
Ian
Lightstorm
Member
Downloaded the software last night and played with it a bit. Can't hook it up at home as I have MRC Prodigy Advance. But it looks pretty straight forward and simple enough to use. The decoder programming alone is amazing.
I've been planning on selling the MRC and switching to a NCE powercab, it's what the local club uses anyways and this is another reason as MRC isn't compatible with something as simple as JMRI.
I've been planning on selling the MRC and switching to a NCE powercab, it's what the local club uses anyways and this is another reason as MRC isn't compatible with something as simple as JMRI.
tankist
Active Member
i updated my phone from Android 1.5 to 2.1 and Train driver software installed fine!
started WiThrottle and had some great fun clicking turnouts and setting routes from the handheld. i can't run trains yet as i need to connect all the power leads to distribution board but i can tell it will be fun as well - free walk-around throttle!
started WiThrottle and had some great fun clicking turnouts and setting routes from the handheld. i can't run trains yet as i need to connect all the power leads to distribution board but i can tell it will be fun as well - free walk-around throttle!
i downloaded the Withrottle app last night after purchasing a i-touch from my sons friend for 50 dollars. and ordered the loco buffer usb today. cant wait to get this going. i had the laptop with jmri loaded and the i-touch talking to each other. very simple to get running. will be down loading the full version soon after i get it all running
later
g
later
g
Artieiii
Member
I did that with my power cab. I got the NCE usb interface and run my trains with JMRI. Then I got a cheap Chinese android tablet for $85 and installed engine driver. Cheap wireless is nice. I was at Rite aid the other day and saw cheap Chinese android tablets for about $95. That should work as well. The android tablet is not very good but engine driver does not require significant processing power and since that's about all I use it for I am happy with it.
-Art
-Art
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