I stumbled across this open-source software last week, and have been using it to match the speed profiles of all my locomotives. My install went without a hitch, and within 1 hour I was programing decoders. (including making an RS-232 cable to connect to my NCE system) JMRI: A Java Model Railroad Interface can do even more stuff. I used it to throw turnouts, and if you have Digitrax DCC it can do even more. I like the Decoder Pro part of the software best, but since it's open source code, people keep writing modifications to add more and better features. Maybe you can contribute features to the software! It runs in Java, which is a free download fom Sun, and works with most platforms. It's really great software if you want to goof around with computer interfacing your DCC system... And you can't beat the price.
Oh yes, pray. I've downloaded and installed the latest version myself. The interface is most exellent. No more programming one CV at a time (argh). A picture is truly worth a hundred button pushes. Once my MS100 interface arrives I'll be programming in a flash as well. Funny thing - I've been telling people about this software for a while, just on faith alone from knowing how well Java works and from seeing it on my system <font size=1>(albeit not actually doing anything)</font>. You're the first I've come across to actually use it. Yipee! Kudos, and thanks for letting me know it's what I had hoped.
Sure sounds good. What's the PC-Decoder interface? Is it an interface cable to connect directly to the decoder (like an industrial PLC programming cable), or do I need something more involved to connect to a specific DCC system?
Hi Bentnose Willie, In the case of my system, NCE, all I had to do was connect an RS232 serial cable from the DCC controller to the back of my computer and put a locomotive on my programming track. Then just run the software and program decoders. On the JMRI website they have specifics for the major DCC brands.
