Keystoned Ed posted:I use a NCE Power Cab on a workbench test track (with a roller stand) to directly configure DCC decoders with simple changes like sound volume. But if you want to adjust some of QSI's indexed CV's the QSI Quantum Programmer makes CV setting changes very easy as it's done in a natural language interface. The QSI Quantum Programmer comes with its own USB interface and setup does not require a DCC Command station. A separate NCE USB interface to a computer is required if you want to set up non QSI decoders using NMRA's JMRI-DecoderPro.
prrjim posted:This is an interesting thread and illustrates the vast flexibility of DCC.
I would like to relate my experience with CV29 which is different from above. I have a SPROG 2 and a DIgitrax system and I have programmed CV29 on the Digitrax programming track, the Digitraz on the main, and using the SPROG and I have NEVER had the experience that changing CV29 reset any other CV on the loco.
The brochures that come with NCE decoders give a list of values for CV29. These are standard for all decoders, or should be. If not, the decoder is not fully DCC compliant.
Changing the value of CV29, does change the direction, I usually set CV29 to decimal 34 or 35. These are both 28/128 speed steps and NO analog DC. 34 is normal direction is forward based on the wiring and 35 reverses the normal direction.
I keep a 3x5 card with a list of how I set the motor CVs on a loco, and note the value of 29. With JMRI you can just print a list of the CVs also.
My experience with Digitrax and more than one loco running during an OP session is that consisted locos do not respond as quickly as the main one. With Digitrax you define the "lead" loco and then add locos to make the consist. I have noticed that the second units seem to hesitate slightly in their response when consisted. However, this may be an illusion to me because it is not a lot of time. And it may be different on other systems. I generally just set the same address on both locos when I plan to run a consist semi-permanently. Response is the same on both. I do use consists some when a set is going to be together for only one or two op sessions.
A note on NCE consists learned at the local club. If you consist locos with an NCE system. They only work with that system. They will not run if take them to another layout. You have to de-consist and re-consist on the new layout. the local club has had members show up with consists and it took a while to figure out why they would not run.
I understand that the SPROG 2 which I have will do fine programmiing all CVS including all Sound and that is my experience. I have been told however that it is not capable of downloading and installing new sound files. For that you need a QSI programmer for QSI and PR3 for Digitrax and I think Soundtraxx has their own device.
Bill Nielsen posted:Bruk posted:Sometimes I can get away using the NCE to program but not always.
I decided to start Using JMRI and a SPROG Programmer with a 18v 15amp power supply. Using JMRI is probably the easiest way, and it saves all the CV data on the computer. So for some reason the Decoder fails you can replace it and re "flash" the new decoder with the same CV settings that were saved originally.
I also use the JMRI/SPROG combo on my computer, and, as you say, it is much easier to program decoders than using a typical DCC system. That said, your power supply seems like overkill, both in voltage and amperage. I just use the wall wart supply that came with my SPROG 2. I’m curious as to why in the world you need 18volts and 15 amps for programming?
Bill in FtL
astarr posted:The quantum Programer will allow you to access QSI Solutions software program called CV Manager. I have been told by several people, including 2 dcc dealers, that the QSI CV manager is better for QSI decoders but JMRI is better for everything else. I bought a bunch of QSI Solutions Titans 6 years ago, which have ran great , and have used QSI CV manager alot. I have experimented with JMRI with my QSI Solutions titans and the factory QSI engines I have but CV manager allows you to access more cvs. But CV Manager is barely worth using for my new tsunomis. Anyone have any different experiences?
PRR 5841 posted:PRR Man posted:Consisting in NCE is resident on the command base. Even though you’ve consisted with a power cab, the consist will not be available on another layout’s command base until it is programmed to that base.
Jim is also correct that engines consisted elsewhere will not run in a new location unless the consist is removed first, at the base it was created
Thanks. Everything works fine during consist but after total shut-down of both E units (AA), one cab light now remains on while the other goes out as usual. I thought this would reset after the next cycle but was wrong. Reprogramming from scratch, deleting consist and creating a new consist didn’t help either. So.....analogous to taking a drink from a fire hose,
Pete M posted:I think there's a bit of confusion here. I am not an NCE owner but I do use it on other layouts. So take all that follows with a pinch of salt.
The NMRA DCC standard Advanced Consist is set and held in CV19 in each decoder. The consist has to be assigned a 2-digit address which is set in CV19. Any decoders with that address in CV19 are in the consist. CV19 also holds which direction the loco is facing in the consist.
Which functions are accessible by the throttle in each loco in the consist is set in CV21 and CV22. These settings are also set and stored in each decoder and they can be different for each loco. For example, you would likely want the motor sounds and brake function in all. You might not want the lights, bell and horn in a mid or trailing unit.
So an NMRA DCC standard consist should run on any DCC system using the 2-digit address.
Whereas NCE's proprietary advanced consisting is different. It adds extra features on top of the NMRA standard but some of those have to be stored in the command station. For example, when you make up a consist with an NCE throttle, it does change the CV19s behind the scenes but you don't use the 2-digit address to run the consist. NCE adds on the ability to select any of the locos by its DCC address (cab number) and operate the consist. This is a very nice feature, imho.
NCE's overlay also allows functions in the selected loco to be activated from the throttle, and some other neat stuff I'm not totally sure about.
So a NCE advanced consist made on an NCE throttle will only work on the command station where it was made. It won't run properly on a non-NCE system, and you'd need to make a new consist on any NCE system where you took your locos to run.
I hope I got this right, please chime in with any edits/additons.
Thanks!
