Java Model Railroad Interface to replace my Dynamis

[GlosGreaves]

I currently have a Dynamis that I use with the railcontroller software, and have the point motors all set up using Lens 150 decoders which is working ok. But as my knowledge slowly increases I am finding the Dynamis quite limited in functionality particularly around chip programming and general running functionality.

 

I was shown the JMRI freeware today and was very impressed with it (particularly the dcc chip programming application) and wondering about the possibility of moving away from the Dynamis to the JMRI. The Bachmann Dynamis does not seem to be compatible unfortunately.

 

I run N gauge and my layout is currently around 5ft 6 x 3ft and I run a max of 4 trains concurrently.

 

Would I be able to simply unplug the Dynamis and replace it with a SPROG 3 attached to the laptop and then configure both the Decoder Pro and Panel Pro software (and then just switch the output between my layout and programming track? 

 

Any advice welcome!

 

Many thanks

 

Darren

[Nigelcliffe]

In principle yes. 

 

Before you jump, a few things:

 

1 - hardware.  JMRI supports a lot of DCC hardware, so Sprog is one of your options.   As are dozens, if not hundreds of other systems (unfortunately, a lack of documentation from Bachmann about how the Dynamis interface works, and probably a lack of interest in the JMRI development community means that the Dynamis is one of the few systems which isn't supported).  
The Sprog, as you no doubt know, is a computer device with no external physical throttles.  If that suits your needs, fine, but many people find a physical throttle useful.  You do have the option of using a phone as a throttle onto the Sprog hardware. 

 

2 - Sprog size - I'd suggest a Sprog2 is more than adequate for the size of N layout you have.  The only difference to Sprog 3 is "more current", which requires a bigger power supply, and slightly more robust wiring.  

 

 

If you do go for the Sprog plus JMRI, then:

 

Find out about "profiles" within JMRI.  I'd suggest you will want two profiles, one which might be labelled as "run my layout", and another which might be labelled as "program my locos".   In the process of creating the profiles, you might want to make them use the same file storage for items, such as the roster (the saved decoder list) so that you can share things automatically between programming and running.     Within each profile, you can then setup the Sprog for each of its operating modes:  Command Station (to run the layout) and Sprog (for programming track tasks).  

 

Computer.  If you're using a Windows computer, you may need to faff with the power management settings to stop Windows putting things into "low power" mode (ie. turning them off) to save power.   In particular you don't want the USB to the Sprog to be "low power" or "turned off" whilst running JMRI, otherwise you just loose control of the Sprog and have to quit everything and startup again.  

 

 

- Nigel

 

 

[grriff]

I use a SPROGII with DecoderPro to operate a small OO layout and operate PECO solenoids. I find it very good. It's not always easy to find information on the JMRI website but the forum is very helpful.

 

I've written up my experiences using a Sprog with JMRI and a MERG pulse decoder (attached). Hope it's of some use

How to operate solenoids with JRMI.pdf

[GlosGreaves]

Thanks for the replies, the JMRI route definitely seems like the right one to take but think I will do a bit more research around what systems to operate it with.

 

 

[Crosland]

Also remember that with the SPROG in programmer mode you must only have ONE loco on the track at a time, otherwise they will all be programmed at the same time.

[David12]

Darren, I moved away from Hornby Railmaster/eLink over a year ago to JMRI/SPROG for the same reasons as you and have never looked back. The level of functionality is orders of magnitude greater with JMRI but, as Grriff states, it is not always easy to find information on the "help" pages. Also, be prepared for a very American-centric feel to the package, but there is an excellent suite of British signalling symbols and icons. It took me several weeks of trial and error to get the system I wanted but it was more than worth the effort. Good luck, you will not regret the change.