Post by pilpro on Mar 30, 2014 19:21:49 GMT -5
This review of the Sprog 3 might be a bit skewed for the fact that this is my first foray into DCC.
There are two models of the Sprog unit. The Sprog II with has about 1 amp of power and the Sprog III which has 2.5 amps of power. The III is recommended if you want to run more than 3 trains (as most decoders use about 250ma). If you have an existing DCC system I would opt for the Sprog II.
The main function of these units are to interface with a computer running JMRI for decoder programming. I honestly can't compare programming a decoder on any other system but I imagine one can program a decoder with a Sprog in a fraction of the time it would take to program using a LCD display and paging through all the windows. With the Sprog you can change addresses, functions, speed mapping, etc. all in an easy to read computer window.
The key to this is having an existing computer and smart phone for throttles. Otherwise it's an expensive exercise. Also you need a little computer knowledge for the initial setup. I used an old Apple G4 powerbook that had a broken screen. I found an old monitor at work. And I use an old iPod Touch for my wireless throttle.
Sprog 3 from SBS4dcc.com for $125
Similar systems with USB interfaces for JMRI
Digitrax Zephyr DC51 with PR3 $215-$250
NCE Power Cab with USB Interface $200
Programming.
Wii Throttle
Running a few locos after programming. Good fun.
Check out these links for more info.
www.sprog.us.com/
jmri.sourceforge.net/
So far I love programming and running trains with a computer. It's real a hobby within the hobby and is keeping me from finishing all my passenger car projects!
Paul Z.
There are two models of the Sprog unit. The Sprog II with has about 1 amp of power and the Sprog III which has 2.5 amps of power. The III is recommended if you want to run more than 3 trains (as most decoders use about 250ma). If you have an existing DCC system I would opt for the Sprog II.
The main function of these units are to interface with a computer running JMRI for decoder programming. I honestly can't compare programming a decoder on any other system but I imagine one can program a decoder with a Sprog in a fraction of the time it would take to program using a LCD display and paging through all the windows. With the Sprog you can change addresses, functions, speed mapping, etc. all in an easy to read computer window.
The key to this is having an existing computer and smart phone for throttles. Otherwise it's an expensive exercise. Also you need a little computer knowledge for the initial setup. I used an old Apple G4 powerbook that had a broken screen. I found an old monitor at work. And I use an old iPod Touch for my wireless throttle.
Sprog 3 from SBS4dcc.com for $125
Similar systems with USB interfaces for JMRI
Digitrax Zephyr DC51 with PR3 $215-$250
NCE Power Cab with USB Interface $200
Programming.
Wii Throttle
Running a few locos after programming. Good fun.
Check out these links for more info.
www.sprog.us.com/
jmri.sourceforge.net/
So far I love programming and running trains with a computer. It's real a hobby within the hobby and is keeping me from finishing all my passenger car projects!
Paul Z.
