DCC SPROG/JMRI assistance please

FiftyFourA

Western Thunderer
Does anyone have any experience of using JMRI/SPROG out there in WT land?

I didn't really want to get 'into' DCC when I started with it, simply to use it to avoid multiple sections and a great wiring loom on my layout and to get the diesels to make a bit of noise. Then you get sucked in to altering the lights so that the red does not come on if you are pulling a train, altering the accelleration/noise/braking if pulling a heavy train etc and you feel yourself being pulled in to the 'techie stuff'.

Anyway, I bought a used (but working) SPROG 11v3 unit, downloaded the JMRI software (and Java) and then connected it up to the laptop with Windows 10 (I know, no need to say it :eek:) and started to fiddle about a bit.

Now, after a couple of weeks of frustration I still can't get anywhere. There are two little red messages at the bottom of the screen - No Service Mode Programmer Available and No Operations Mode Programmer Available and the right hand side the 'Edit Only' button is clicked. In addition, the 'read' option is not to be seen so all I can do is 'create' a new loco (a pity new model locos cannot be created so easily ;)).

I have looked on the website and it directs me to the Yahoo User Group which, in order to get any advice from, I have to join (and it appears create a new yahoo account). This feels to me like being drawn in bit by bit to a part of the hobby I don't want to be drawn in to so, can anyone out there help me so that I can get this set up to work and do some quite basic decoder tasks as metioned above.

Peter
 

JimG

Western Thunderer
Peter,

If you don't want to get involved with Yahoo Groups then a bit of Googling can bring up a few sites which might help you. This one looks as though it might answer your problems since it deals with the Sprog version and Windows 10. I use JMRI with my NCE setup using the NCE USB connection and it does work very well. I do remember that it took a bit of setting up and, if I remember correctly, downloading a driver. But it is well worth it to get JMRI working since setting up decoders becomes a doddle. :)

SPROG DCC FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Jim.
 

FiftyFourA

Western Thunderer
Thank you John.

I will take a look at that document and try to sort it out. I have LONG experience with Windows (ex MS instructor for my many sins) so it looks like its back to the old routine again of trying to get Windows to do what it says on the tin.

Peter
 

Nigel Cliffe

Western Thunderer
Hi Peter,
The messages you have from JMRI imply no connection between the computer and the Sprog.
The problem may the the Sprog drivers are not appropriately signed for Win 10 so you will need to disable Driver signature enforcement in Windows.
See here http://www.sprog-dcc.co.uk/downloads/Win8-10Installation.pdf
John

I think its "selecting the right COM port in preferences", rather than "driver installation" or "driver signing", though the document referenced should (if you follow the correct bits of it) sort things out.

In that document, Page 4, a Sprog Version 3 and Windows 10 should not need drivers installing. Therefore, the Windows Device Manager should show the Sprog device as connected, and allocated a serial port number. (Type "Device Manager" with the start menu open in Windows to find it).
Inside Device Manager, there should be a COM port allocated to the Sprog, note which one.
If there are the yellow triangles indicating driver not sorted out, then Page 7 of the document, and install drivers from the CD.

If you don't have the matching CD for the SprogIIv3, and get the yellow triangles, then download the required files from the Sprog website.


Once the device manager is showing a COM port, then in JMRI's preferences, set the device to Sprog, and the Com port to the one required, and things should work. If not, something more fundamental is wrong.



- Nigel
 
Top