search JMRI:

Setup JMRI

• Preparing to Install

Getting Started

• What is DCC?
• What DCC systems will DecoderPro work with?
• What hardware do I need?
• How do I start the program?
• How do I start DecoderPro® program for the First Time User?
• How do I set up my Preferences?

Using DecoderPro

• How do I set up to program a decoder?

DecoderPro Programming Modes

• Single CV Programmer
• Service Mode Programmer
• Ops Mode Programming

The Basic Programmer

• Entering Locomotives in the "Roster"
• The basic programmer
• Reading the data from the decoder
• Entering and editing new data
• Writing the new data to the decoder
• Saving the new data to a file
• What if I need to do more?

The Comprehensive Programmer

• Setup and Roster Panes
• Expanded Basic Pane
• Motor Control Pane
• Speed Control Pane
• Speed Table Pane
• Function Mapping Pane
• Lights Pane
• Consisting Pane
• Advanced Features Pane
• Analog Controls Pane
• Sound Pane
• Sound Levels Pane
• Global CV Pane
• Manufacturer-Specific Pane
• Printing the Decoder Data

Advanced Features

• Function Labels Pane
• Roster Media

DecoderPro® Main Window

• Menu Bar
• Toolbar
• Roster Table
• Decoder Information
• Status Bar

Error Messages

• Error Codes explained

Getting Started with DecoderPro®

What is DCC?

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In short, DCC is Digital Command Control, a system for operating model railroads in a more prototypical manner. Each locomotive contains a tiny, specialized controller. These controllers (decoders) accept digital commands over a network (the rails) addressed to them and interprets them to control the locomotive's speed, direction, lighting effects, sound, and other functions. Each decoder responds only to those commands addressed to it. Not every decoder will have functions beyond basic throttle commands available. Although there are NMRA® standards for the format of communication (allowing the decoders from different manufacturers to work on the same railroad), beyond that there is considerable variety in the functions supported and the implementation of those functions.

Just like any other controller, decoders must be programmed by the user to reach their full potential. While they come with basic "default" programs, most users will want to customize the decoder address, motor control, lights, sound, and other functions to meet their specific needs. You do so by editing CVs, or Configuration Variables, in the decoder. Some CVs use values ranging from 0 to 255, others use their space in the decoder's memory as a bank of 8 on/off switches. While this lets you do a lot with very little memory, it can get very complex for those of us that are not on speaking terms with binary code.

Decoder Pro attempts to help overcome the inevitable complexity of this system by providing a clear, usable, user friendly open source software solution for programming these on-board decoders. Programming panel designs are written in XML, (a close relative of HTML) and can be modified or even created from scratch by users with even a passing familiarity with the format without previous XML experience.

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