DecoderPro v1.1.9

Updated 4/23/2003

A Java-based cross-platform application for the programming of Digital Command Control (DCC) decoders for model railroad use.

DecoderPro is one of a set of cross-platform applications for model railroaders. It can run on any computer system that will run Java 1.1.8, whether it is Macintosh, Windows, or Linux based. It does require that Java be installed on the computer. You can get Java as a free (but very large...) download by clicking this button:

or going to http://java.com/java/download/index.jsp

Note that all screen shots in this manual are off of a Macintosh, using the Mac Graphic User Interface option. While your screens will probably differ in some layout details, they will be essentially the same.

Note: This entire manual has been updated to correspond to DecoderPro 1.1.9, and the HTML verified using HTML4 and Cascading Style Sheets. If the formatting looks odd, you probably need to update your browser.

Index

Getting started

1. What is DCC?
2. What DCC systems will DecoderPro work with?
3. What hardware do I need?
4. How do I start the program?
5. How do I set up my preferences?

Using DecoderPro

1. How do I set up to program a decoder?
2. How do I choose the decoder type?
3. What are the Programming Modes?

The Basic Programmer

1. Entering locomotives in the "Roster"
2. The basic programmer
3. Reading the data from the decoder
4. Entering and editing new data
5. Writing the new data to the decoder
6. Saving the new data to a file
7. What if I need to do more?

The Comprehensive Programmer

1. The Set-up and Roster Panes
2. The Basic Pane
3. The Motor Control Pane
4. The Speed Control Pane
5. The Function Mapping Pane
6. The Light Pane
7. The Consisting Pane
8. The Advanced Functions Pane
9. The Sound Pane
10. The Sound Levels Pane
11. The Global CV Pane
12. The Manufacturer-Specific Pane
13. Printing the Decoder Data

The JMRI download site is hosted by sourceforge.net.

To give feedback on this HTML manual, ask questions about things not covered, or make suggestions for improvements to the manual or the software, join us on the JMRI Users mailing list at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jmriusers/

I've prepared this manual for several reasons. First, I'm not a programmer, but I heartily support the efforts that Bob Jacobsen and the rest of the folks have put forth on this project and I was looking for a way I could help. Second, I had the time, and third, "If you want something done right... "

I will endeavor to keep this manual updated. Suggestions for revisions are best submitted to the JMRI E-mail list in plain text format. This will make it easier to copy into the files, and help prevent "Microsoft Bloat" in the HTML.

Thanks for reading, and Let's Run Trains!

Joe Ellis
CEO, Bethlehem-Ares Railroad, a 1:160 Corporation
09/04/2002