Changing CVs

electronicvin
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Nov 28, 2019 7:00 pm
Contact:

Changing CVs

#1

Post by electronicvin »

Dear All,
I currently use a Hornby Select digital controller. I have been very satisfied with it's performance and apart from one thing, it has been perfectly adequate for my needs. What it lacks for me is the ability to change CVs.
Now I realise that I could spend at least £200 and buy a better controller (though there don't seem to be any available at the moment) but it seems like a lot of money for the ability to change CVs. If there is no other way then I will just have to shell out I suppose but my question is, "Is there not just a piece of software for my desktop which can be used to achieve what I want?" Alternatively, is there a reasonably cheap controller which I can buy to achieve my aim?
Thanks for reading this!
Skinflint - ElectronicVin
Mike Parkes
Posts: 228
Joined: Fri Oct 05, 2018 7:35 pm
Contact:

Re: Changing CVs

#2

Post by Mike Parkes »

There is Decoder Pro which is free https://www.jmri.org/help/en/html/apps/ ... tall.shtml (comes packaged with equally free Panel Pro which allows for computer controlled layouts) but it requires an appropriate interface and hence you will still need purchase something. One option is a SPROG which I use as a small interface between the computer and a programming track (a length of a track on a piece can be sited anywhere next to the laptop) https://www.sprog-dcc.co.uk/
User avatar
Rog (RJ)
Posts: 551
Joined: Thu Oct 04, 2018 5:49 pm
Location: South Nottingham
Contact:

Re: Changing CVs

#3

Post by Rog (RJ) »

You can have your Select updated by Hornby which will allow it to write to CVs. The cost is £15 plus your cost of sending it to Hornby. This will then be V1.6 firmware. There are other benefits to having it updated too. You would need to obtain a returns number from Hornby before sending it off. Usually returned in less than a week.
User avatar
teedoubleudee
Posts: 1116
Joined: Fri Oct 05, 2018 2:53 pm
Location: Downham Market
Contact:

Re: Changing CVs

#4

Post by teedoubleudee »

Like Mike above I use a Sprog and Decoder Pro. Easy to use and benefits from creating a database storing all relevant details on decoder type, CV settings, notes etc. You can test the loco movement as the Sprog is a controller. I connect mine via a home made rolling road away from the layout.
Most people are shocked when they find out how bad I am as an electrician
User avatar
Brian
Posts: 2196
Joined: Thu Oct 04, 2018 3:49 pm
Location: SE Kent
Contact:

Re: Changing CVs

#5

Post by Brian »

Firstly welcome to the forum. We all hope you enjoy your visits.

Re the Select...
Assuming your UK based then Im with Rog(RJ) - Contact Hornby Customer Services and obtain a returns number. Details here https://support.hornby.com/hc/en-gb/art ... in-the-UK-
You parcel it up and pay postage to Hornby. They charge the £15 (You may have to add VAT to that??) but it includes return P & P costs and you end up with the very latest firmware installed and you can alter CVs then. :D
Image << Click the Icon to go to my website
electronicvin
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Nov 28, 2019 7:00 pm
Contact:

Re: Changing CVs

#6

Post by electronicvin »

Thank you for your replies which I found extremely helpful as well as interesting. I will enjoy trying out your suggestions. I might also get back to you on other slightly different topics.
Electronicvin
Mike Parkes
Posts: 228
Joined: Fri Oct 05, 2018 7:35 pm
Contact:

Re: Changing CVs

#7

Post by Mike Parkes »

teedoubleudee wrote: Sun Feb 06, 2022 8:14 pm Like Mike above I use a Sprog and Decoder Pro. Easy to use and benefits from creating a database storing all relevant details on decoder type, CV settings, notes etc. You can test the loco movement as the Sprog is a controller. I connect mine via a home made rolling road away from the layout.
What exactly do you use to test loco movement via the Sprog - is there something in Decoder pro which I have never spotted?
User avatar
Brian
Posts: 2196
Joined: Thu Oct 04, 2018 3:49 pm
Location: SE Kent
Contact:

Re: Changing CVs

#8

Post by Brian »

The JMRI software allows loco control via a SPROG, so I don't really understand the question?
Image << Click the Icon to go to my website
User avatar
yelrow
Posts: 954
Joined: Thu Oct 04, 2018 6:54 pm
Location: Burgundy, France
Contact:

Re: Changing CVs

#9

Post by yelrow »

Terry, hi, i have 2 sprogs, which i have never been able to work with decoder pro. Is there an idiots guide to connecting you could send me . I belive you have my email. john
Mike Parkes
Posts: 228
Joined: Fri Oct 05, 2018 7:35 pm
Contact:

Re: Changing CVs

#10

Post by Mike Parkes »

Brian wrote: Sun Feb 13, 2022 6:05 pm The JMRI software allows loco control via a SPROG, so I don't really understand the question?
I've used Decoder Pro for years to program - I know Panel Pro will control a layout but is there a simple way of test running a newly programmed loco.
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests