Model Railway Forum

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

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/

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.

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.

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.

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

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?

The JMRI software allows loco control via a SPROG, so I don't really understand the question?

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

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.