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• Can I Use SPROG To Program New Sounds Into My Sound Decoder?
• What Software Do I Need To Use A SPROG? PC, Mac Or Linux?

SPROG Nano is a low cost USB interface that allows your DCC power boosters to be connected to a computer running Windows, MacOS or Linux. The ideal companion to the SBOOST, SPROG Nano interfaces your computer in the most compact package. Fuji Xerox download ApeosPort series ApeosPort-III C3300.

DCC++

Supported Hardware

Can I Use SPROG To Program New Sounds Into My Sound Decoder?

Devices, command stations, networks, and protocols:

• WiFi Throttles

Applications

By the community of JMRI.org:

Tools

JMRI tools for working with your layout:

• Common Tools:
• Blocks:
• Routing and Control:
• Other:

Layout Automation

Use JMRI to automate parts of your layout and operations:

JMRI Help:
Contents/ Index
Glossary/ FAQ

Overview

DCC++ is an Open Source Arduino-based Do-it-Yourself DCC Command Station.

Note: DCC++ is a separate project from JMRI. If you have questions about building a DCC++ system, operating it, etc, you should get help via the DCC++ TrainBoard thread and the the DCC++ Documentation TrainBoard thread. There's also information on the DCC++ GitHub repository and associated documentation. There was also an older DCC++ Website and the DCC++ Trainboard discussion. The JMRI discussion groups can only provide limited support for DCC++ itself.

Features include:

• Fully compliant with NMRA DCC standards
• 2-byte and 4-byte locomotive addressing
• Simultaneous control of multiple locomotives
• 128-step speed control
• Control all cab functions F0-F28
• Activate/de-activate all accessory function addresses 0-2048
• Programming on the Programming Track
• • Write configuration variable bytes
  • Set/clear specific configuration variable bits
  • Read configuration variable bytes
• Programming on the Main Operations Track
• • Write configuration variable bytes
  • Set/clear specific configuration variable bits
• Control DCC turnouts and sensors
• Directly access and control Arduino IO pins for accessory functions and sensors

Supported Hardware

Command Stations

Currently DCC++ Base Stations can be built from either the Arduino Uno or Arduino Mega platforms. JMRI should support either platform via USB or Network connection.

Computer Interfaces

Currently, four interfaces are supported:

• Serial/USB: Direct connection to Arduino via a USB cable
• Simulator: Simulated Base Station for off-line operation and testing.
• Network: TCP/IP connection from JMRI to a Base Station with an Ethernet or WiFi Shield.
• DCC++ Over TCP: Remote network connection to a local JMRI instance connected to a Base Station

Simulator

To use the Simulator, simply choose that option in the JMRI Preferences. Note that some features do not work in the Simulator. For example, the Simulator does not (yet) support assigning, storing, and remembering Sensor and Turnout assignments. The Simulator interface is functional enough to keep JMRI 'happy' while working on offline projects such as Operations or Panel and Logix design, but is not intended to be a full-fledged Base Station Emulator.

DCC++ Over TCP

For the DCC++ Over TCP, a host computer must be connected to the Base Station over a Serial or Network connection (or a simulator). This host computer then runs the DCC++ Over TCP Server. A remote computer (or several remote computers) can then use the DCC++ Over TCP (Server) interface to remotely access and control the Base Station.

Limitations

JMRI

JMRI currently supports the V1.1 Base Station Interface. Some V1.0 commands may not work.

Connecting

Configuring an Arduino for use as a DCC++ Base Station

In order to use an Arduino as a Base Station, you must first assemble the device and download the Base Station firmware to it. Please follow the instructional videos linked below under Other Info.

Connecting to a DCC++ Base Station via USB

1. To connect your computer to a DCC++ Base Station, first install the appropriate drivers.
2. • For the DCC++ Base Station with JMRI, you may need to install a device driver on your computer. Please refer to the Arduino Getting Started pages for instructions.
     • Windows (See Step 4)
     • Mac: No drivers should be required
     page
     

   Note: If you have already installed the Arduino IDE software, the device drivers should already be installed.

   When the device drivers are installed, connect the Arduino Base Station to your computer using a standard USB cable.

3. Once the drivers are installed, you are ready to configure JMRI. Start one of the JMRI-based programs, Then go to the preferences panel. This opens automatically the first time a program is run, or you can select it from the 'Edit' menu.
4. Select 'DCC++' from the top selection box ('System Manufacturer').
5. Select 'DCC++ Serial Port' from the second selection box ('System Connection')
6. Select the appropriate USB/Serial port from the third selection box ('Serial Port')
7. Click 'Save'. You'll be asked if it's OK for the program to quit, click 'Yes'.
8. Restart the program. You should be up and running.

Connecting to a DCC++ System using Network

1. First, connect the DCC++ Base Station to wired or WiFi network and record the IP Address and Port number. You may need to connect the Arduino to a host computer temporarily and use the Arduino Serial Monitor to get this information.
2. Now you are ready to configure JMRI. Start one of the JMRI-based programs, then go to the Preferences panel. This opens automatically the first time a JMRI program is run, or you can select it from the 'Edit' menu (from the Application menu on OS X).
3. Select 'DCC++' from the top selection box ('System Manufacturer').
4. Select 'DCC++ Ethernet' from the second selection box ('System Connection').
5. Input the IP Address and Port Number of the DCC++ Base Station.
6. Click 'Save'. You'll be asked if it's OK for the program to quit, click 'Yes'.
7. Restart the program. You should be up and running.

Connecting to a DCC++ System using DCC++ Over TCP

1. First, connect the DCC++ Base Station to the host computer via the Serial or Network interface as described above.
2. On the host computer select 'Load DCC++ Over TCP Server' from the DCC++ Menu. Check the settings, then press the 'Start Server' button. If you want the server to automatically start when JMRI is launched, click the checkbox provided.
3. The Host computer must be running with the DCC++ Server active before launching the Client computer.
4. On the client computer, launch JMRI on the Client computer.
5. In the Connection Preferences, select DCC++ as the System Manufacturer.
6. Select 'DCC++ Server' as the System Connection Type.
7. Enter the network name or IP address of the host computer and verify that the port number is the same as on the host computer.
8. Save your Preferences and restart.

Once both the Host and Client instances of JMRI are configured, you can use the Client JMRI just the same as if it were directly connected to the Base Station. The client JMRI instance can be on the same computer, in the same house, or across the country from the host.

Connecting to the DCC++ Simulator

1. Start one of the JMRI-based programs, Then go to the preferences panel. This opens automatically the first time a program is run, or you can select it from the 'Edit' menu.
2. Select 'DCC++ Simulator' from the top selection box. There are no additional configuration steps required to use the DCC++ Simulator.
3. Click 'Save'. You'll be asked if it's OK for the program to quit, click 'Yes'.
4. Restart the program. You should be up and running.

JMRI DCC++ Tools

The DCC++ menu contains 5 tools:

• DCC++ Traffic Monitor
• Send DCC++ Command
• Track Current Meter
• Configure Sensors and Turnouts
• Load DCC++ over TCP Server

Documentation

What Software Do I Need To Use A SPROG? PC, Mac Or Linux?

JMRI Help

Additional documentation will be provided on other pages linked here:

Third Party info

For more information on how to construct and program a DCC++ Base Station, refer to the following:

• DCC++ GitHub Repository
• Sparkfun - one of many places to acquire hardware

Controlling model railroad operation increasingly uses DCC, and the SPROG DCC Programmer offers the ideal solution for programming and maintaining your fleet of DCC-equipped locomotives, in any scale from Z to G!
With the industry's most comprehensive support for decoders from all the leading manufacturers, the SPROG DCC family is now growing to meet the power needs to run your layouts.

SPROG II and SPROG3 are stand-alone DCC programmers and controllers, able to be used in a complementary manner to an existing DCC system, or on its own.
The SPROG II or SPROG3 is not an interface to a DCC system, but does the things a typical Command Station does, in an easy to use, computer-controlled manner.
A SPROG gives you the ability to program DCC decoders using your computer, without the need to move your computer to the railway room, or your existing DCC system to the computer room.
The SPROG accepts commands from the computer and formats them into DCC packets for programming of decoders or operating small layouts or DCC accessory systems.

No additional hardware is required for programming sound decoders, but note that only the DCC CVs may be programmed. The SPROG is not able to download new sound files to sound decoders, as each vendor has their own proprietary format.

There are several SPROG products now available, so which one is right for your needs?

All SPROG products are sold in the North American market with appropriate high-quality regulated power supply, power and USB computer cables and all software on USB Flash drive or SD card as appropriate, with full instructions.

provides a one-stop source for setting up and running any DCC locomotives; ideal for off-layout programming and test set-ups.

• SPROG II has sufficient power to program sound decoders, even in large scales, so no power booster is necessary.
• SPROG II works with all those 'difficult' decoders that don't seem to read back on other systems.
• SPROG II also includes the ability to test your locos, or run your layout, with on-screen computer control, and full DCC operation.

For full details read the SprogIIv3 UserGuide here.

The current SPROG II model is SPROG IIv4, and works with Mac, Linux and Windows computers.
If you have an older SPROG II, we now have an upgrade available to the USB that enables easier operation with current computers, especially Windows 10. Order online and then send us your SPROG II for the upgrade. This is not required for the SPROG IIv3, IIv4 or 3 models, which already work with Windows 10.

We supply SPROG II with a 12V regulated power supply and all needed cables and software.
Click here to order your 1A DCC programming solution.

provides the same programming and control features of the SPROG II, in the same compact package, but with a major increase in available power output.

The power increase is really useful for those wanting to run their layout from DCC, in the most economical way.
With up to 2.5A, the SPROG3 will enable you to run as many as 10 locomotives simultaneously
(typical operating load for N and modern HO locos is under 0.25A each, even for most sound locos!).
Note: Increased current is not generally required for CV programming, as this is specified by the NMRA not to exceed 250mA.
For full details about SPROG3 read the Sprog3 UserGuide and the SprogIIv3 UserGuide here.

We supply SPROG 3 with a 15V 3A regulated power supply and all needed cables and software.
SPROG 3 is now also available with an 18V 3A regulated power supply for better performance with G-Scale.
Click here to order your 2.5A DCC operations solution.

Build a complete system for setting up and running any DCC locomotives.
Pi-SPROG 3 is a low cost DCC programmer-controller that connects directly to a Raspberry Pi low-cost computer.
Using a Raspberry Pi model 3B+ or 4B with WiFi you can easily build a fully featured DCC system with wireless throttles
using Apple iPhones/iPods with the WiThrottle app or Android phones with the Engine Driver app.

With essentially the same capabilities as the SPROG 3, the Pi-SPROG 3 can provide full programming functionality, and also 2.5A to run your layout.

We offer the Pi-SPROG 3 board, with supply and software, and the complete Pi-SPROG Full Package including a Raspberry Pi4B, and complementary 3d-printed box. Read more, and choose your option on our Pi-SPROG page

If you have an original Pi-SPROG One, we now have an upgrade available to the new Pi-SPROG 3 firmware that enables several new features, and is strongly recommended. Order online and then send us your SPROG II for the upgrade.

We supply Pi-SPROG 3 with a 15V 3A regulated power supply and all needed software and instructions for you to set up your Raspberry Pi.
See more Pi-SPROG details, or click here to order your Raspberry Pi DCC solution.

is the solution to increase available track power for any DCC system.

Ever had the need for a booster? This is the booster from the SPROG DCC stable.
Compact package, 2.5A and auto-reverse, power supply included!
The ideal companion to the SPROG II, with a 2.5A output and a higher maximum track voltage, SBOOST extends the SPROG II usage for larger layouts and the larger scales.
Although specifically designed for use with SPROG II and SPROG3, and the new Pi-SPROG, with opto-isolated inputs SBOOST can be coupled to any DCC system to offer multiple power districts, and also user-selectable auto-reverse sections.
For full details read the SBOOST DCC Booster UserGuide here.

SBOOST is supplied with our 15V 3A regulated supply for smooth reliable operation.
Several packages with multiple SBOOST unit combinations are also available.
Click here to order your 2.5A DCC booster solution.

is the simplest way to drive DCC boosters from your computer.

If you want an economical configuration to run your layout from your computer, SPROG Nano provides the link to DCC.
SPROG Nano is a low cost USB interface that allows a DCC power booster to be connected to a PC or MAC computer running Windows, MacOS or Linux.
The ideal companion to the SBOOST, SPROG Nano interfaces your computer in the most compact package.
Although specifically designed for use with SBOOST, the SPROG Nano can be coupled to most DCC Boosters with opto-isolated inputs.
Note: SPROG-Nano does not provide Programming Track capabilities, although “ops-mode” or “on-the-main” programming is still possible.
For full details read the S-Nano DCC UserGuide here.

SPROG-Nano is supplied with a USB cable, software and full instructions.
Click here to order your DCC layout control solution.