Hornby DCC and PC Interface

No idea. Assume it won't work unless proved otherwise.

But, if your layout power requirements are modest, you might get away with controlling things through a SPROG unit. The JMRI Decoder-Pro PC software for DCC supports the Sprog (and I believe is all public domain source, so you can hack away at whatever bits you'd like to do yourself). Budget around £50 for a Sprog.

Double check all I've said above with various suppliers, I think its correct, but I've not actually tried to connect a Sprog to a computer to control a layout. There are comments on the Sprog site about using it as a command station for an external booster, or to control a larger current unit. This may be needed if building a big layout, or running things which need a lot of current.

- Nigel

Yep also agree with Nigel. Using Sprog looks good idea but it depends on how much the power unit costs. Theres also the Hornby Elite which has a USB connection already - due out any day (week ?) now. advertised discounted at £90. Not sure how the software will interface - no mention on hornby site. Have got an elite on order, but not going to use fancy C#, will stick to proper programming with C++. So if youre not in a hurry...

Cheers, Simon

it won't work unless proved otherwise.

There's a serial SPROG for sale on Ebay at the moment.

Andy Sollis can vouch that I had a SPROG controlling two locos on a test track at the CVMRD exhibition.

It's always been possible to control a single loco with SPROG using JMRI/DecoderPro but I now have some enhancements in beta form that allow multiple loco control. There's a Java .jar in the files area of the SPROG Yahoo group and a few comments in the message archive from people who have tried it out. I can supply the source (it's not in the JMRI CVSchive yet) to anyone who wants to use it as a basis for their own thing. E-mail me via the contact link on the SPROG II homepage or join the SPROG Yahoo group. For a larger layout you will still need a higher current booster. Connecting a SPROG to a Lenz booster definitely works.

Even when your layout outgrows the SPROG as a controller it's still very useful as a programmer, but then I would say that, wouldn't I ;-)

Andrew Crosland

You could also try looking at Digitrax

route as well, plenty of applications both paid for and free as well as a full loconet spec for writing your own software if you prefer.

Chris

Proper programming is C, much more expressive.

Chris

Considering some of the code i've seen theres not much difference to some people.

Simon

Real men use FORTRAN

Robin

"R.C. Payne" wrote in message news:elr8nq$sfm$ snipped-for-privacy@gemini.csx.cam.ac.uk...

"Jerry" wrote

Nice one Jerry! ;-)

John.

Real men use machine code none of this high level programming language stuff.

Chris

Nah too much paper punching, so scan it when looking for bugs.

Cheers, Simon