Introduction

SPROG II is a stand-alone computer controlled programmer and controller, complementary to your existing DCC system. SPROG II is not an interface to any particular DCC system. SPROG II is supported on a range of hardware platforms (PC, MAC) and operating systems (Windows, MacOS, Linux) by DecoderPro.

SPROG II 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. SPROG II accepts commands from the computer's USB port and formats them into DCC packets for programming of decoders or operating small layouts or DCC accessory systems.

Software

DecoderPro is strongly recommended for use with SPROG II. DecoderPro (and the Java runtime engine, which is also required) are available as free downloads. They are supplied on CD-ROM with SPROG II. The CD-ROM may also be purchased separately.

Power Supplies

SPROG II requires a regulated DC power supply of 12 - 15V. These are available from the shop page mainly for the UK market (They are universal 100 - 240V 50-60Hz input but are built into a UK style 13A plug).

More than just a programmer

SPROG II is capable of generating any valid (or invalid) DCC packet to facilitate testing of DCC components. This was originally intended for use with a small 'tailchaser' test track or rolling road for decoder testing, running-in, performance tuning, etc.

DecoderPro includes a throttle for SPROG II allowing it to be used as a computer based command station/booster for small layouts with "one loco in steam". An external booster may be used with SPROG to allow larger layouts to be driven.

Other possibilities include using SPROG II as an interface between PanelPro and a DCC accessory bus.

Decoder Compatibility List

SPROG II should work with any DCC decoder conforming to NMRA standards. Whenever possible, any compatibility issues will be addresses as part of SPROGs ongoing development.

Bachmann

No problems reported

BLI Blueline

These decoders cannot currently be programmed with SPROG II

CT Elektronik

SPROG Firmware version 1.5 or later required for direct mode support

Digitrax

No problems reported with SPROG firmware version 1.4 and later

Hornby

Early versions of R8254? decoder do not support readback

LGB

No problems reported

Lenz

No problems reported

Loksound

No problems reported

Massoth

No problems reported

NCE

No problems reported

QSI

version 6 (Due to a decoder bug, CV1 cannot be read in direct mode)
version 7 (but with some issues still being worked on with QSI)

SoundTraxx

SPROG Firmware version 1.5 or later required for direct mode support LL100LC
DSD
Tsunami

Train Control Systems

No problems reported

Zimo

No problems reported

ZTC

See the FAQ page for details of problems with some ZTC decoders