Problem?

If you have a problem in using your SPROG II then please check the list of Frequently Asked Questions to see if you can resolve the problem. If you are still experiencing difficulties then please e-mail us using the Contact link on the left. If you are using DecoderPro then it is usually helpful to include a log of what you are trying to do. Open a DecoderPro command monitor (from the SPROG menu) log to a file and then try repeating the operation you were attempting, Send the log file to us.

If you are a new user then please ensure you have read the User Guide available on the Download page (follow link on left)

Frequently Asked Questions

Section I - General Questions

Where can I buy SPROG II?

 At present, SPROG II is only available direct from the SPROG II shop in the UK or from Bill Chown in North America.

What are the differences between SPROG II and the original SPROG?

 Functionally, in terms of decoder Programming, they are identical but are a slightly different design, with SPROG II being a fully finished cased module. SPROG II is only available built and tested, and not as a kit.

What software do I need to use SPROG II?

 I recommend DecoderPro. It is possible, but tedious, to use SPROG II with a terminal emulator. DecoderPro requires that you have Java installed on your system from Sun Microsystems.

How do I know what firmware version my SPROG II has?

 In DecoderPro, open a command monitor window (from the SPROG II menu) before powering up SPROG II. When SPROG II is powered up you should see the frimware version reported in the command monitor, e.g., "SPROG II Ver 2.0a".

Section II - Other Operating System Support

Can SPROG II be used with Linux?

 Yes. Unfortunately, we are able to offer little support. Click here for some note written by another SPROG user. If the FTDI F232R USB serial port driver is not included in your Kernel, it should be available from here

Can SPROG II be used with MACOS?

 Yes. Unfortunately, we are able to offer little support. Drivers for the FTDI F232R USB serial port used by SPROG can be downloaded from here

Section III - Power Supply

What sort of power supply do I need for SPROG II?

 A regulated power supply is required giving 12 - 15V DC. No NMRA conforming decoder should require more than 250mA during programming. Some decoders will draw more than this momentarily during power up and the ACK pulse generated by pulsing the motor could be more than this, depending upon the motor. I recommend a supply of at least 500mA, but have successfully used a 300mA rated "wall wart" with N and HO size decoders.

Can I use my old DC throttle/transformer/controller as a power supply for SPROG II?

 Probably not. Many old DC powerpacks/throttles/transformers/controllers do not provide smooth DC and are unsuitable for use as a power supply for SPROG II. You may find that operation is erratic using such a unit as a power supply for SPROG II.

Section IV - Specific Decoder Problems

Which decoders has SPROG II been tested with?

 Please consult the compatibility list.

What can I do if my decoder is not supported by DecoderPro?

 More decoders are being added all the time. If you are fimiliar with XML (or wish to learn) then you could write your own definition file. More details on this procedure can be found on the JMRI webpages. Another tack is to ask on JMRIUSERS if anyone has already written the appropriate definition file.

Problems with ZTC decoders

 Some ZTC decoders do not respond correctly on the programming track with SPROG II in its default mode. This is due to the decoders expecting DCC bit timing which is out of tolerance. To get around this you need to put SPROG II into ZTC compatibilty mode. In DecoderPro:
Open a send command window from the SPROG menu
Send the command "Z 1" (without the quotes)
Send the command "W"

ZTC decoders should now program correctly. Other makes of decoder will probably still respond but if you have problems, you can turn off ZTC compatibility mode using "Z 0".

Unfortunately, it has been found that, even with this fix, ZTC202 decoders do not work with SPROGII.

Problems with Digitrax decoders in direct mode

 DecoderPro originally defaulted to paged mode programming when using SPROG. When this was changed to direct mode, a bug was uncovered in the SPROG II firmware which prevents Digitrax decoders being programmed in direct mode. To work around this bug, select paged mode programming in DecoderPro when programming digitrax decoders. This is fixed in version 1.4 firmware and later.

Section V - Using DecoderPro With SPROG II

How do I use DecoderPro with SPROG II?

 To configure DecoderPro to work with SPROG II you must start DecoderPro and select SPROG II from the File|Preferences menu. Exit DecoderPro when prompted to save the preferences. Start DecoderPro again and proceed as for any DCC decoder programming system.

Does SPROG II support the DecoderPro throttle?

 Yes but you require SPROG II version 1.3 or later firmware for the function buttons to operate correctly. You must turn the track power on and off manually using the Power Control under the tools menu. Any programming operation will always leave the track power turned off.

Can SPROG II be used as a computer controlled command station/booster?

 Yes, for small layouts. An upgrade to SPROG IIs firmware will be available soon giving full computer controlled command station functionality, either for small layouts or larger layouts when used with an external booster.

What does "Error timeout talking to Command Station" mean?

 This is often caused by a mismatch between the COM port selected in DecoderPro preferences (edit menu) and the COM port to which the SPROG is actually connected.

USB SPROGs use Virtual COM port drivers. On Windows machines, right click on "My Computer" then click Properties -> Hardware -> Device Manager. Click + next to "Ports (COM & LPT)" and note the COM port number assigned to SPROG. Ensure this is selected in the DecoderPro preferences.

Section VI - Using SPROG II with sound decoders

Can I use SPROG II to program new sounds into my sound decoder?

 No. There is (as yet) no standard way of programming new sounds into sound decoders. You must use the decoder manufacturers proprietary sound programming device.

Will SPROG II work with Broadway Ltd sound equipped locos?

 The short answer is yes, but the full answer is a little longer. These locos are notorious for the inrush current when they are powered up. SPROG II has been demonstrated to cope with this so long as the power supply is of sufficient capacity and a low value current limit resistor is fitted in one of the programming track leads.

Will SPROG II work with BLI Blueline decoders?

 Not at present but we are currently testing a fix for this.

Will SPROG II work with QSI decoders?

 Results are variable with some people having problems. We are currently testing a fix for this.

What about other sound decoders?

 No problems reported!