Sprog-todays mission should I decide to accept it!

[Frank Gallagher]

Morning,

I need to install Sprog on my W10 laptop, I recall from when I last installed it took a long time and much cussing any tips out there? I do have the W10 installation instructions but if I remember they are not the best.

Cheers

Hopefully not

 

[PhilP]

I await your results..
A while ago (long, long, ago..) I acquired a sprog unit from a Forumite.. I have recently had a tidy-up, and it came to light!
I really ought to get the software installed, and see if it is actually of any use to me!!

 

[ntpntpntp]

You reminded me I needed to install JMRI on my W10 laptop and get my old serial port SPROG going. I've just done it.

Download and install latest production version of JMRI from their website, following their install guide for Windows. I had to install a current version of Java in order to run JMRI. No problem, took about 5 minutes.

Which SPROG do you have - USB or serial port?

Mine's a very old SPROG. I can still connect it directly to a serial port on my ancient XP tower PC in my hobby room, but for use with laptops I've acquired over the years two different USB to serial port cables. One refused to be recognised at all (I'm sure it was the one I used on my old laptop). The other was recognised as a Prolific chip set but had driver errors. A quick bit of google-fu suggested I try downgrading to an older driver, which I've done and it's now up and running. I just need to copy over my loco roster from a backup and I'll be good to go.

10-15 minutes in all.

Thanks again for the reminder!

JMRI windows install guide:
http://jmri.sourceforge.net/install/WindowsNew.shtml

JMRI 4.6 windows installer:
https://sourceforge.net/projects/jmri/files/production%20files/JMRI.4.6-R81496dc.exe/download

Java windows installer:
https://java.com/en/download/win10.jsp

A tool to install downgraded Prolific USB/serial driver (hopefully you won't need this):
http://www.totalcardiagnostics.com/...serial-fix-official-solution-to-code-10-error

 

[stockers]

Excellent description and links Nick. I need to update my JMRI software.

 

[PhilP]

You reminded me I needed to install JMRI on my W10 laptop and get my old serial port SPROG going. I've just done it.
...
Which SPROG do you have - USB or serial port?
...
Thanks again for the reminder!

Has taken me this long to find the *&%%$$+£ thing!!
T'is a Sprog II with USB..

Now to see if I have enough time before SW insists we go shop-pain!!

 

[stockers]

Don't rush it. follow the instructions. Don't be tempted to jump ahead. That way lies problems.

 

[Frank Gallagher]

Now you tell me Stockers!

 

[stockers]

Guess how I know!

 

[PhilP]

Well, it just seems to have installed the software OK. - Though it did take an age. - - A very old PC! (being in the business, I keep old-uns going. This PC started as XP, went W7, and is now W10).

Not got as far as plugging in power, or USB.. If I disappear, it has gone 'bang'!

 

[ntpntpntp]

Well... it's been over 20 minutes... are you still alive???

 

[PhilP]

Well... it's been over 20 minutes... are you still alive???

BRRRR ZAP!!
Ouch! so that is the Neutral!!


Only just got back to this thread.. Got side-tracked looking at the others..

Just a minute. - Grovels under table. Printer unplugged, Sprog plugged in..

Hummm.. 12V, correct polarity on connector, no power LED on Sprog..
Ahh! Needs USB as well, Phweep!

W10 'binged' to say it had recognised something new.. Now, where did it put the bl**dy software!!

 

[PhilP]

Well..
One step forward, but nothing..

Software loads, but nothing from a connected decoder..

More work required on this, I think?

 

[Frank Gallagher]

Err not started yet.........watch this space

 

[ntpntpntp]

Well..
One step forward, but nothing..

Software loads, but nothing from a connected decoder..

More work required on this, I think?

So... you configured JMRI with a SPROG DCC / SPROG connection and it found it on the USB port ok?

One thing I do with my old SPROG is open up a throttle and use the power button to make sure the SPROG is communicating with JMRI. When track power is on the LED flashes. Turn track power off and the LED is on solid. The LED flashes when reading or writing a decoder. Is there a similar LED on yours?

 

[Frank Gallagher]

I went in a local charity shop and saw an aluminium camera case and thought it would be a good project to make into a kind of programming centre I'm still looking and figuring out how to do it......

 

[PhilP]

So... you configured JMRI with a SPROG DCC / SPROG connection and it found it on the USB port ok?

One thing I do with my old SPROG is open up a throttle and use the power button to make sure the SPROG is communicating with JMRI. When track power is on the LED flashes. Turn track power off and the LED is on solid. The LED flashes when reading or writing a decoder. Is there a similar LED on yours?

Nope! Not a bean...

No option for a USB connection either.. Serial, COM1 or COM3 (so set for COM3).

Of course, it is all a bit 'by commitee' designed..

 

[ntpntpntp]

From the sprog-dcc web site:
"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."

For W10, right-click "This PC -> Properties -> Device Manager" instead of "My Computer", or you can use the "Settings" cog wheel and type Device Manager in the settings search box.

 

[stockers]

That is the bit I whizzed past in my set up Nick, Once done carefully the machine worked great.

 

[ntpntpntp]

Usually JMRI moans at you if it can't find the COM port you specified in the config




If the COM port is there but SPROG isn't on the other end of it, you get a Timeout talking to command station" message at the bottom of the DecoderPro window

 

[PhilP]

T'is a driver problem..
Comes up as an 'other device' in Windows Device Manager..

Not able to find a suitable driver on my machine, or out on the web..
Another bit of kit to go back in the box.