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The JMRI Manual
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Installing JMRI
Getting Started
Using DecoderPro®
DecoderPro® Programming Modes
The Basic Programmer
The Comprehensive Programmer
The Advanced Programmer
DecoderPro® Main Window
JMRI® Operations Program
Creating a Decoder Definition
Error Messages

DecoderPro® Main Window

Multi-Decoder Control

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The Multi-Programmer Control provides a convenient way to program CV's when you have more than one decoder installed in a locomotive. For example, if you have separate decoders to control the motor and provide sound, and they both use the same CV locations, programming one decoder would change he settings on the other, usually an undesired feature.

This control uses CV15 and CV16 to control writing and reading CV values. Prior to installation of the decoders into the locomotive, each one has a specific value programmed into CV16

Recommended values:

  • motor decoder value of 1
  • sound decoder value of 2
  • function only decoder value of 3
  • other uses values of 4 thru 7

Decoders should ship with the value of 0 in both CV15 and CV16, You can only perform a read or write operation on the decoder if CV15 and CV16 are the same value. In effect, CV16 is a lock and CV15 is the key.

Multi-Prorammer

The ID number buttons numbered 0 thru 6 let you select the value that will unlock the decoder with the corresponding number in it's lock CV16.

DecoderPro then reads back the value in CV16 to confirm that the decoder has successfully unlocked.

The Legacy button writes a 7 to CV15, which is a special case. Many decoders, especially older models, do not have this locking mechanism present. In some cases, specifically a Digitrax FX3 or later decoder and an early SoundTraxx decoder, it's possible to emulate the lock using sequential writing of the CVs. Clicking the Legacy button activates this procedure. Unfortunately, it's not an entirely reliable method.

Search button sequentially works through the possible addresses and marking those decoder addresses that are found to be present.

Reset button looks for possible combinations to unlock a decoder that has been inadvertently locked. Only use this option if you have just one decoder in the locomotive. If you have more than one , it will unlock all of them, which may cause confusion later.

Init DH163 + SoundTraxx button configures the Legacy mode discussed above.

Status message are displayed below the buttons, shows idle when no action is occurring.

At the bottom of the window you can select the Programming Mode. Any mode not supported by your command station will be grayed out.

If you select the Ops mode, which programs on the main track, you meed to enter the address of the decoder (locomotive) that you are programming. Your DCC system may require you to check the Long address check box if the address is a long address.