Problems with our new GMD-1

[delamaize]

The simplest standalone unit is http://www.broadway-limited.com/1020-Address-Changer.aspx . 80 bucks (maybe available at a discounted price).  But it looks like it can only read and change addresses (I haven't looked at the user's manual or detailed specs).

But then for not much more there is the NCE PowerCab http://blwnscale.com/nce-starter.htm. A full-feature DCC system contained in a throttle unit. $140.  It is also expandable. I have this one and I love it.

Then there might be some of those USB adapters which will work with JMRI installed on your PC. Those might cost less than the BLI address changer unit.  But then you have to supply the PC and JMRI.

My JMRI Innabox was about $80 to buy all the equipment and set up, Of course, I bought a used netbook off CL and found a router at Goodwill that needed a power supply I just happened to have lying around from the same model router that burned up.  ($30 for the PR3, $40 for the netbook, $1 for the router, and another $10 is miscellaneous wires, and a power strip.) IIRC, the Digitrax PR3 Xtra will do stand alone programing, but if you want to run trains you need a digitrax command station of some sort.

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=34625.0

[peteski]

They seem to just want to do programming only (then run the locos on DC).

[nkalanaga]

Peteski:  Sounds like the NCE version isn't much more than a good loco, and would serve the purpose.  Thank you.

[peteski]

Peteski:  Sounds like the NCE version isn't much more than a good loco, and would serve the purpose.  Thank you.

Exactly!  You're welcome.

Since I don't have a home layout but I often work with DCC locos I figured that the NCE PowerCab was perfect for my needs (to be able to program and test DCC locos).  The only thing lacking is that it does not interface with JMRI (which I wasn't looking for in the first place). And the NCE user interface (with a real alphanumeric display) is fairly easy to learn and understand.

[CBQ Fan]

They seem to just want to do programming only (then run the locos on DC).

This is why I am not a fan of dual mode locos.  BLI locos are a pain for my need.  I bought the Q E8's because they were red nose stripes and I will buy the E7 in Q (question is one each of red/black stripes) simply because there are no other viable options.  Lifelike units look awful and coupling distance is a mile long.  So I am buying them in spite of being BLI and in spite of dual mode.  When I do go DCC on my next layout I will want control over what system and which decoderrs I install!

[OldEastRR]

Not to diverge too much, but when are the Osgood-Bradleys scheduled to hit the market?

[Puddington]

Not to diverge too much, but when are the Osgood-Bradleys scheduled to hit the market?

Well; we'd have to be able to get a sample ff the tooling first... we rejected the original tool completely and are awaiting new pre production tooling - I'd say end of the year but until we see the tooling samples I can't be sure.

[Kev1340]

I am telling ya all, just offer a DC version only and allow us to upgrade it on our own.  Than offer a DCC version with all the bells and whistles!

I'm sure you and I weren't the only ones requesting a plain DC version ...

Cheers,

Kev

[victor miranda]

a digikey pr3 is a standalone programmer....
if you are going to swing 80 dollars at the problem, it is a good way to go.

[peteski]

a digikey pr3 is a standalone programmer....
if you are going to swing 80 dollars at the problem, it is a good way to go.

Digikey, eh?  A bit preoccupied with electronic components lately? 

To me at $140 the NCE PowerCab still makes a lot of sense (if not for anything else just for ease of use and the ability to actually see how the loco will behave uner the DCC power).  It is a totally biased view though...

[victor miranda]

ooops  is there a blush emoticon?

digitrax pr3


and if a DCC system is 140 bucks....
spending 80 seems like a waste-o-cash.

happy componenting!

victor

[CBQ Fan]

$199 street for one of these!  WOW!

[lock4244]

$199 street for one of these!  WOW!

Less if you don't want sound... and worth every penny if you love the GMD-1.

[victor miranda]

there is a soundless option?!?

I'll go look again.

eta
...! well lookey thar!

no sound for 40 us dollars less at ole Modeltrainstuff.

oh that is a tough call.

still gotta save a bit.

thanks for the heads up.

[lock4244]

Heh... I've a few of them now. Total number of A-1-A GMD-1's I 'need' for my modeling interest - zero 

Just such a cool little critter and oh so CDN.