Serge NOEL
79 lines
3.3 KiB
Plaintext
79 lines
3.3 KiB
Plaintext
<!DOCTYPE html>
|
|
<html lang="en">
|
|
<head>
|
|
<meta name="generator" content="HTML Tidy for HTML5 for Apple macOS version 5.8.0">
|
|
<title>DecoderPro Manual: Getting Started</title><!--#include virtual="/help/en/parts/Style.shtml" -->
|
|
<!-- DecoderPro Styles -->
|
|
|
|
<style>
|
|
.dp-center {text-align: center;}
|
|
.dp-right {text-align: right;}
|
|
</style>
|
|
</head>
|
|
<body>
|
|
<!--#include virtual="/help/en/parts/Header.shtml" -->
|
|
|
|
<div id="mBody">
|
|
<!--#include virtual="Sidebar.shtml" -->
|
|
|
|
<div id="mainContent">
|
|
<a id="Top"></a> <img src="images/Logo.gif" alt="JMRI DecoderPro Logo" width="163" height=
|
|
"117">
|
|
<h1>Getting Started with DecoderPro®</h1>
|
|
|
|
<h2>What is DCC?</h2>
|
|
|
|
<div class="dp-right">
|
|
<p><a href="Start_DCC_Systems.shtml">Next</a>
|
|
</p>
|
|
|
|
<p><a href="index.shtml#Getting%20Started">Back to Index</a>
|
|
</p>
|
|
</div>
|
|
|
|
<hr>
|
|
|
|
<p>In short, DCC is Digital Command Control, a system for operating model railroads in a more
|
|
prototypical manner. Each locomotive contains a tiny, specialized controller. These
|
|
controllers (decoders) accept digital commands over a network (the rails) addressed to them
|
|
and interprets them to control the locomotive's speed, direction, lighting effects, sound,
|
|
and other functions. Each decoder responds only to those commands addressed to it. Not every
|
|
decoder will have functions beyond basic throttle commands available. Although there are
|
|
NMRA® standards for the format of communication (allowing the decoders from different
|
|
manufacturers to work on the same railroad), beyond that there is considerable variety in the
|
|
functions supported and the implementation of those functions.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Just like any other controller, decoders must be programmed by the user to reach their
|
|
full potential. While they come with basic "default" programs, most users will want to
|
|
customize the decoder address, motor control, lights, sound, and other functions to meet
|
|
their specific needs. You do so by editing <strong>CV</strong>s, or <strong>Configuration
|
|
Variables</strong>, in the decoder. Some CVs use values ranging from 0 to 255, others use
|
|
their space in the decoder's memory as a bank of 8 on/off switches. While this lets you do a
|
|
lot with very little memory, it can get very complex for those of us that are not on speaking
|
|
terms with binary code.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>DecoderPro attempts to help overcome the inevitable complexity of this system by providing
|
|
a clear, usable, user friendly <span class="ACCENT">open source</span> software solution for
|
|
programming these on-board decoders. Programming panel designs are written in
|
|
<strong>XML</strong>, (a close relative of HTML) and can be modified or even created from
|
|
scratch by users with even a passing familiarity with the format without previous XML
|
|
experience.</p>
|
|
|
|
<hr>
|
|
|
|
<div class="dp-right">
|
|
<p><a href="Start_DCC_Systems.shtml">Next</a>
|
|
</p>
|
|
|
|
<p><a href="index.shtml#Getting%20Started">Back to Index</a>
|
|
</p>
|
|
</div>
|
|
<!--#include virtual="/help/en/parts/Footer.shtml" -->
|
|
</div>
|
|
<!-- closes #mainContent-->
|
|
</div>
|
|
<!-- closes #mBody-->
|
|
<script src="/js/help.js"></script>
|
|
</body>
|
|
</html>
|