I just bought the Zephyr, along with the USB PR3 to hook up to decoder pro.  All I did was plug it in and install the software according to the manual (Win XP Pro), put the loco on the track and everything worked.  Literally, I had my three locos programmed in 20 minutes.  I love it. 

I've got a serial Locobuffer, a Locobuffer-USB.  One WAS  on the test layout with the DCS100, the other is with the Zephyr as a test/program/run on a 1 x 3 test / coupler adjust / weight / maintenance track.

I 've installed,  un-installed, blew away, went to previous versions, new versions (while trying to help other, best to have the same version). Gone to Vista, back to XP, moved it all over to a WIn98 boat ancor of a machine.

I've never encounter an issue with JMRI DP either.  I've had more surprises with the periferals, finicky  Locobuffer-USB (replaced), useless Power-Pax (moved to a PTB-100, works like a charm). 

DP has helped me trouble shoot  command station issues.  It is a great tool. but like I said it is no replacement for knowledge on how to program and how DCC works, when you need to know.  if one has problems programming with a throttle, I think you might not be in for the best of rides with JMRI DP.  

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side note

If you like the way DP handles slots and other Loconet items. get you hands on Loconet Checker. from Stefan Trachsler. And he answers Emails, even on vacation.  it does and finds things in the slots JMRI DP can not do, at this time. You can even  setup a library of engines so you have an identifier instead of a decoder add in slots   Both are in my computer bag of train tools.

Marc Fournier, Quebec  

what good is Loconet checker if you don't use digitrac you use lenz?

Dan

Dan my friend, 

First off I'm glad to hear you do not use Digitrac, I don't either.  I elected to go with Digitrax (got to watch those finger slips...)

I think we both can safely assume it is of no use to you.   But then my comment was not mean't for the non Loconet users among us.  

And I'm happy to hear you use Lenz.  Allways nice to hear from the fringe.    But I hope you use JMRI and are pleased with it.

Marc Fournier, Quebec

As I'm still learning all the functions and how to work with the computer and the Lenz and JMRI as well as DCC and having a great time learning. the most studying I've done in 25 years but it is definitely worth it.

Dan

Submitted by MarcFo45 on Thu, 02/25/2010 - 22:39.

If you like the way DP handles slots and other Loconet items. get you hands on Loconet Checker.

Thanks for the link! I had not heard of that before. Unfortunately, as a DB150 user, it will have limited use for me until I get a DCS100 but I hope to do so soon..

Chris

FYI.  And I hope the moderator does not mind this Email. If it goes against principals, please delete it.

I hope those who use and appreciate JMRI can find some coin in the pocket  and  DONATE it  to  the JMRI project. 

JMRI will continu to be a free software tool thanks to those involved and the fact a court case from 2004 till NOW has been settled. There is still a little   21K$   issue to deal with and any donation would certainly be appreciated by he who was involved in the legal issue.  The settlement is good for 18 months. After that not clear what will occure.

So if you use and appreciate JMRI for what is has done for your hobby, donate what you can.

I've donated, twice.

Marc Fournier,  Quebec.

(PS)  I am simply  a user who contributes and donates just to give something back into  this great 'free' tool. )

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We are extremely pleased to announce that this case has now been settled.  The agreement ends the dispute, and gives everybody involved a way to move forward. This is a victory for JMRI and open-source software in general.

The only task left is raising the money to pay off the accumulated bills and debt. Please donate -- $5, $10, $25, $50, $100 or more -- so we can get back to creating great software for model railroading!

http://jmri.sourceforge.net/donations.shtml

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