We have successfully decoded the communications format from the MRC computer interface to the Prodigy Controller. We are now decoding the Command structure for the controller communications. So far we have identified the Function keys, the stationary decoder commands, and some of the speed/dir commands. We have successfully built a Visual Basic Program that monitors commands from other controllers on the bus and allows user control of the bell and whistle. Although this is just a few commands we simply need to add the VB routines for the others as the basic communications seems to be solid. We will try to start document these protocols so others can use them.
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Home of my HO Scale Model Railroad
Hi,
I am working with the mrc prodigy advanced and express systems. I would weally appreciate any info on the command structure you have learned from the port sniffing. I thought I was getting a deal on the system until I found out there was no open interface for thier systems and the pc software most often used.
I have witten a MS Visual C++ app to control the turnouts on my modest layout via the MRC Hardwired computer interface. Of course the problem I’m having is the interface protocol between the computer and the MRC Prodigy base unit. I’ve trapped the accessory commands from the MRC software provided with the MRC computer interface hardware and written a simple program to write and read to and from the interface but the actual packet format and protocol escape me. It seems you have already done this and provided a link to your documentation describing what you learned. However, those links go nowhere. My question is – Is there any way you can provide that information to me for my personal one time use?
Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.
I will try to fix the links this weekend. Fixed 11-16-2012.