I bought a RR CirKits USB Loco Buffer to use with Decoder Pro etc. I saw that Digitrax has the PR3 item that can be used to download sound projects and files for the Soundbug decoders etc.
I ordered it as well, without reading all the way through.
Now I think both items are basically the same. And since the Soundloader software from Digitrax is free, can I just use the RR Cirkits interface to load the sounds into a Digitrax decoder?
Since the Digitrax software (or DecoderPro) need to talk direct to the decoder and not via the Command station to program the SFX type decoders in order to download the sound projects, you need the PR2 or PR3.
If you get the PR-3 you do not need the Locobuffer-USB unless you want to download sound projects while, at the same time, running your layout via, lets say, a PanelPro panel. The PR-3 can not run both the programming (PR2) and the layout (MS-100) at the same time. It's one or the other.
Funny you should ask, we got this e-mail from RR cirkits just yerterday.
Dear RR-CirKits, Inc. dealers,As you know, Digitrax has announced a new product, the PR3. We have had many questions about how it compares with our LocoBuffer-USB.The bottom line is, yes, the PR3, when operated in it's MS100 mode, is in competition to our LocoBuffer-USB. The PR3 will also control a programming track and upload sound files to Digitrax sound decoders, which our LocoBuffer-USB will not. Our LocoBuffer-USB is optically isolated, which the PR3 is not. The PR3 can not function as a computer interface and control a programming track at the same time. The choice of products will depend on your customer's requirements:1. If your customer needs a USB computer interface for a Chief or Zephyr command station, but uploading custom sound files to Digitrax decoders is not important to them, we feel that our LocoBuffer-USB is the best option. Optical isolation keeps your customer's system safe in spite of ground loops, spikes, and surges. Rogue currents and ground loops can wreak havoc with data, and even damage the PC or connected devices. Our LocoBuffer-USB provides 2,500 VAC of optical isolation between the LocoNet® and your customers USB port.2. If your customer wants to operate a computer interface at the same time that they are uploading sound files to Digitrax decoders and/or are using the programming track they will need a PR3 and a LocoBuffer-USB. The PR3 will not do both operations at the same time.3. If your customer needs to upload custom sound files to Digitrax decoders, they will need the PR3.4. If your customer needs to add a read-back programming track to his DB150 (Empire Builder) system the PR3 is a good choice.