Hey Guys and Gals,
I need some advice and help here if you don't mind.
I have really become a huge fan of the computer program called Decoder Pro. We have it set up at our club and I use it quiet often. I currently own over 70 different engines, most have been converted over to DCC and Decoder Pro has been a life saver.
At home I use the MRC Prodigy Advance. I enjoy the PA for it's ease of use however the PA will not woork with Decoder Pro. I believe that it is time to upgrade.
What I'm asking here is what spifically do I need in terms of Digitrax DCC equipment to purchase in order to set up a 3 ft test track in my workshop that will allow me to use Decoder Pro? I already have a Digitrax DT400r throttle. I have already downloaded the latest and greatest version of Decoder Pro to my laptop.
I know at the club we recently had to add a "booster" so that Decoder Pro could talk to and program some of the newer sound equiped decoders.
I guess what I'm really looking for is a "shopping list" of exactly what I will need to purchase in order to make Decoder Pro work in my house.
Can anyone help?
Mike
You will need a PR3 or Locobuffer-USB to connect your computer to any of the Digitrax systems. Both work well, the PR3 has the added feature of being able to work as a standlone programmer - just the PR3, a power supply for it, and a piece of track. Plus it will allow you to edit the sound files in the Digitrax sound decoders if you have any. But only Digitrax sound decoders - each sound decoder has a proprietary method of programming the sound files. Not the regualr DCC config variables - those (mostly) follow the standards, just changing the actual sounds is proprietary.
I have a Zephyr system and have not had any problems programming QSI and ESU sound decoders that required me to buy anythign extra. None of the non-sound decoders I use (Digitrax, NCE, TCS) has ever given a problem programming.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Mike,
Randy is correct - All you really need is a PR3, since it has a stand-alone programming mode. In other words, no DCC system or command station is needed - just a computer with a USB port and the appropriate software.
I should also note that to use the PR3 in stand-alone programmig mode you will need a suitable 12v power supply - a good wall wart will work fine. This gives it enough "ooomph" to program most sound decoders. I've done Soundtraxx and QSI's with mine, and it's always worked just fine. No booster required.
Plus, when you're ready to leave the MRC dark side and switch to Digitrax, you can also use the PR3 to communicate with your LocoNet since the PR3 can switch between MS100 and stand-alone programmer functions.
Steve
Steve / Randy,
Thank you both for your comments and advice. If i am to understand you both, All that I will need then is a Dititrax Zephyr and this PR3 thing?
I can easily find the Digitrax Zephyr starter system but where would I go or look for this PR3 thing?
For a PR3, try Tony's Trains or Litchfield Station for starters:
http://www.tonystrains.com/products/digitrax_pc.htm
http://www.litchfieldstation.com/xcart/search.php?mode=search&page=1
If you are not looking for Digitrax 'sound project' downloading, a 'Locobuffer USB' will work:
http://www.tonystrains.com/products/rrcirkits.htm
http://www.litchfieldstation.com/xcart/product.php?productid=295001&cat=0&page=1
I am currently using a Locobuffer USB between my PC and Digitrax system - Very nice setup!
Jim Bernier
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
If all you want to do is program CV's (and/or load sounds onto Digitrax sound decoders), you just need the PR3 and a suitable power supply.
But you do NOT need a Zephyr, or any other DCC system/command station, to use the PR3 in stand-alone programming mode. Rather, the computer/software are used as the brains to drive the PR3.
I use my PR3 with my laptop on the road, no DCC system within miles for all I know.
The PR3 should be available from, or can be ordered by, any place that carries Digitrax products.
Meyblc Steve / Randy, Thank you both for your comments and advice. If i am to understand you both, All that I will need then is a Dititrax Zephyr and this PR3 thing? I can easily find the Digitrax Zephyr starter system but where would I go or look for this PR3 thing? Mike
I like Litchfield Station: http://www.litchfieldstation.com/xcart/product.php?productid=999003028&cat=0&page=1
I'd also look at http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/html/hardware/loconet/PR3.shtml.
Gary
you don't even need the zephyr unless you are going to switch your main layout to Digitrax. The PR3 alone will do all the programming you need.
Colorado Front Range Railroad: http://www.coloradofrontrangerr.com/