Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
Hello,
I’m a newbie to DCC operations and I have a Digitrax Super Chief system which I got for a present. I’m running everything with the defaults for the few DCC locomotives which I have.
I would like to start making some changes to the functions in the locomotives and I’d like to do this with some sort of computer interface.
I’d like some opinions as to which would be the best software/hardware combination to use as a newbie.
I was wondering about a Digitrax/JRMI combination and the Digitrax MS100.
Thanks for any help.
I would choose the Loco Buffer over the MS100, however my combo of choice would be Digitrax PR3 and JMRI.
Jack W.
Consider this another vote for the PR3/JMRI combo.
This combination works regardless of the system you are using. The PR3 does not require any DCC system. All you need is the PR3 along with the the supplied USB cable, a computer with DecoderPro (part of the JMRI package) installed, and a section of track. With these items, you can program the CVs of any decoder and update the sound files of certain Digitrax sound decoders.
I hope this helps.
Vernon
Vernon in Central Indiana
Make this another vote for the PR3/JMRI combo. I currently use the Locobuffer USB and it works well but the PR3 has some distinct advantages for me - in particular the standalone programming capability.
Joe
Vernon/INConsider this another vote for the PR3/JMRI combo.This combination works regardless of the system you are using. The PR3 does not require any DCC system. All you need is the PR3 along with the the supplied USB cable, a computer with DecoderPro (part of the JMRI package) installed, and a section of track. With these items, you can program the CVs of any decoder and update the sound files of certain Digitrax sound decoders.I hope this helps.Vernon
What Vernon said.
(One slight correction, though: As far as I know, with the PR3 you can update the sound files of any Digitrax sound decoder.)
It's a great combination. I have the PR3, and have both JMRI and Digitrax's Soundloader software installed on my laptop. Portable, standalone, no-DCC-system-required programming.
AND it interfaces with anything LocoNet-based, whether it's a Digitrax DCC system, stand-alone LocoNet, or 3rd party system such as the Intellibox.
Steve
I use a locobuffer 2 with my Digitrax equipment. I were purchasing now, I would get the PR3 in a heartbeat to use with the JMRI application
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
Congratulation Simon, for staring in the December Railroad Model Craftsman.
jalajoieCongratulation Simon, for staring in the December Railroad Model Craftsman
Yep that is me and the boys. It was a real pleasure to do that for the Ireland's they are really stand up people.
I have the Super Chief, PR3, JMRI, and Sound loader.
Obviously my recommendation is that combo.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Oh wow that's you Simon. Cool, another celeb
For the O/P: Don't waste any money on an MS100. If you just want to connect to the SC, get a Locobuffer-USB from RR-CirKits. If you want additional versatility like a standalone programmer (not connected tot he layout), get the Digitrax PR3 and a PS14 power supply. You can use the PR3 like the Locobuffer/MS100 and connect to your railroad, but you can ALSO use the PR3 witht he PS14 power supply and a piece of track to make a programming track anywhere your computer is. Get a couple extra screw terminals and you cna easily move the PR3 back and forth between the layout room and bench.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Phoebe Vet I have the Super Chief, PR3, JMRI, and Sound loader. Obviously my recommendation is that combo.
Ditto. I also own a Locobuffer II . I had purchased it before the PR3 was available.
Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/
yep,the PR3 is what you want ,I set at my desk in the office and do programing then take to the r.r. for any fine tuning...like others have said ,the PR3 w/ps14 power supply and a short pc a track and your computer .......only down side is digitrax has had some bad usb cables ,so if you have any problems with the link up to computer ,change the cable first ! I spent 3 days trying to get it to work before checking the cable......thats the third time Ive got a bad usb cable with a computer product,so I should have known. J.W.