locobuffer usb totalty confused

[Roadie]

I have a digitrax Zepher and would like to us Decoder Pro software. I know I need either a locobuffer or some other devise to make it work. My question can I down load sound files to the decoders if I use locobuffer and Decoder Pro or do I need a PR3 for that? I think I need a pr3 but not sure any way to get a little more $$$$ out of you.

[jalajoie]

To download Digitrax sound files you need a PR3. Note that only Digitrax sound files can be downloaded with the PR3.

Decoder Pro will work with the PR3 in either stand alone programmer or interfaced with Loconet.  

[jrbernier]

  As mentioned, only Digitrax sound files can be downloaded to Digitrax decoders.  The same is true for the others.  They also need their own software/interfaces to download sound files  ESU has their own speical interface and program as well.  Ther appears to be nothing standardized with sound files.

  I just order them with the correct engine/whistle/bell from the dealer.

Jim

[rrinker]

 If you absolutely positively plan to change sound files in Digitrax sound decoders, get the PR3. It works in two modes, standalone programmer mode (not connected to your Zephyr, just to a pice of track and a power supply - the PS14 works) and also as a Loconet interface (connected to your Zephyr with a Loconet cable). Either mode is usable from from both JMRI and other software like Digitrax's stuff.

 If you have no intention of changing sounds, and just want a Loconet interface, get the Locobuffer, it's a better pure Loconet interface, but ti doesn't do the standlone program track thing and it can;t load sound files into the DIgitrax decoders.

 Actually, I have both, I just finished up my test/program track (still need to mark off car lengths/weights ont he base) which has a PR3 attached (pics still in my camera, working on it) and I have a Locobuffer, although the old Hans DeLoof DIY version, not the RR-CirKits one.The PR3 is semi-permanently attached to my test track (double sided tape), I have not settled ona  mounting palce for the Locobuffer, have to see where I cna best put the computer once I finish the layout.

                                                    --Randy

 

[CSX Robert]

Roadie

My question can I down load sound files to the decoders if I use locobuffer and Decoder Pro or do I need a PR3 for that? I think I need a pr3 but not sure any way to get a little more $$$$ out of you.

Yes, to download sound files to Digitrax decoders, you do need a PR3(or a PR2). This is not, however, just "a way to get a little more $$$$ out of you." The Locobuffer is simply a Loconet interface, and Loconet is not used to download sound files because you need a direct connection to the programming track. In fact, the PR3 is specifically designed to SAVE you money by performing the function of a sound downloader AND Loconet interface, whereas the original Digitrax sound downloader(the PR2) could not act as a Loconet interface and had a higher MSRP.