CV Read back

[MOAVBILLY]

I use a Digitrax Super Empire Builder Xtra DCC system with wired throttles and would like to be able to read the CV values used on each decoder. I have a mix of Quantum and Soundtrax units. How would I do this and what do I need?

Thanks

[jalajoie]

You need a Digitrax PR3 and JMRI.

[rrinker]

jalajoie

You need a Digitrax PR3 and JMRI.

And a power suply, the PR3 needs a power supply to operate in standalone mode.

 

             --Randy

[MOAVBILLY]

Thanks Jack...just ordered a PR3 and downloaded the JMRI software.

Is there any "tricks" to using this? At this time all I'm going to use this set up for is to program decoders. I should have asked this question before I bought the PowerPax unit. At least I don't have to buy another "wall wart".

[MOAVBILLY]

Thanks....see my resonse to Jack.

[Stevert]

rrinker

 

jalajoie:

 

You need a Digitrax PR3 and JMRI.

 

 

And a power suply, the PR3 needs a power supply to operate in standalone mode.

 

             --Randy

And, you might want to get a power supply in the 16v - 18v range, instead of the Digitrax-suggested PS14. 

The PR3 is rated for up to 20V, so it can handle it, and folks have reported better CV readback results, especially with sound decoders, when using those somewhat higher-voltage power supplies.

[cudaken]

 I use the PS 14 with my PR 3 and I can read a write CV's on my QSI and Loksound decoders. Cannot read the CV's of my Blue Line engines but can write them.

 Two problems I have heard about the PR 3's.

 1 Sometimes there USB cables don't work right.

 2 In my case, older computer and my rear USB ports did not have sufficient power for the PR 3. Moved the cable to one of my front ports and I am fine now.

  Love my PR 3

                    Cuda Ken

[BIG JERR]

2nd the usb cable issue ,my pr3 would only make blinking lights and error messages ,changed the usb cable worked great...its the way to go ..Jerry

[Hamltnblue]

I had one that was simply defective.  Wasted a few hours troubleshooting and in the end the replacement worked like a charm.

[jamnest]

I work away from home and purchsed a PR3 to use with my laptop PC.  I have a six foot test track with a DB150 (which I use as a booster at home).  I use the DB150 to prower the test track.  I use the PR3 both powered from the power supply and powerd from the DB150, with good results both ways.  With Decoder Pro and the PR3 I can use my PC has a throttle for the test track.  I am using my time on the road to upgrade my locomotives to DCC/Sound.

I have a Digitrax Chief (DCS100)/Digitrax MS100/PowerPax at home using my old desktop computer When I purchased my PR3 is was going to get rid of the old MS100 as new computers do not have serial ports.  My old desktop still had one so I hooked up the MS100 and with the Power Pax it still works great.  I usualy do not program on the layout and have a test track on my work bench.