I'm ready to purchase the Digitrax PR 3 . I'm planning to get hooked up to JMRI and use Decoder Pro. The big downfall is that I can't read CVs w/ SEB DB150 . Do I have any better options for an interface that can read CVs ?? I just hate the woulda coulda shoulda after I buy stuff or buying two things that can be done by one . Thanks Jerry
The JMRI interface is where you will read them if I am not mistaken.
Some day I plan on getting that set up, but will have to do the programing a way from the layout. If I am not using a program track from my DB150 I don't need to read the CV's while at the layout.
Never could any way.
Ken G Price My N-Scale Layout
Digitrax Super Empire Builder Radio System. South Valley Texas Railroad. SVTRR
N-Scale out west. 1996-1998 or so! UP, SP, Missouri Pacific, C&NW.
Jerry,
The DB150 itself will never be able to read CV's, no matter what else you hang on it, because it simply does not have the required circuitry.
However, the PR3, when used as a stand-alone programmer, DOES have the required circuitry and CAN read CV's. The DB150 is not used in this mode, but you will need an external power supply for the PR3.
It can also interface with the LocoNet, and therefore your DB150, to perform the "other" functions that the DB150 is capable of.
The one drawback, if you can even call it that, is that the PR3 cannot perform both the stand-alone programmer and LocoNet interface duties at the same time. I've been using my PR3 for probably a couple years now and haven't found that to be an issue
There is no other single device, at least not that I'm aware of, which can perform both those functions.
Lake The JMRI interface is where you will read them if I am not mistaken. Some day I plan on getting that set up, but will have to do the programing a way from the layout. If I am not using a program track from my DB150 I don't need to read the CV's while at the layout. Never could any way.
JMRI is just* a front-end into your existing DCC system. Think of it as a way to use your computer as very smart throttle.
As I mentioned, the DB150 doesn't have the actual circuitry that's required to read CV's. There's nothing JMRI can do to change that.
If you want to read CV's, you'll need a CS that has CV readback, or a PR2 or PR3, etc.
*I hate to say "just" a front end, because JMRI is a very powerful tool that has many, many abilities and uses. I've used JMRI since late 2002 and wouldn't be without it. But it simply can't somehow magically allow your DCC system to do things that the DCC system itself isn't physically capable of.
Uh, Stevert, I did not say that the PR3 or my DB150 could read back the CV's. But that with JMRI you read them off the computer monitor. At least that is what I meant. Could have been cleared though.
People I know have been doing it that way and say it works fine. One of these days I will find out
Ken, I have a PR 3 and love it!
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
The PR operate in standalone mode if you add a power supply, and then will be able to read CVs (since it won;t be workign through the DB150). Mine works fine with a PS14 power supply, reading and writing sound decoders just fine, even Tsunami. Other say they've had to pick up somethign with higher voltage, up to the max limit of 20 volts, to make it rea sound decoders. 18V would be a good option, but try the PS14.
You cna then also plug a Loconet cable between the PR3 and the DB150, and switch modes (in JMRI this is easy) and the use JMRI to operate throttles or build control panels, etc. The PR3 does both with one unit.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.