Whilst I do have a computer which I use for several applications such as Excel, Word, Acess and of course e-mail I certainly am a novice when it comes to computers, as to programming.
I came across a reference to Digitrax Pr3 which is a computer interface and supposedly is easy to use as well as user friendly in its use of changing CV's on most DCC controlers.
Do many of the members on line use this program, would they recommend it or would they recommend another program?
The PR3 is the computer interface hardware. The software that is used in conjunction with it to change CV's is called JMRI Decoder Pro. www.decoderpro.com it is free. I use it all the time and find it to be invaluable.
To elaborate a little more, the PR3 connects to the USB port of your PC. It can be used as a stand along program environment with a program track, or can be used to connect a Digitrax Loconet system to the PC. The device itself does not have software, but there are several applications that have been written to work with it. The aforementioned DecoderPro is one. There is also a program from Digitrax called Soundloader, which allows you to compile and edit sound schemes for the Digitrax line of sound decoders. There are some other utilities from Digitrax that allow the upgrade of firmware for other Digitrax devices. To me the PR3 and associated software is a very useful device.
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
I have a PR2, the older version. It requires a power supply in addition to the PR2 itself. I'm not sure if the PR3 needs a supply, or if it can run off the USB connection.
I usually use the Soundloader program from Digitrax. You can download it and install it, even without a PR2 or PR3, if you just want to look at it and get a feel for how it looks on the screen. Likewise, you can download JMRI, but of course you can't do much without the interface.
Several manufacturers make interface units for downloading their sound decoders. These are all manufacturer-specific, so you can't, for example, use a Digitrax PR3 to load sound into a Loksound decoder. You can, however, use it to set CVs on any brand of decoder.
As a matter of practice, I don't tinker with my CVs much. When I get an engine, I set it up, put any non-standard CVs into a spreadsheet and forget about it.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Like Simon mentioned, the PR3 is a piece of hardware. It comes with teh Souindloader software, which is for changing sounds in Digitrax sound decoders, but it can also read and write any CV in any decoder. However, it's use there is rather limited and you still have to know what CV number you need to set and figureout what value to use. The PR3 ALSO works with JMRI, which is free software for controlling your layout and programming decoders. This is where all the good stuff happens, you can pick settings from dropdown lists instead of trying to decipher manuals and calculating CV values.
The PR3 works in two ways. It cna interface to a Digitrax DCC system, in which case no power supply is needed. Or it can operate in standalone mode, connected to a piece of track, to read and write decoders. In thise mode, a power supply for the PR3 is needed. I've had no problems with any decoder brans, including Tsunami, using my PR3 with the PS14 power supply recommended, but others have used slightly higher voltage to get it to work 100%.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Count me in as a PR 3 Fan. Best Train Punches I have made to date. I mainly use for the following.
1 After I speed match engines, I save the CV's that I used. If you push the wrong button (not that I would do that! ) all I have to do is open the engines file and reprogram the decoder.
2 Sound engines, make adjusting the sound a snap!
Now depending on your computer USB Voltage you may need a power booster for Sound Engines. On my original computer Simon 1966 came over and helped with finding the correct USB port. My current one, I may have to buy the booster. Train World has them for around $50.00.
No boosted needed to read none sound decoders.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
Count me in as another very satisfied user of both the PR3 and JMRI.
However, to correct a slight bit of misinformation: Other than being required for computer to PR3 communication, the industry standard USB voltage is not related to, and has no effect on, the PR3's ability to program any given decoder.
Instead, what may make a difference is the external power supply that's required when using the PR3 as a stand-alone programmer. Randy alluded to this by stating that he has no issues when using a PS14.
On the other hand, I encountered some difficulty reading QSI decoders until I switched to an 18v external power supply (The max for the PR3 is 20v DC.)
But I have never heard of a situation where a programming booster was needed with a PR3 that was powered by a sufficiently-robust power supply.
Check out the founder Dave Beauchamp on these video's of using Decoder Pro and JMRI
http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/mrht_decoderpro
Best invention since sliced bread! Jim