I just started using JMRI with my Digitrax Zephyr Xtra system. Had fun controlling trains from the onscreen throttle, and programming CVs from the computer. But when it comes to loading a Digitrax Sound Profile onto my Digitrax sound decoder, nothing happens.
Actually something happens, on the screen, the process goes through the motions, my loco blinks in response on the main, and the screen tells me it's done downloading. But when I fire up my loco, the factory sounds are still intact, and the sound project file was never downloaded after all!
Has anyone done this on JMRI? Am I supposed to use the programming track instead? (I did, and got the same results, except the loco did not blink). I even removed all other DCC locos from the main, and, nothing.
What am I doing wrong?
Are you using a PR3 and the Sound Loader software to load the sound file into the decoder?
Jack W.
No, I'm using a LocoBuffer USB and the Sound Project Download tool in JMRI. Everything else seems to work fine on JMRI, but this...
I don't know if it is OK to use a Loco Buffer instead of a PR3, however you must use the Sound Loader software. It is a free download from Digitrax.
jalajoie I don't know if it is OK to use a Loco Buffer instead of a PR3, however you must use the Sound Loader software. It is a free download from Digitrax.
Yes it's okay to use a LocoBuffer -- like I said everything else in JMRI is working properly.
I'm using a Mac Book Pro laptop with JMRI in my layout room. Sound Loader is Windows only. I do have a Windows PC, but it's in another room and I have to move my Digitrax system and a programming track there.
I just read the Decoder Pro context help I have do say I was wrong with the Sound Loader being mandatory.
In that help file they don't mention Loco Buffer they only reference to PR2 or PR3. Personally I use PR3 and Sound Loader and have success every time.
Hope Randy will be able to help.
JMRI does have the ability to download Digitrax sound schemes to Digitrax sound decoders.
But it does NOT work on the main, and I'm not sure it'll work using the Zephyr's programming track outputs via the LocoBuffer, either.
The only way I've ever downloaded a new sound scheme was to use the PR3's programming track outputs in PR3 stand-alone programmer mode (it must have external power to operate in this mode).
Oh, and don't forget that you have to change a CV (60 or 61, I don't recall) to have the decoder use your newly-downloaded sound scheme instead of the original one on the decoder.
Yeah, they added that, sort of, a while ago. You can kinda load sounds from JMRI - because of all the proprietary schemes for loading sounds, Digitrax opened theirs up to the JMRI developers to work with.
I kinda think development on that was either abandoned or is on hold though, so it may not be fully functional. I do not think you can use another interface though, I kinda think it has to be used with the PR3 in standalone mode. The required packets are not standard NMRA DCC packets, nor are they likely part of the Loconet commands in any of the command stations, although using JMRI to update firmware in a DT402 throttle or UR92 or Zephyr Xtra seems to work with a Locobuffer.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
JMRI works through the PR# either as a LocoNet device or in PR3 stand-alone mode. When using the SoundLoader software, the output is routed to the dedicated programming track output on the PR3. I have downloaded sound projects many time into Digitrax sound decoders.
One 'gotcha' I have found is that the Digitrax sound decoder has its RAM partitioned into two area: #1 is for the steam sound(default), and #2 is for the SD38-2 diesel sound that are included in the basic decoder. When I installed the decoder in my Kato SD40-2's, I flipped the CV to get the SD38-2 diesel sound. Everything worked fine. I then downloaded the SD40-2 sound project and when I got finished - there was NO sound! I tried it again, and like you the on-screen text indicated that RAM was being cleared and that my sound project download completed OK. Still NO Sound!
I changed the CV back to pick the 'steam' sound and my diesel lit up with EMD 645 turbo sound! I am thinking that when one down-loads a sound project the dual partition is not used any more and the 'pointer' in that CV is just pointing to the middle of the sound project, not the start. Also, you do need to have the PS14 'Wall Wart' plugged into the PR3 when using it in stand-alone mode.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
rrinker Yeah, they added that, sort of, a while ago. You can kinda load sounds from JMRI - because of all the proprietary schemes for loading sounds, Digitrax opened theirs up to the JMRI developers to work with. I kinda think development on that was either abandoned or is on hold though, so it may not be fully functional. I do not think you can use another interface though, I kinda think it has to be used with the PR3 in standalone mode. The required packets are not standard NMRA DCC packets, nor are they likely part of the Loconet commands in any of the command stations, although using JMRI to update firmware in a DT402 throttle or UR92 or Zephyr Xtra seems to work with a Locobuffer. --Randy
Thanks for the clarification; I've posed the question on a few other forums and got similar word about PR3, but you explained it in detail.
The PR3 only works with a Windows, PC, correct? I have a PC that runs on Windows 7, but it's in another room. I guess I can bring my Digitrac and programming track there to get the sound profile, but for the long term it might be problematic. I have a Mac Book Pro laptop in my room, where my layout resides, and I've already been using it for JMRI.
Does Digitrax make PR3 drivers for Mac OSX?
I guess I can buy a cheap used PC laptop for DCC use later down the line.
The PR3 should work on anything - I use mine on both Windows and Linux. The Soundloader software is Windows only, but JMRI runs on anything.