I model in HO with a Digitrax cheif ops system I have a program track and have no problem programing TCS,Digitrax,Nce decoders I can't program SoundTraxx decoders I am told from some that I need a PTB-100 booster for that does everyone with Digitrax programing soundtraxx decoders need a booster also no matter what decoder on the program track can't get my cheif to read back CVs if I can program them why can't I read them back is it not hooked up right? Thanks in advance Mike
Digitrax Super Chief and NCE PowerHouse Pro need a programming track booster to program most sound decoders. I use a PR3 in standalone mode and can read and write any sound decoder on the US market.
There should not be any problem in reading and writing any non sound decoder. Unless of course like some MRC decoder they don't have a read feature.
Jack W.
Mike,
I use a Digitrax Super Chief Extra DCC system. I also run Soundtraxx Tsunami decoders in some of my locos. From what I experienced trying to program the Tsunamis, and have learned from the good folks at Tony's Train Exchange, I purchased a DCC Specialties Programming Track Booster (PTB)- worth every penny. My Digitrax system can read back CV values on most decoders. Because it (the Digitrax system) was designed before the Tsunamis (I think), it isn't expected by me to do everything well, thus the need for the PTB. If you are having issues, give Digitrax (850-872-9890) or Tony's (800-978-3472) a call. I have always found them to be very helpful. Let us know if you are successful with this.
Respectfully,
Wilton.
P.S. It would be helpful in reading your posts for you to use some punctuation in your sentences. A number of forum members tend to ignore posts that lack it, as it makes for more difficult reading.
Thanks Oregan for the info I'll try to do better with my punctuation.
You are more than welcome. Let us know if you solve your read back issues. Knowledge is power.
I am leaning towards getting a Power Pax by DCC specialties from Tonys Train does anyone watching use this product?
Anecdotal evidence at best, but it seems many people who got a PowerPax back when it was the only option found they had trouble with Tsunamis when they came out. The PTB100 works with the Tsunamis as well as QSI and otehrs that need boosters. Me, I just avoid the ones that need boosters and use Loksound, though my Zephyr has no problem reading the one Tsunami and one QSI I have, without resorting to Blast Mode or any special tricks.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I use the PR3 with an 18V power supply and Decoder Pro. With Decoder Pro you can save your roster so if the decoder gets reset, you reload the CV's that were programmed back in. I have the DB150 which doesn't have a programming track. To change the address I use the pg method and make sure no other loco's are on the track Joe.
Programming on the main should work on Tsnamis. You can't read back but then I've never really needed to read a CV when I intended to write a value to it anyway.
Martin Myers
ba&prr I use the PR3 with an 18V power supply and Decoder Pro. With Decoder Pro you can save your roster so if the decoder gets reset, you reload the CV's that were programmed back in.
I use the PR3 with an 18V power supply and Decoder Pro. With Decoder Pro you can save your roster so if the decoder gets reset, you reload the CV's that were programmed back in.
I'll add another vote for the PR3 with an 18VDC power supply.
That's the same set up I use, and it reliably reads/writes QSI, Soundtraxx Tsunami and LC, BLI, and of course Digitrax sound decoders.
Plus, as BA&PRR has noted, you can save your CV settings and easily re-write them if the decoder ever requires (or gets an unrequired) reset, or you want to duplicate settings on another loco with the same decoder, etc.
It's also portable, so you can bring the PR3 and a laptop to a club, meet, or even on vacation with you and program locos WITHOUT having to also drag along your command station and a throttle.
AND, you can use it to interface your computer to your Digitrax system, should you ever get the itch for automation, a dispatcher panel, etc.
In short, it's a much more capable and flexible tool than a programming track booster.
The PTB that I use is the Power Pax that you are considering. It works fine, but my experience with it as far as numerous brands of decoders is concerned is limited. If I was to purchase a PTB now, I would seek the advice of Tony's or some other DCC shop, as they would likely be up on all the recent developments in the technology.
My Soundtraxx PTB works on QSI, Soundtraxx, Digitrax and other decoders. BTW, I use JMRI on a laptop to actually configure the CVs as it's very easy.
Richard
I have the Power Pax and it performs flawlessly with all types of sound and non-sound decoders.
I originally had a Soundtraxx PTB-100 Programming Track Booster, but I replaced it with the Power Pax after twice sending it back for repairs. It never worked correctly right out of the box. Perhaps that was just my experience.
Rich
Alton Junction