I'm still learning DCC and its coming along fine.. .I've set up a test track base and have been successful in using JMRI software to program one of my locos via my PR3... I've also bee successfuly programming/running a loco with my DCS51 (Xtra).
I'm now trying to understand the linking of my DCS51 to my PR3 using a locoNet cable. I'm confused on what this link will do.. and how is it used. I noticed that one loconet port on the PR3 has internal light ,, the other does not. I plugged in the data cable (which is a digitrax cable) from the DCS51 into the lighted port on the PR3.. and brought up JMRI on my PC... I was expecting to see some sort of link... manual mentions MS100 mode..(but don't understand what that is)
my main question is about the locnet link... how is it used? whats it used for? I'm going to be installing a digitrax sound decoder (SDH166D that I ordered)... and was trying to figure out how to connect it to PC for sound downloads .
I'm just learning all the ins and outs of DCC now... so bear with my questions.. any input would be appreciated... thanks joeg
The PR3 is two devices in one. To load sounds in the SDX/SDH sound decoders, you need to connect the track terminals on the PR3 to a piece of track to set the loco on, and use a power supply withthe PR3 (like the PS14 - if you have the PR3 Xtra it came with one). The OTHER use of the PR3 is to connect to the DCC system via a Loconet cable, in which case you can use it to do things like control the layout, or program decoders using the command station (DCS51) program track. The PS14 power supply does NOT need to be connected for this mode.
The two Loconet connections, like the two on the back of the Zephyr, are exactly the same, it does not matter which one you use. In either case, the computer connects to the USB connection on the front of the PR3. Be sure to exactly follow the instructions on the Digitrax web site for your version of Windows to get the proper driver installed, neither JMRI nor the SOundLoader software will run without the driver installed correctly. If using JMRI, you do not need to worry about the standalone/MS100 mode, JMRI set the PR3 automatically. There are also some additional instructions ont eh JMRI web site on setting it all up to work with a PR3.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
thanks... that actually explains a lot to me... I appreciate it... joeg