I was on ebay and saw this (cirkits locobuffer) and was wondering if my mind is regestering right. I do beleave it goes between the layout and the computer to run certain things RIGHT? If some one could better inform me as to what it does ,I would really be a better train person.And I looked in digitrax but couldn't find it ,Probably looked in wrong place. thank anyone that could get me on the right track with this.
slow train Ed
Here's a link to the manufacturer. It can be found all the way at the bottom of Digitrax' home page under the Loconet Co- Developer's Products section.
http://rr-cirkits.com/
You would want to see which version it is. Serial or USB. The latest version is USB. Nothing wrong with the serial version but you will need a computer that has an available serial port to connect it. Many newer computers do not have serial ports and many PC's with older operating systems don' t handle USB very well.
Martin Myers
Ed,
The 'Locobuffer' has been sold in at least theree different models through the years:
The first two need a small 12VDC power supply(wall wart) that plugs into the end of the unit. The device provides the inteface between the Digitrax Loconet(Command Station) and your computer. There are a number of commercial software packages that allow one to 'computerize' your layout.
The best computer application available that uses the Locobuffer device is free - Decoder Pro. This allows one to program DCC decoders via your computer - much easier than fumbling around with a throttle!
I had a Locobuffer II with a USB/serial gender changer for a number of years. I bought a Locobuffer USB about a year ago and the old one(and computer) are now at the club. IIRC, the Locobuffer USB is the only one sold currently. Most newer PC's do not have a serial port, but have USB ports. For more information, here is the web site:
http://www.rr-cirkits.com/
Jim Bernier
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
If you have a Digitrax system and want to upload sound to Digitrax decoders a Digitrax PR3 would serve you better.
I have used a Digitrax MS-100 with Decoder Pro to program trains and run the layout. Decoder Pro has virtural throttles which will allow you to use your computer as multiple Digitrax throttles. I have an old Pentium III with Windows 98SE running my layout. It has a serial port so the MS-100 works great. I have inherited my wife's old laptop computer (Windows XP), which is headed for the layout to replace the old Pentium 3. I need to get a USB computer interface for my Digitrax system and was looking at a USB Locobuffer to replace the MS-100, however I can get a Digitrax PR3 for about the same cost. I have orderd a Digitrax PR3.
Jim, Modeling the Kansas City Southern Lines in HO scale.
although the PR3 is a good tool for programming the digitrax sound decoders, the locobuffer can run decoder pro from JMRI and also be used to control ( with suitable software ) some types free from JMRI, the turnouts, the trains and also program decoders. but i don't think it can program sound decoders?? anyone confirm this?
locoworks although the PR3 is a good tool for programming the digitrax sound decoders, the locobuffer can run decoder pro from JMRI and also be used to control ( with suitable software ) some types free from JMRI, the turnouts, the trains and also program decoders. but i don't think it can program sound decoders?? anyone confirm this?
The PR3 is both an MS100/LocoBuffer-type device (ie, an interface between a computer and the LocoNet), and a stand-alone programmer. As such, it can be used to program the CV's on any brand of decoder and download sounds to Digitrax sound decoders, with no command station needed. In other words, you can own any brand of DCC system, or none at all, and still use the PR3 for programming.
The LocoBuffer connects to the LocoNet, and does not have any built-in, stand-alone programming abilities. However, using JMRI or other software and your command station, you can use it for programming. Just think of the computer/JMRI/LocoBuffer combination as a very smart throttle that's plugged in to your DCC system, because that's really what it is. With that in mind, the programming you can do via the LocoBuffer would be the same as what your particular command station (DCS100, DB150, etc) can do on it's own.
HTH, Steve
The Digitrax PR3 can be used to program engines in a stand-alone mode(like the old PR1), as a Loconet-USB connection for your computer(running Decoder Pro), or a a 'sound loader' for Digitrax sound decoders. Note that you can program CV's in any decoder(sound/mobile/fixed) with your throttle or a Locobuffer/Decoder Pro. 'Loading' sound projects into a Digitrax sound decoder requires something like a PR3 or PR2(no Loconet-USB interface). It seems every sound decoder requires a different piece of hardware to download sounds into them.
Jim