Empire Builder can't read cv's

[jmacphil]

I own a Digitrax "Empire Builder" starter set.  My AC6000's are equiped with Digitrax DZ143PS motor decoders.  I do have a laptop.

Problem: DB150 can't read cv's, so I'm having a lot of trouble keeping track of lock-unlock, resetting default values, etc. resulting in more time reprogramming than running trains. 

Questions:  1. Will the Digitrax PR3 read and write cv's to other than sound decoders?  2. Is the Soundloader software supplied with the PR3 intuitive and logical?  3, Is there something better out there, for the same $ or less, that can read/write cv's?.

Thanks for your help

 

 

[cudaken]

jmacphil

Will the Digitrax PR3 read and write cv's to other than sound decoders?

 

 First to the site. And yes the PR 3 will fix the short comings of the Super Empire Builder! It can read and write motor CV's and sound as well. I hope to have my PR 3 this Thursday. If you look at my post you will see a link to what a PR 3 can do.

 Here is the link. 

http://vps2642.inmotionhosting.com/~modelr5/index.php?q=mrht_decoderpro

 All the soft ware is free to down load 

                Cuda Ken  

[corsair7]

jmacphil

I own a Digitrax "Empire Builder" starter set.  My AC6000's are equiped with Digitrax DZ143PS motor decoders.  I do have a laptop.

Problem: DB150 can't read cv's, so I'm having a lot of trouble keeping track of lock-unlock, resetting default values, etc. resulting in more time reprogramming than running trains. 

Questions:  1. Will the Digitrax PR3 read and write cv's to other than sound decoders?  2. Is the Soundloader software supplied with the PR3 intuitive and logical?  3, Is there something better out there, for the same $ or less, that can read/write cv's?.

Thanks for your help

Are you using Decoder Pro? Its from softeware from JMRI that will inteface with your PR3 and will allow you to both read and write CVs. It will also keep a record of the settings for each locomotive you own.

I do not like the Sound Loader software but since I have no sound decoders anyway I don't need to use it.

What you need is Decoder Pro which will not cost you a penny since it's free ware.

Irv

[jmacphil]

Hey guys,Thanks loads. I watched the workshop videos and will take your advice on the PR#3 and DecoderPro software.  I did notice in one of the videos, two decoder locos was mentioned, but didn't catch anywhere that there is a solution in the software to handle CV15 and CV16. Can the software read a locked decoder and just not write to it?  If a locked decoder can’t be read, maybe a solution would be to take a read to see if either one is unlocked or if it can read any CV other than 1 and 15. If CV15 is set to zero none can be read except to reset CV15 to 1 or 2 then read again to see which one becomes unlocked and reset to either 1 or 2 and go into the appropriate decoder program? At least I would be able to keep track of what I would be programming. Just thinking ahead. Next, I’m going to DecoderPro’s site to see what I can gleen regarding the matter.

I have read there was a decoder trick using two digit and four digit numbers so both decoders can be Ops programmed by using different 2 digit loco numbers with a 4 digit number and would allow full function consisting. I don't know how or if DecoderPro could handle that or even if it should. I do know so far, that trying to reprogram my BLI 6000's with a db150 has been a royal pain and am looking for some relief. 

Again, thanks.John M.

I hate rust too.

[digitraxuser]

 The PR3 is the best option for your situation. It, combined with Decoder Pro software (available free), will enable you to read and program most any decoder and store their settings in a file on your computer. That way if a decoder gets "scrambled" you can simply call up its file and right all of the settings in seconds.

The other option is to get a DCS100 command station and use the DB150 as a booster.