Is there a way to connect MRC's Prodigy Express to the JMRI Decoder Pro software since the command station has no USB or serial port?
TRNJ
You might consider MRC's computer interface. I assume that it would work with the express but you should check to be sure. I think that it would offer more features than the PR3.
Jerry
Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!
I downloaded the MRC software and I found it simplistic in features as compare to Decoder Pro. I think the PR3/JMRI combo offers a much better alternative to MRC owners.
Jack W.
jalajoie I downloaded the MRC software and I found it simplistic in features as compare to Decoder Pro. I think the PR3/JMRI combo offers a much better alternative to MRC owners.
Jack,
Could you please explain how this combo would work? I'm not familiar with how these two would work together.
Jerry, the Digitrax PR3 works in two modes. It can be used as a standalone decoders programmer and also act as an interface to Digitrax Loconet. In this mode it will also be able to download sound files into Digitrax sound decoders but only with Digitrax brand.
I have installed the PR3 connected to a portable computer in stand alone programmer mode. In this mode all you need is a short piece of track and Decoder Pro to program decoders. So far I tested it with Digitrax, NCE and TCS motors decoders. I also could read and program the following sound decoders QSI, Blue Line and Paragon 2. To program the later you need Version 2.5.4 of Decoder Pro.
Hope this answer
jalajoie Jerry, the Digitrax PR3 works in two modes. It can be used as a standalone decoders programmer and also act as an interface to Digitrax Loconet. In this mode it will also be able to download sound files into Digitrax sound decoders but only with Digitrax brand. I have installed the PR3 connected to a portable computer in stand alone programmer mode. In this mode all you need is a short piece of track and Decoder Pro to program decoders. So far I tested it with Digitrax, NCE and TCS motors decoders. I also could read and program the following sound decoders QSI, Blue Line and Paragon 2. To program the later you need Version 2.5.4 of Decoder Pro. Hope this answer
Thanks Jack. That does sound like a good solution for MRC users.
davidmbedard jwils1 You might consider MRC's computer interface. I assume that it would work with the express but you should check to be sure. I think that it would offer more features than the PR3. \ The interface is not compatable with the Express. David B
jwils1 You might consider MRC's computer interface. I assume that it would work with the express but you should check to be sure. I think that it would offer more features than the PR3.
The interface is not compatable with the Express.
David B
According to everything I have read, including what is currently posted on MRC's website(MRC Computer Interface), it is compatible with the Express.
Just considering some of the pros and cons of the MRC interface, one advantage would be in being able to program on the main and in so doing you could see instant results in your locos. One example would be in speed matching for consisting, and the MRC interface appears to have nice speed curve adjustments. Having to move the loco back and forth to and from a separate programming track is a bit inconvenient for some adjustments.
Jerry, Decoder Pro will let you program on the main and the MRC speed curve adjustments appears to be an almost exact copy of the one that existed for years in Decoder Pro. What remains to find out is, if using Decoder Pro with the PR3 in standalone programming mode, one can mimic a main line. Of course I intend to test this problematic.
I must say however that I don't use the elaborate speed curve to speed match locos. Instead I only adjust Start CV2, Mid CV6, and Max CV5, this is quick and easy.
I downloaded JMRI to my computer (not connected to my layout) and have a PR3 on the same computer. I got the two working for awhile but then they both had problems communicating with the computer and neither one work now so I don't know what's going on. I'm going to have to keep playing with them to see what's wrong.
If one can get JMRI and PR3 to work together than that's a great way to easily program locos without having to wade through decoder manuals. But I still like the direct connection of a computer interface with the layout main line. I guess the best possible solution that exists for MRC users is to use the MRC interface plus JMRI/PR3. More cost but a workable solution.
The next best bet would be to forget the PR3 and just use a stand-alone JMRI to show what CVs need to change and then program those to locos with with either their MRC throttle or interface.
jwils1I downloaded JMRI to my computer (not connected to my layout) and have a PR3 on the same computer. I got the two working for awhile but then they both had problems communicating with the computer and neither one work now so I don't know what's going on. I'm going to have to keep playing with them to see what's wrong.
Do you leave the PR3 connected to the PC? If not, you need to use the same USB port each time you connect the PR3 to the computer. If you don't, the PR3 will have a different COM port value and you will have to change that in the JMRI configuration.
Another thing to keep in mind, don't forget to hook up the power supply when operating in standalone mode. Don't ask me how I know this.
Vernon in Central Indiana
Sprog II is another solution.
mfm37 Sprog II is another solution.
True but it is much more expensive
jwils1 I downloaded JMRI to my computer (not connected to my layout) and have a PR3 on the same computer. I got the two working for awhile but then they both had problems communicating with the computer and neither one work now so I don't know what's going on. I'm going to have to keep playing with them to see what's wrong. If one can get JMRI and PR3 to work together than that's a great way to easily program locos without having to wade through decoder manuals. But I still like the direct connection of a computer interface with the layout main line. I guess the best possible solution that exists for MRC users is to use the MRC interface plus JMRI/PR3. More cost but a workable solution.
You may refer to the following link if you have problem with your connection.
http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/html/hardware/loconet/PR3.shtml
jwils1 The next best bet would be to forget the PR3 and just use a stand-alone JMRI to show what CVs need to change and then program those to locos with with either their MRC throttle or interface.
I agree in fact I have one of my home computer hooked just like that, can't be any cheaper.
Well I finally got everything to work. I guess you have to follow a certain sequence in starting the two progams. Maybe there is more than one sequence that works but here is what I did:
1. I first unplugged the USB cord from the PR3 and then plugged it back in. The power supply was already plugged in to the PR3. If the lights were not correct I did a reset on the PR3.
2. Opened the Digitrax SoundLoader program.
3. Selected the correct port (COM3 in my case). The PR3/SoundLoader then worked just fine....programming, sound downloads, sound tests, etc.
4. Closed SoundLoader progam.
4. Opened Decoder Pro and set it to COM3. It then programmed on the PR3 program track (reads & writes), and when I select a JMRI throttle, turn the track power on, and select a loco, I could run sound and lights on the loco.
I'm not too sharp on this but it now works and it's pretty slick.
Thanks for the helpful replies.