Anyone using a PR3? Like/dislike? Other options? I just pulled an older Dell 610 out of my closet, used to be my work machine. Will now be the layout computer. Updated everything and am going to bite the bullet and get into some of this 21st century model railroading.
Suggestions? Roads to or not to follow?
T.I.A., MM
San Dimas Southern slideshow
not had a pr3 so i'm not too sure of its capabillities. i went for a locobuffer and JMRI free downloads, but they were out before the pr3, as the locobuffer does what i want i didn't bother with a pr3 when they came out to try/see the differences.
Margaritaman Anyone using a PR3? Like/dislike? Other options? I just pulled an older Dell 610 out of my closet, used to be my work machine. Will now be the layout computer. Updated everything and am going to bite the bullet and get into some of this 21st century model railroading. Suggestions? Roads to or not to follow? T.I.A., MM
I highly recommend a PR3. I have both a Locobuffer II and a PR3. Had the PR3 been available when I originally bought the Locobiffer II, I would have bought the PR3. Nothing wrong with the Locobuffer II but the PR3 has the additional capabilities to do stand-alone programming and can download sound files to Digitrax sound decoders. I keep the Locobuffer II connected to my layout via Loconet and I use the PR3 on my bench. Both are fully supported by JMRI.
Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/
I also am a locobuffer II user that is very happy and also purchased it long before the PR3 came along. My buddy Cudaken has a PR3, which I have played with a bit and it seems to be a very good product. There have been some issues with read-back from some decoders, but others have not reported the same problems. If I were in the market now, I would probably go for the PR3 as well.
Tip: read the PR3 setup guide on the JMRI web site as this will provide the specifics on how to configure it for use with Decoder Pro.
You can't go wrong with Decoderpro it is an excellent application.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
Thanks for the input and feedback gents. Looks like I'll continue on with the purchase. Stay tuned for several "dumb question" posts!
I have been using a Digitrax MS-100 with Decoder Pro and have moved my old desk top computer to the train room. I was going to replace the MS-100 with a PR3, but the MS-100 still works great with Decoder Pro.
My job takes me away from home and I have recently purchased a Digitrax PR3 to use with my laptop and Decoder Pro. I am using the road time to upgrade my fleet of Athearn BB SD40-2 to DCC and Sound. I have used the PR3 to program sound decoders from the laptop with the PR3. It works great. I have a Digitrax Chief (DCS100) at home, but have a DB150 on the road to test run locomotives. The PR3 eliminated the problem with CV read back not availble with a Digitrax Empire Builder (DB150). If I need to adjust a CV I take the locomotive off of the test track and move it to a short programing track which is just connected to the PR3 and Decoder Pro. I make the changes and put the locomotive back on the test track which is connected to the DB150.
Jim, Modeling the Kansas City Southern Lines in HO scale.
I would agree with Jim, on my basement machine, I also use an MS-100, albeit one I built myself for around $5, assuming your PC has a serial port. Do a search for "Team Digital product support tools" if you might be interested.
I currently have a Locobuffer I build with oen of Hans Deloof's bare boards, but I am planning to aquire a PR3 at some point to make a standalone program/test track. I have the board and track, I need to get a PR3 and a couple of the new plastic Kadee couple gauges - the idea being that this will be an all-in-one track where I can check couplers, have markings indicating proper weight for a given car length, and program decoders. Add an NMRA gauge securely wired on (so it can't 'wander') and my digital scale (unfortunately no easy way to permanently make that part of the board - plus it would get damaged carrying the board around) and everythign you need to check out rolling stock and locos is in one place.
--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 have a PR-3. It works great and I have never found a decoder it cannot read.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow