Digitrax MS 100 & PR3

[Stevert]

Aikidomaster

I recently added a spur track near the front of the layout that is gapped so that it is separate from the rest of the layout. I have not yet connected it to LocoNet. Do I need a DPDT or SPDT switch to accomplish this? If so, which one?

Maybe I'm incorrectly reading your post, but you don't literally mean you want to connect your LocoNet to a piece of track, do you?  That's not the way decoder programming and LocoNet work are designed to work.

Aikidomaster

Secondly, do I need the MS 100 or the PR3 to help me program the locomotives?

 

Either will work, but they may work differently depending on exactly what you're trying to accomplish.

My recommendation, since you have the SEB, would be read up on the PR3's stand-alone programming abilities, and then get one to set up an isolated programming track away from the layout. 

HTH,
Steve

[rrinker]

 Best option is the PR3 and a PS14 power supply - or if you have sound locos you might want to get an 18VAC power supply from Radio Shack instead. And to avoid any possible chance of damaging anything, hook it to a piece of track that is NOT connected to the layout. With this configuration, you can use free DecoderPro to program you locos - complete with CV readback, which you can't do on the DB150. Plus - you can ALSO use the PR3 in "ms100 mode" and plug it in to your loconet cabling and monitor block detectors, control signals, run throttles on your computer, and if you have an iPhone or iPod and a wireless router in your house, use WiThrottle to get a cordless radio throttle.Now, don;t go out an buy an iPhone to get a radio throttle, the Digitrax solution is cheaper. But if you already have one, and all the other stuff, for the cost of the PR3 (which is useful in MANY ways) and an additional $9.95 for the app you get a wireless throttle - far less than the cost of a DT402D and UR92.

                                    --Randy

 

[Vail and Southwestern RR]

 I second the "dead" section.  It never hurts to be safe.

[simon1966]

Craig, here is what I would do in your situation.

First of all the DB150 form the SEB does not have true program track capability, so if I were in your shoes I would get the PR3 as it has program track outputs.  You can then use Decoder Pro on your PC connected to the PR3 in PR3 mode and direct program the locos.  In this particular case you would not be connecting the PR3 to the loconet at all.

However, you might also want to program on the main, in which case you would also want to run the loconet connection to the PR3 from your DB150.  The PR3 can then be placed in MS100 emulation mode and communicate via the loconet to the command station and then on to the tracks.

So in answer to question 1, the PR3 is a much more flexible solution for you than just the MS100.

 

Now, having a program track spur could cause you some issues if you are not careful.  A simple DTDP switch could be used to switch the spur from track power to PR3 connection.  You could thus run your loco into the spur, switch to PR3 and program away.

HOWEVER....BIG CAUTIONARY NOTE....

If by chance you had the spur switched to the PR3 and bridged the gaps to the powered main lines by accidentally running a loco across the gaps you would very likely blow out the PR3 circuits.  You can avoid this by being either very careful, or by creating a double gapped "dead" section of track between the program track and the main.  This can be accomplished with a DT4P switch allowing track power to be applied to it when it is open and nothing when it is closed.

[jbinkley60]

Aikidomaster

I am reading about computer interface and the use of the MS 100 and PR3. My interest is simple. I need help getting my Digitrax programming track up and running. I have the Empire Builder and have been working on my layout for about 18 months. I recently added a spur track near the front of the layout that is gapped so that it is separate from the rest of the layout. I have not yet connected it to LocoNet. Do I need a DPDT or SPDT switch to accomplish this? If so, which one? Secondly, do I need the MS 100 or the PR3 to help me program the locomotives?

Definetly a DPDT switch.  As for which to use, both will work but I highly recommend the PR3.  It is more flexible and can work in stand-alone mode or connected to Loconet.  The MS100 only works when connected to Loconet.  The other advantage of the PR3 is that you can downlaod soundfiles to Digitrax sound decoders, if you ever install any.

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

 On the type of switch, I would recommend a DPDT. Your program track needs to be completely isolated when it's being used as such.

[Aikidomaster]

I am reading about computer interface and the use of the MS 100 and PR3. My interest is simple. I need help getting my Digitrax programming track up and running. I have the Empire Builder and have been working on my layout for about 18 months. I recently added a spur track near the front of the layout that is gapped so that it is separate from the rest of the layout. I have not yet connected it to LocoNet. Do I need a DPDT or SPDT switch to accomplish this? If so, which one? Secondly, do I need the MS 100 or the PR3 to help me program the locomotives?