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Loading Decoder Pro and PR 3

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  • Member since
    June 2006
  • From: Maryville IL
  • 9,577 posts
Loading Decoder Pro and PR 3
Posted by cudaken on Friday, November 26, 2010 3:44 PM

OK, I killed my old computer. So I need to install Decoder Pro and my PR 3 to the new computer. It have been sometime now scenes I last did it. 

 Tip's and what version should I install?

              Ken

I hate Rust

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada
  • 252 posts
Posted by CNR378 on Friday, November 26, 2010 4:18 PM

2.10 is the latest production version of JMRI and should be a good choice.

Peter

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Friday, November 26, 2010 10:44 PM

 Yup, just install 2.10. First install the PR3 though - follow the directions ont eh Digitrax site exactly so that the drivers get loaded properly. Then downlaod and install JMRI 2.10 - if you don't already have Java installed it will prompt you to install that and do it for you.

 If the new computer has Vista or Windows 7, the drivers for the PR3 will cause a prompt that they are not signed. Ignore this and say OK and let it install.

 Once JMRI is installed, the first time you start it up you will have to pick your connection type. If you are using the PR3 off the layout, with a power supply, select the Loconet PR3 and for command station type select Standalone PR3. If you have it wired to your DB150 with a Locone cable, then select the DB150 for command station type. You can change these settings later if you set it up one way for now and want to try something else later - the command station type settign DOES make a difference. When it's on STandalone PR3 and I connect a loconet cable to my Zephyr it does not work until I change the command station type to Zephyr. ANd whenit's set for my Zephyr, I can;t turn on track power on my standalone program track to test sounds, it needs to be reset to Standalone PR3.

                         --Randy

 

                                    --Randy


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    June 2006
  • From: Maryville IL
  • 9,577 posts
Posted by cudaken on Saturday, November 27, 2010 5:49 AM

 The Newer (new to me) is still running XP Pro. I am using the PR 3 as a stand alone using the PS 14 power supply.

 Reason I ask is when I first install Decoder Pro and the PR 3 on the old computer is it would not read sound engines. Simon came over and had to change my com port settings. So I was wondering if I was going to have to do it with this computer as well?

Thanks for your time.

              Ken

I hate Rust

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Saturday, November 27, 2010 9:53 AM

 The problem you had with the old computer is probably because some ports were USB 2. and some were USB 1.1. If the newer one is all USB 2.0, there shouldn't be a problem. Just use the same USB port allt he time or the COM port will change. When you plug the PR3 into a certain USB port, it gets a COM port addresses, which will stay the same even if you unplug it - so long as you put it back in the same port. Different USB port = different COM port.

                        --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    June 2006
  • From: Maryville IL
  • 9,577 posts
Posted by cudaken on Saturday, November 27, 2010 10:22 AM

 Thanks Randy

I hate Rust

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada
  • 252 posts
Posted by CNR378 on Sunday, November 28, 2010 8:06 AM

If you continue to have trouble with sound decoders try a higher voltage power supply.

With a 15 volt supply I couldn't read or consistently write sound decoders but when I changed to a 19 volt supply I could read and write all decoders without issue. 20 volts is the maximum you can use according to the documentation.

Peter

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • 4,612 posts
Posted by Hamltnblue on Sunday, November 28, 2010 9:00 AM

A clean program track and loco wheels is also a must with the sound loco's.

Springfield PA

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