Looking into decoder programers as like the Digitrax PRS to load cstom speed curves and matchng, and such and perhaps later to load sound and upgrades.. Also interested in other brands of programming. If you have one and use it could you give me the Pro and Coms of the system your using. Are they worth the bang for the buck as far as ease of use. Thank in advance for your input ans it will be highly valued.
I've got a PR2 from Digitrax. This is the older version of the PR3. It has a gameport interface, as I believe, while the PR3 has a USB interface. If someone offers you a PR2, don't get it unless you have an old computer. Windows 7, for example, doesn't support that interface at the driver level, so even with a USB-to-gameport adapter it will not work. My computer does not have a gameport card, but I have an adapter and it seems to work OK with PR2. But, I'm running XP.
The PR2 is a small unit. In addition to the computer interface, it requires a power supply, which is not provided. I use an old MRC power pack, which sort of works, but from what others have said I suspect that it is marginal, which causes some issues with the PR2.
I bought this unit for downloading sound packages (or "sound projects") to Digitrax SFX series decoders. It works fine for this. I have never been able to get this unit to work with JMRI, but that is one of the symptoms which people say is caused by a marginal power source.
The PR2 and PR3 units use Digitrax's Soundloader software. You can download that for free from the Digitrax site. You can bring it up without a PR2 or PR3 attached. Of course, it won't do anything, but it will give you the "look and feel" of the software.
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What DCC system are you using?
The Digitrax PR3 is a fine stand alone PC interface for programming, or it can integrate into a Digitrax solution. Working with the free JMRIDecoder pro software, it is an excellent solution for the programming of speed curves. Using the Digitrax soundloader software you can import and manipulate sound scchemes inDigitrax only Sound decoders. Each brand of sound decoder has its own interface.
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jwar41 Looking into decoder programers as like the Digitrax PRS to load cstom speed curves and matchng, and such and perhaps later to load sound and upgrades.. Also interested in other brands of programming. If you have one and use it could you give me the Pro and Coms of the system your using. Are they worth the bang for the buck as far as ease of use. Thank in advance for your input ans it will be highly valued.
It is my understanding that if you want to program and load speed curves into your decoders, and if you have a Digitrax (and several other) DCC system, all you need is a computer connection to your DCC system. This would be if you use JMRI. JMRI is free and works very well. So assuming that you already have a computer in proximity to the command station, your cost would be the price of the connecting cable.
On the other hand, it is also my understanding that any of the devices used for downloading sounds into a decoder will only work with that particular decoder. You cannot use the Digitrax device to load sounds into a QSI decoder.
The cost of connecting a DCC system to a PC can be consideably more than the cost of a cable. In the case of Digitrax you need to purchase a PC interface, such as the PR3 or locobuffer, there is no direct cable connection from PC to Loconet. NCE Powerhouse does have an interface, The PowerCab requires additinal interface hardware. What you need and what it will cost depends on what DCC system you have. Hence the question in my first reponse.
Thank you for the great information. Im using Digitrax and all my decoader are TSI and two sound units both Tsunami, one EMD and one Stream a engine my wife has and occasionly Im allowed to blow it's whistle LOL.
Im also heavely into sound as far as mixing music. I have been tweaking frequencys, delay and reverb with the Tsunami and getting great results, and it takes a bit of time to do, I was thinking perhaps there is somthing out there in the digital word that has a screen simular to a mixing screen, if there is it would be a blast to use. Also Im a retired railroad machinist and just want it to be a tad more accurate to my ear. I kind of chuckle when I hear the bell ten time's louder then the horn, but then thats my OPO, if ya like it got for it LOL
Thank you for the above information, Im 70 and this old dog love's to learn new tricks.
I would suggest you go to Decoderpro.com and download the program. it is free. You can open the decoder definitions for the decoders you have and can see what you can tweak and how the GUI works.
Since ther is no programmer to upload sound files for the Tsunami, the PR3 woild be the best way to go. It can act as a PC interface for your Digitrax system opening up neat features of Decoder Pro where you can monitor the Digitrax system, handle slots etc.
I'd also recommend the PR3. Sound decoders can be somewhat more difficult to program, and many folks buy a "programming track booster" to help with that.
However, I have found that my PR3, with a regulated 18v power supply, has more than enough "oomph" for the Digitrax, QSI, Soundtraxx LC, and Tsunami sound decoders I've used it with. No additional "programming track booster" required!
Thanks for each of your replys for the Information, I think in my case its best ot go with digitrax and if I understand this correctly, I can upgrade my zepher and duplex when it is needed. Have and older cpu in storage that is an easy upgrade. Thanks again and have a great day.
If you have an iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad, or an Android smartphone, and have a wireless router in your house, you can use them with JMRI to get a wireless throttle once you hvae the PR3. Not for everyone but if you arleady have the parts it's essentially free. A wiress throttle is cheaper than a smartphone but if you already have the phone..
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Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
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