Do you get the be-boop sound when you plug and unplug the PR3? Are you using the same USB port each time (VERY important)? Have you tried another USB cable?
What seems to help, especially if the issue it that it works once, then won;t start again, is waiting longer - also check in task manager to make sure when you quit Soundloader - it really quits. If it says the port is in use, it's because the system has not yet closed the port from the previous time you had the application running. Unplugging the device while Windows seems to think it's still active probably just confuses the heck out if it, which is why it never works again until you reboot. So try running Soundloader, then closing it - and waiting a few minutes before attempting to launch it again.
--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'm using Windows 7 64 bit. My PR3 is on port 2. I check that using device manager. I use Digitrax Soundloader. When I close Soundloader and open it again it will not connect. Then I unplug the USB and plug it in again. Then I launch Soundloader again and It says could not open com port. I will repeat this procedure several times before I get lucky randomly and the PR3 will connect. There's something either wrong with the PR3 or Windows.
What OS are you using? XP, Vista 7 ? When the PR3 is connected, get into the control panel and find out what port it's hooked up yo. When the PR3 is on, there should be a tab at the top of the screen marked COM. Click on this to make sure it's the correct one. My PR3 is used on a shared computer. If I don't turn the PR3 off and disconect the power and USB cord in the correct sequence, the next time I go to use it, I have to re enter the COM port #. Joe
I will first replace the USB cable, then the reset. I have re inspected the drivers. Thanks for your help.
I have similar issues like that
First - Replace the USB cable - most factory Digitrax one are suspect!
2nd - Be sure you have installed the Drivers exactly like Digitrax Install info states - otherwise you will never get it running. You may have to do this more than once!
3rd - I could get things running once in a while but found that with everything hooked up - Doing a Reset to the PR3 (pressing both buttons on the PR3 until the LEDs begin flashing) usually let the PR3 connect.
WHY I had to keep doing the reset is unclear - but I have had to do it with several different PR3s to get it to work as I run the PR3 on a Laptop as well as my Desk Top Office computer!
Hope something works!
BOB H - Clarion, PA
The one time I had an opening error with the Soundloader software was because I had JMRI already running on the computer. Closing JMRI cured the problem.
Jack W.
When I lunch the Digitrax Soundloader software it always reads could not open com port. Digitrax technicians are not patient. They are clueless over the phone. I've sent the PR3 in for repair thinking something was wrong with the unit, and I was right. I will send it in again, this time for an exchange for a new unit. I think something's wrong with the USB connector on it.