Tophias 1) Can the 2 be used together- (or would there be a negative issue involved)? 2) Is there any benefit to using both if the PR3 is used as a stand alone? 3) If I connect the PR3 to my LocoNet and into the Super Chief Xtra DCS100, and the length of run of the programming track wires are approx. 10' (to go from my DCS100 to my work bench area where the programming track is) would the PTB-100 enhance the capability of the PR3 or still not be necessary? Thanks all.
1) Can the 2 be used together- (or would there be a negative issue involved)?
2) Is there any benefit to using both if the PR3 is used as a stand alone?
3) If I connect the PR3 to my LocoNet and into the Super Chief Xtra DCS100, and the length of run of the programming track wires are approx. 10' (to go from my DCS100 to my work bench area where the programming track is) would the PTB-100 enhance the capability of the PR3 or still not be necessary?
Thanks all.
Just to help sum up because some did not read that you already have a PTB-100. I have a similar set up in that I had a PTB-100 before I decided to upgrade to JMRI.
1) The two can absolutely be used together. If there is a negative I have not found it yet.
2) Yes there is a benefit, as Jim already pointed out, with the PTB-100 being used you do not need to purchase a power supply for the PR3. As an option, you can decide to sell the 100 and power the PR3 with a 18v power supply. You will need an 18v power supply to replace the power that the PTB-100 would put out.
3) 10' is fine as already mentioned 20' would be the problem. Instead you could also put the PR3 closer and run a 10' loconet cable. You would still need to get power to either the PTB-100 or the PR3.
Hope this helps, I have to tell you JMRI and DecoderPro is a much better way to deal with programming and gives you more control over your layout.
Derek
Agreed - But he will still have to buy that external PS for the stand-alone configuration.
I have an external power supply for my PR3, and the PR3 is mounted on a 'black box' with a switch so my program track can be accessed via either the system or the PR3. When I use the SoundLoader program, the PR3 will auto switch modes - I just need to toggle the switch on the black box. I normally use this setup in the 'Man Cave' where there is a DCS51 for workbench programming. I also take this combination 'on the road' for clinics at NMRA Regional/Divisional meets.
For most folks, buying extra parts cuts into their hobby budget. I used to give a clinic on getting RTR freight cars 'Layout Ready'. A lot of folks were put off by my 'drill a #43 hole and Tap for a 2-56 screw. The cost of a good Tap set made things complicated. I changed the clinic so there was an option to use a #2 self tapping screw to mount the couplers/trucks - Problem Resolved!
I attended a DCC 'programming' clinic last spring - Half way through the clinic the presenter 'lost' the crowd with the binary/hex/decimal conversion stuff. Based on that, I have been asked to do a JMRI Decoder Pro clinic this spring to the same group of folks. There was nothing 'wrong' with the materials that was presented, but we have to keep things simple - Most folks are in this for the 'trains', not the 'technical' aspects of DCC programming.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
jrbernier The advantage is that you can seamlessly program to the program track with via the DCS-100 using Decoder Pro, and also program 'on the main' without re-configuring the PR3 every time.
The advantage is that you can seamlessly program to the program track with via the DCS-100 using Decoder Pro, and also program 'on the main' without re-configuring the PR3 every time.
There is no "reconfiguring every time" if you set it up properly from the get-go.
You can leave the LocoNet connected when you're using the PR3 in stand-alone mode, and you can leave the PR3 powered when you're using it in MS100 mode. So make both sets of connections and it's "once and done".
Then, you simply set up two sets of preferences in JMRI, one for programming and one for LocoNet connectivity. For example, set up your DecoderPro preferences for the PR3 as a stand-alone programmer, and your PanelPro preferences for MS100 mode.
JMRI will set the PR3 mode to match those preferences based on which one you start (DP or PP).
Remember, you can get to ALL the JMRI functions no matter which "front-end" you're using. So to program on the main you'd just start PanelPro and select from the drop-down menus.
Or, if you wanted to, you could create separate icons for DP (or PP, or both), each with a different set of preferences.
A lot of answers/opinions here. My take is this:
Forget about 'stand-alone' mode for right now. Hook up the PR3 in it's default LocoNet mode and attach the PTB-100 to the program track output of your DCS-100 system. With this configuration you will not need the power supply for the PR3. The power supply for the PTB-100 will provide the extra 'boost' for programming sound decoders.
The advantage is that you can seamlessly program to the program track via the DCS-100 using Decoder Pro, and also program 'on the main' without re-configuring the PR3 every time. I would only use the PR3 in stand-alone mode if I did not have a DCC system handy. The only other reason for using the PR3 in stand-alone mode is for down-loading Digitrax 'sound projects' into Digitrax sound decoders. Save yourself the cost of that external power supply and any confusion at this point.
The PR3 is great in stand-alone mode when on the road and you do not have a DCC system to do programming with.
Just remember you have to buy the PR3 power supply seperately. Digitrax recommends the PS14 (14 VDC) supply
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
Using the PR3 along with a proper power supply as a standalone programmer should handle any decoder you want to throw at it. Adding a PTB or other booster would be redundant and not necessary. After checking with Digitrax I run a 15 foot 18 gauge wire pair from my Zephyr programming terminals with no problem in programming. As I recall Digitrax said that the upper limit would be about 20 feet. Check with them to be sure. You should be OK at 10 feet with suitable size wire.
Joe
I have a PR3, but no programming track booster, so I'll answer from that point of view:
1) Yes, as far as I know they can be used together. But from my experience the booster simply isn't necessary.
2) Probably not, as long as you power the PR3 with a sufficiently robust power supply**.
3) No idea here since mine are much shorter, but I tend to think it wouldn't be a problem.
**There have been many reports that 16-18VDC works well for the PR3 and sound decoders (max per Digitrax doc is 20VDC). I use an 18VDC regulated power brick with my PR3, and in stand-alone programmer mode it reliably reads/writes Soundtraxx Tsunami and LC, oem QSI's, BLI Blue Line, and of course Digitrax sound decoders. I don't own any ESU so I can't comment on those, but based on my current experience I can't imagine they'd be a problem.
My suggestion would be to get the PR3 and a good power supply and try it out. If you have problems, get a booster. If you don't, get a few more cars for the layout.
I am getting ready to buy a PR3 to use for programming along with DecoderPro. I have been reading posts here that say a PTB-100 booster is not necessary, but some say the PR3 set up as a stand alone might still have some trouble programming some Tsunami and QSI sound decoders.. Whereas I already have a PTB-100 my questions are: