I just ordered my PR3. When I use it to program Tsunamis, I guess I would still need a PTB-100, right? Also, can I do Blast mode programming on the main line with DecoderPro?
I have a Zephyr Extra. I just learned how to crimp cables, I am really excited.
NP.
NP01 I just ordered my PR3. When I use it to program Tsunamis, I guess I would still need a PTB-100, right? Also, can I do Blast mode programming on the main line with DecoderPro? I have a Zephyr Extra. I just learned how to crimp cables, I am really excited. NP.
I'm also new to DCC, also with a Zephyr Xtra. Yes, you would need SoundTraxx's own interface to upload sound files into your Tsunami decoders. The PR3 is only good for Digitrax Sound Decoders in terms of sound project downloading.
Metro Red Line {snip} Yes, you would need SoundTraxx's own interface to upload sound files into your Tsunami decoders.
{snip}
Yes, you would need SoundTraxx's own interface to upload sound files into your Tsunami decoders.
The PTB-100 does not load sound files into Soundtraxx decoders. Soundtraxx decoders are not designed to have their sound files updated/modified by end-users.
What the PTB-100 does do is to boost the programming track output so that DCC command stations that are designed to use limited current on the programming track can program the more power-hungry sound decoders that have come out since the DCC spec was first issued. The idea behind having a limited-current programming track is to reduce the likelihood of damaging a decoder if it is installed incorrectly.
There are a number of users who claim success programming sound decoders using a PR3 alone by using an 18 Volt power supply with it, as opposed to the 12-14 Volt supplies Digitrax has offered. I haven't tried the higher-voltage supply myself, so I can neither confirm nor deny that this works.
Blast mode on the main does work with JMRI. I'd suggest trying that before investing in a PTB-100.
-Fritz Milhaupt, Publications Editor, Pere Marquette Historical Society, Inc.http://www.pmhistsoc.org
I can program my Tsunami and QSI with the PR3 using the Digitrax PS14 power supply, no extra supply no program track booster like the PTB100. Try it before spending extra money on something you probably don't need.
I use my PR3 setup at club shows, and it's seen all sorts of decoders, sound and non sound, and it has been able to handle them all. I haven't seen a need yet to even switch the power supply for a higher voltage one. The older 12V PS12 probably wouldn't work as well.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
As a point of clarification for my previous post, except for the case where I mention Blast mode, I am referring to using the PR3 in stand-alone configuration, using a computer and the PR3's outputs connected directly to the programming track, without a command station in play.
I'm fairly certain that's the configuration that Randy's describing, too, since increasing the PR3 power supply voltage doesn't make a difference if you're just using the PR3 to connect to a command station while using the command station's programming track outputs. In that configuration, you're still limited by the amount of power that the command station can send to the programming track.
Ok, thanks team. Sounds like:
In program only mode: PR3 will probably do Tsunamis OK
In Loconet computer control mode: my current method of putting the Zephyr in Blast mode will still work
Some tests and results to follow!
If you use a sufficiently robust power supply in the 16-18VDC range with your PR3, you should have no problem programming virtually any sound (or non-sound) decoder.
Some folks have had success when using a PS14, but many who had problems have reported that the higher-voltage power supply has cured those problems. Just don't exceed 20VDC, that's Digitrax's stated limit for the PR3.
I use an 18VDC regulated power brick with my PR3, and it reliably reads/writes to Soundtraxx LC and Tsunami, oem QSI, BLI Blue Line, and of course Digitrax sound decoders. I haven't tried any other brands, but I wouldn't expect any issues there, either.
I have my PR3 hooked up to a computer as a stand alone. I use an 18V power supply and Decoder Pro. With this set up, I save the files of my locos. If I have to do a re-set, I use Decoder Pro to reload the saved CV's. Joe
So, last night I came home and checked the mail- the PR3 was right there! I was able to find a power supply (why would digitrax not include one for a product that is $85 MSRP?) lying around. Then I had to find my spare laptop, Mrs. had kept it on an impossible shelf in a grocery bag.
But- it worked! Driver load, Java load, JMRI, Reboot and voila, my mouse is controlling my railroad. I have not figured out decoder programming yet ... it seems to want the loco in the roster.
I downloaded the WiThrottle app and voila.
This is pretty exciting, because I can now start thinking about signalling and DCC turnouts. Oops I have to prepare an application for $500 worth of electronics just to get started.
In JMRI with the loco on the track, hiy identify decoder. This will bring up a screen. Since I know what decoders are in my loco's I click the decoder my self. You do have to enter each loco into the roster. I use the road # as the roster #. I do this because I have several models of the same loco. Be sure to save your data. That way, if you have to do a decoder reset, you just bring up the loco and program the cv's in the roster file Joe
NP01 So, last night I came home and checked the mail- the PR3 was right there! I was able to find a power supply (why would digitrax not include one for a product that is $85 MSRP?) lying around. Then I had to find my spare laptop, Mrs. had kept it on an impossible shelf in a grocery bag. But- it worked! Driver load, Java load, JMRI, Reboot and voila, my mouse is controlling my railroad. I have not figured out decoder programming yet ... it seems to want the loco in the roster.
Trust me, you WANT to have the roster. It's invaluable. You can reset all your decoders and have them go back to your settings because you stored them in the roster!