Well, I'm replacing my old Dell, with Windows XP, home edition, (using it now, as I type), with a newer computer. I've had too many security issues to continue using this computer on line. I'm taking this old computer, after deleting and removing files to regain about 10 gigs of space, down to the lay out, powered by Digitrax, and using it to program decoders, and learn and experience all I can do with having a computer connected to my Super Empire Builder. I have down-loaded JMRI, and all that comes with it, I have purchased the Digitrax PR3 Extra, down-loaded "soundloader", watched many videos, and have received some good advice from the Digitrax group on Yahoo, but I wanted to connect with you guys, and see what advice, tips, tricks, etc., those of you that have done this, have to offer.
All of this will be a new learning experience for me, especially the sound. I have never installed a sound decoder, as of yet, and have not purchased any locos with sound installed.
All comments, suggestions, tips, tricks, etc., appriciated!
Mike.
My You Tube
My previous computor was also a dell running windows XP home edition. Down loaded JMRI, bought PR3 and thought everything was going to work OK. Well I was wrong. I always had com port problems, and the PR3 never worked right. Finally gave up. N gauge has very little sound of interest to me and when I program locos I write down the CVs I program and their values. I could have bought hundreds of pens and many reams of paper for what I spent on the PR3. The computor died shortly thereafter and the PR3 woud not install on my new one, so I brought it up to my club and it's sitting in a drawer unused.
I've had a PR3 for quite some time now, installed it on many computers, including one with Linux. Never had a problem getting it to work or load, even though my newer computers are all Windows 7 64-bit, which seems to give no end to problems for some people.
Just have to open Device Manager and see what COM port it gets assigned, to then configure JMRI. ANd always plug it in the same USB port, or the COM port WILL change. For a while I've used a multiple interface setup in JMRI, my PR3 is used in standalone mode on a seperate program track, and I have an old DeLoof Locobuffer (serial) with a USB to serial adapter connected to my DCC system for running trains. In JMRI you set this up by specifying the PR3 interface for programming and the other interface for everything else. Thus when do anything programming related, it sends the commands to the PR3, but if I create a panel to control turnouts, or use the WiThrottle app, it sends the commands to the Locobuffer.
When using JMRI, the part in the PR3 instructions about holding down buttons until the LED changes from blink to wink and so forth, for changing modes, is not required. JMRI sets the PR3 based on what you are doing - programming decoders, or using the PR3 as an interface for panels and throttles.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
My experience has been generally the same as Randy's, except without the LocoBuffer. I use my PR3 as both a stand-alone programmer, and as a PC to Loconet connection. I even leave the connections for both modes in place all the time, since the PR3 just ignores one or the other based on it's mode.
When I first got my PR3 (upgrading from an MS100), my layout computer was running XP. I just followed the Digitrax-supplied instructions for installing it, and never had any problems. Same with my (at the time) WinXP laptop. No problems whatsoever.
Fast-forward a couple years. The new(er) layout computer is running Win7 64-bit, as is the new(er) laptop. Once again, following the Digitrax-supplied Win7 installation instructions, it all works perfectly.
For a couple weeks, I had the Win10 Technical Preview installed in a dual-boot configuration on my layout computer. Using the Digitrax-supplied instructions for Win8, I even had my PR3 installed and working there. As one would expect, the Win8 instructions weren't exactly right, but they were close enough that "interpreting" them for Win10 was not difficult. (as an aside, I have since removed that Technical Preview, as I saw no compelling reasons to "upgrade" from Win7).
I guess the moral of my story is that if you follow exactly the Digitrax-supplied instructions for your version of Windows, you shouldn't have any issues getting your PR3 to work.
EDIT: Fixed typo.
retsignalmtr My previous computor was also a dell running windows XP home edition. Down loaded JMRI, bought PR3 and thought everything was going to work OK. Well I was wrong. I always had com port problems, and the PR3 never worked right. Finally gave up. N gauge has very little sound of interest to me and when I program locos I write down the CVs I program and their values. I could have bought hundreds of pens and many reams of paper for what I spent on the PR3. The computor died shortly thereafter and the PR3 woud not install on my new one, so I brought it up to my club and it's sitting in a drawer unused.
Could be you had a faulty USB cable.
My experience with the PR3 is similar to both rinker and stevert. I did install about 10 PR3 at my club and for members of the club. Those PR3 work flawlesly on Win XP Pro, Vista 32 bits and Win7 64 bits.
At the club the PR3 is installed as a stand alone programmer and we can read and write every brand of sound decoders with it. At home the PR3 is used as a combo JMRI/stand alone programmer on a Win XP Pro machine and it is also used on a Win7 64 bits laptop combo JMRI/MS100 mode also without any problem.
I certainly recommend the purchase of the PR3.
Jack W.
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
jrbernierSorry to hear about you difficulties. I have built several JMRI setups: Win XP/Locobuffer USB/Digitrax DCS100(home layout) Win 7/PR3/Digitrax DCS51(man cave) Win XP/Locobuffer II/Digitrax/DCS200(club layout) The big issue is configuring the com ports - Read Randy's post... Jim
JIm,Which do you prefer? I have a DCS200 with Locobuffer USB and installed it now on my 3rd computer from windows xp to windows 7, no problems. But have to follow directions and config both ports. The newer JMRI makes config easier too.
Richard
It all depends on what you plan to do. I built the DeLoof Locobuffer shortly after I got my Zephyr. The only Digitrax-branded option was the MS100 and frankly, I wouldn't use one if someone gave it to me for free/ It's not buffered and relies on the computer setting an odd baud rate to match the Loconet speed - which most modern systems cannot do, and USB to serial adapters pretty much can;t do either. I witnessed first-hand what happens when packets get dropped because the interface isn;t buffered - in the Digitrax booth at the National Train SHow. Their demo shuttle back and forth display with a BDL168 and SE8C failed to see a detection event for the end block and the N scale RDC just kept on spinning, jammed up against the bumper.
For a fixed install, just to interface with Loconet (using the program track off the command station, running trains, and so forth), and you have no desire to get Digitrax sound decoders, the Locobuffer USB is the best option.
For loading sounds in Digitrax sound decoders, or setting up an off-layout program track, the PR3 is really the only choice. I usually take my laptop and the board with the track and PR3 to train shows and set it up on a table in the middle where I can program locos for other members, independent of the layout. At home it sat next to my workbench, and I could just spin around in my chair to access the layout computer and program the decoder I just installed, easier than ducking under the layout to get out of my work area and using my Zephyr.
The PR3 can then also double as a Loconet interface - but probbaly the best standalong DCC programmer is the SPROG as it implements faster reading methods and will read an entire decoder faster than any other system. However, it has no Loconet interface (or interface to any other system), so you'd need a second device like a Locobuffer to connect to the layout.
IIRC, the Locobuffer USB is the only Locobuffer model available currently. If no sound project downloading is needed, the Locobuffer solution is all that is needed.
Jim
Commercially, yes. Hans still sells the board and programmed PIC for his version, which now is available as both serial and USB. Some laptops actually still have a real serial port on them, but for the most part, USB is all there is any more.
jrbernier IIRC, the Locobuffer USB is the only Locobuffer model available currently. If no sound project downloading is needed, the Locobuffer solution is all that is needed. Jim
The OP stated he has an Empire Builder, which doesn't have any programming ability other than programming on the main.
The DB150 simply doesn't have the circuitry needed for CV readback. Adding a LocoBuffer won't change that, so if CV readback is desired, the LocoBuffer isn't the solution.
The SPROG provides CV readback, but on the other hand it doesn't give you a computer to LocoNet interface. So if you want that interface, the SPROG isn't the solution either.
Only the PR3 gives you both functions: The CV readback (not just for sound decoders) that the LocoBuffer can't add to the DB150, and the LocoNet interface that the SPROG doesn't have.
Thanks guys, I'am reading along. Like I stated, I'm just learning.