I have a PR 3 and run a Digitrax SEB DCC system. What else would I need so I can use my computer to run the layout? Can I all so use my DT400 at the same time?
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
OK, I think I figured it out.
1 Hook up PR 3 USB cable to computer
2 Using a doubled male phone jack cord. Hook one end to the PR 3 and the other end to port B of my DB150.
Am I right?
Ken
cudakenI have a PR 3 and run a Digitrax SEB DCC system. What else would I need so I can use my computer to run the layout? Can I all so use my DT400 at the same time? Cuda Ken
cudaken OK, I think I figured it out. 1 Hook up PR 3 USB cable to computer 2 Using a doubled male phone jack cord. Hook one end to the PR 3 and the other end to port B of my DB150. Am I right? Ken
That's the proper way to connect JMRI / your computer / your PR3 to your DCC system, except you really should use a straight-through (loconet) cable instead of a phone cord.
But what do you need so your computer can run your layout?
Well, probably block detection to start. Then if you're going to use JMRI you'll need to create panel that accurately describes your layout and it's blocks, as well as defining some routes to traverse those blocks. After that, you can start writing the scripts that will use the input from all that to figure out the desired actions that make up your definition of "run the layout".
Or you can buy the version of RR&Co. that will work with that PC-->layout connection to "run" your railroad. But that software will set you back about $300 if I'm not mistaken, and still needs at least some setup to customize it to your layout.
So you have some options. Pick the one you like.
You can open up as many JMRI throttles as can fit on your screen, plus still use the DT400. If you have stationary decoders you can make simpel panels to control them in JMRI.
If you still have the PR3 also connected to a program track, and the power supply still connected, you cna switch PR3 mode right in JMRI without having to hit the buttons on the PR3, and switch between controlling the layout and programming right there. Just check the PR3 mode before doing any programming, because it WILL program via the DB150 as well, with all the same issues with making sure all other locos are off the track. So make sure you set the PR3 to standalone mode before opening any of the program screens. And maybe unplug the loconet cable from the PR3 just in case.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Thanks for the answers folks.
Stevert, one of theses days I will have all the fun stuff for my layout to run it self. But for right now all I want it for is extra throttles.
Randy, the PR 3 has to Loco Net ports in the back. Can I plug in my DT 400 into one?
Thanks again.
Yes, you cna plug your DT400 in there, as long as the other one connects eventuall back to the DB150. Loconet just daisy chains from one device to another, which is why most of them have 2 ports on. I would keep the PR3 on the end of a chain so it's easy to disconect for standalone use - if you run say a string of UP5's after the PR3, and then disconnect the PR3, all those UP5's will also be dead.
Thanks Randy