Digitrax to PC cable

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I’m sure many of you have heard of the JMRI software that allows you to program locomotives from your PC. I have the software, but what is the cable called that will connect a computer to a loconet port and where do i get one?

thanks

2

JPM335, Try here: http://www.loystoys.com/indexes/computer-accessories.html

3

Thanks ray thats just what im looking for[:)]

4

Do NOT buy an MS100. Get a Locobuffer. SOme places might still have stock, but no more are being made because the builder, *** Bronson at RR-CirKits, is coming out with an improved design. The Locobuffer is infinitely better than the MS100 and will give less trouble in the long run. Coincidently, Digitrax is discontinuing the MS100 and PR1 (DecoderPro will NOT work with the PR1) and will either rely on third party items like the Locobuffer or come out with their own improved interface device.

–Randy

5

I don’t think your first few sentences are quite as clear as you intended, Randy. The first two times I read it through, it was unclear whether you were saying that *** Bronson was the builder of the MS100 or of the Locobuffer.

To clarify:

  • *** Bronson (RR-CirKits) is the manufacturer of the Locobuffer II, but he is currently out of stock as he is making the transition to a new design. Some dealers may still have some in stock.
  • Digitrax’s own computer interface devices, the MS100 and the PR1 are being discontinued.

I’d add that there is nothing inherently wrong or inferior with the version of the LocoBuffer II that *** B is replacing- the changes he is making are mainly to simplify manufacturing it. You can find more information on the LocoBuffer II at http://www.rr-cirkits.com

The LocoBuffer II is, by far, the best solution for connecting a computer to LocoNet, and unlike the MS100 and PR1, is designed so that nearly any computer with a serial port (not just machines running Windows or MSDOS) can use it. The LocoBuffer II will also run properly using a USB->serial converter, which neither the MS100 nor the PR1 would do.

6

I use a locobuffer II with my Zephyr and it has worked flawlessly with the JMRI software. I would certainly reccomend it to anyone.