I’m soon going to be purchasing a Digitrax command station and would like to know what materials are needed to build a programming track that is independent of a layout and something I can transport. Just to give you a little background:
Modeling HO
Using Digitrax
Using a variety of decoders
Need a switch to go from programming to run
Works directly with JMRI
Using a Mac computer, but have the option to run Windows
Connects with USB
Power supply (unsure)
And anything else you can think of
I would also like the most modern approach without any hacks and such. Quality parts that are still supported by the manufacturer with modern electronics is a must.
I’ve seen the PR3 from Digitrax, but I would like to get your opinion on how they set it up per their online directions. I’m pretty new to DCC and electronics, so please give specifics if you’re describing some kind of part that might be out of the ordinary. I basically need a list of parts and how you would put it together.
If you want a completely independent program track, one that is not connected to your layout or command station in anyway, then the PR3 is the way to go since it can be used completely independently with your PC. The likelihood is that you won’t want to disconnect your command station from the layout and lug it around.
So in that case all you will need is a PR3, a piece of track and wires to connect it to the track. You will most likely need the Ps14 power supply for the PR3 and of course the USB connection to the computer.
In my case I happen to have an integrated program track in my Digitrax controlled layout, but wanted a mobile independent program track as well, so created this thing
The program track also has my coupler gauge and quick reference for length/weight for freight cars as well as my standards gauge all mounted along with the PR3. (Note you have to cut the track to isolate the coupler gauge or it will act as a dead short.
According to the PR3 manual, but I don’t have experience installing it on a Mac.
Actually, if he uses JMRI, a PR3 and a PS14 he doesn’t need a command station at all to do loco programing. I am assuming that his Mac can run JMRI. I am a PC person, so I am not sure about that.
I am doing it with NCE but wanted to reinforce the idea of an independent programming track.
Mine is set up on the workbench, there is a laptop nearby, and my track has its own command station and booster (which also serve as backup to the system on the railroad so I don’t get caught with a malfunctioning main command station or booster before a tour. That has happened twice before.)
I need to finish mine - it’s a bit longer, 3 rerailers plus a half section at each end. I put a coupler gauge at each end to minimize car handling. I MEANT to get the new plastic ones so they don’t short but gaps will work. Just need to order and mount a PR3 and I’m all set. Like most of my nifty ideas int he past, it got set aside because I realize how little I would actually use it. Not to discourage anyone from makign somehting liek this, but my plan has a section of track across the back of my workbench area connected to my Zephyr program track so I can install a decoder then set the loco on the track and program it without ever leaving the workbench. Portable is good, but the only other place I’m likely to use my equipment is the historical society’s modular layout and they already have a program/test track hooked to a seperate command station from the one that runs the layout.
I do fully support the “not connected to the layout” program track. Drive on, drive off might be convenient, but sooner or later you will goof up and drive in witht he program track set to program - possibly damaging the command station - or a loco or metal wheels will be bridging the gap when programming and accidently program every loco ont he layout. You cna almost compeltely prevent this with a bit more complex of a setup using a 4 pole double throw switch and two isolated sections of track. The first section of the “programming siding” is wired to the switch so that it can either be “mainline” or off. The end part is the programming section - it gets wired so that it is either program track or “mainline”. That way, if you try to drive a loco in and the switch is set to “program”, the loco will stop in that first dead section and never touch the program track area. Or, just make the program track a section of track that is not physically part of the “mainline” - easiest.
My other projects: I built a decoder tester, then used it exactly once
Since the PR3 can function as both a computer interface to LocoNet and as a stand-alone programmer using an isolated or independent track (see bottom of Digitrax page), you might want to consider a physical design that allows you to keep it adjacent to the layout (perhaps a shelf with a LocoNet cable to hold something like shown in Simon’s post above).
Yes, to use the PR3 in programming mode you WILL need a power supply. The PS14 usually works well, but for some of the more power-hungry sound decoders you will probably want something in the 16v to 18v range (The PR3 is rated for up to 20v).
And to chime in on usage: I use mine with the layout and with a portable programming track. Both the PR3 and the portable track usually reside on the computer desk in the layout room, but they’re not fastened down. If I’m going to use it portably, I just unplug it and take it with.
Just a terminal piece of Ez-track hooked up to my Zephyr.
I have a Loco-Buffer USB that I can plug in to one of the Loconet ports, and a DT400 to the other. There is plenty of room inside the cardboard box the Zephyr comes in the stash the Ez-track for transport. Probably can get the Loco-Buffer in there as well.
The Zephyr should be able to handle all programming needs. Sometimes Blast mode needs to be turned on, with some sound decoders.
Thanks to everyone for their feedback and showing off their photos. It’s very helpful to see it in action. Because I’m thinking long-term and into the future about expansion, I’ve decided on the Super Chief 8amp. I know it might seem like overkill now, but as my layout grows I’d like to not have to buy more stuff right away.
With that being said, I’ve also seen where the Super Chief has capabilities of programming too. Is this correct? Also, with this amount of power, will I damage a smaller layout even if it’s wired correctly seeing there are so many amps? I’d like to think not, but want to be sure. I was thinking that the Digitrax PM42 might be a good way to route all this power until I can take full advantage of it. For now I will be running several good sized modules along with a couple other members modules. These modules will eventually work its way into my home layout which should fill up the better part of the garage. Any feedback about using a lot of power when first starting out would be great to know too.
You do not want to connect 8 amps to the track, unless you’re runnign alrge scale. In fact you may not need 8 amps at all. How many locos do you expect to be running at one time? DOn’t be fooled by the fact that the 8 amp version is only a few dollars more than the 5 amp - you also need a power supply that can put out 8 amps, and those tend to be significantl;y more expensive than a 5 amp power supply. And no matter how much the people at TOny’s say it is,t he Magna-FOrce power supply they push is NOT an 8 amp power supply, their own test chart shows it’s not - but I’ve heard of them recommending that as a power source for the 8 amp DC systems.
Determine how many locos you want to run at the same time - that will tell you how much system you need. I’ve run 8, 4 of them with sound, with the 2.5 amps of the Zephyr. Circuit breakers are a good idea - definitely if using an 8 amp system in smaller scales, and helful regardless, because you can divide your layout into sections so that a derailment and short on one part of the layout won’t bring the whole thing to a screeching halt
I don’t know whether or not you need, or will need 8 amps, but stating “You do not want to connect 8 amps to the track” is like telling someone you do not want to connect a 40 watt light bulb to your 200 amp home electrical service.
8 amps is the MAXIMUM that the command station can supply. It has nothing to do with how many amps are applied to the track unless you have enough load to DRAW 8 amps.
If your thinking toward the future, you can use a 5 amp power supply on your 8 amp system now. The only consequence is that it will only be able to supply 5 amps to the track. You can upgrade the power supply to the command station in the future if you need it.
If you want a completely independent program track, one that is not connected to your layout or command station in anyway, then the PR3 is the way to go since it can be used completely independently with your PC. The likelihood is that you won’t want to disconnect your command station from the layout and lug it around.
So in that case all you will need is a PR3, a piece of track and wires to connect it to the track. You will most likely need the Ps14 power supply for the PR3 and of course the USB connection to the computer.
In my case I happen to have an integrated program track in my Digitrax controlled layout, but wanted a mobile independent program track as well, so created this thing
The program track also has my coupler gauge and quick reference for length/weight for freight cars as well as my standards gauge all mounted along with the PR3. (Note you have to cut the track to isolate the coupler gauge or it will act as a dead short.
According to the PR3 manual, but I don’t have experience installing it on a Mac.
The program track I pictured is totally stand alone and not connected to the command station at all. There is no ability to run the locomotives once programmed on this track, they have to be hand carried to the layout to run.
I built this so that I have program capability in the area that I have my electronics work bench so that I can test my installation and do the initial programming, check couplers etc. It is really more of a convenience thing.
Now I also have a program track integrated into my layout. It is in the form of a spur in my engine maintenance area. A loco can run into the program section under full power. I then have toggle switches on the fascia that switch the section to program and then can program direct from my Zephyr command station. I also have an old PC in the layout room and a Locobuffer 2 connected, so that I have Decoder Pro working there as well.
The PR3 based portable program track lets me do what I need without having to fire up the train room PC.
Correct, in fact I have never used it to program a Digitrax sound decoder as I don’t have one. I have so far used it with NCE, TCS, Soundtraxx Tsunami and horror of horrors an MRC sounder , sound only decoder. It worked just fine with all of them.
Not sure if this is clear from above, but once you program the decoder in the loco on the remote program track, the decoder in the loco maintains the settings that you have
My programing track is my test track. I didn’t think I would get anything for my old Prodigy Advanced Squared command station so I hooked it up to a loop of easy track that runs the perimeter of the work shop. I would submit a pic but being as it buried under a pile of oh well you get the picture. I have a spare desktop sitting around that I eventually want to dedicate strictly to programing.Thats been on the “To-Do list” for a while now.
Actually, you can test run a locomotive on a PR3 using JMRI assuming its a good runner that draws very few amps (like 1/4 amp or so). I did so last week to test a new decoder install.
No guarantees though, as it’s not really designed to do that. In fact the PR3 specifiacally has a test mode for Digitrax sound decoders that sets a CV so the loco motor does NOT turn on, but you can run through the throttle to test the sounds (sort of like load tests on the real thing). Sometimes the CV is not reset when exiting test mode, adn there are reports of this CV causing problems with other brands of sound decoders (I forget if it was a QSI or Tsunami).
If you want a standalone programmer than can also drive a loco back and forth on the test track, and was actually designed to do this, get an SPROG.
Thanks for the feedback about the SPROG. I looked it up and it shows the most recent version being the SPROG II. It sounds like it will meet all of my needs and I can run it through my Mac computer, but I am curious how you set it up. Is it basically the SPROG II connected to a power source, connected to your computer and the two power wires running to the track?
Has anyone else had experience with the SPROG II? Should I assume that this is the only option for a standalone programmer that will allow me to run the train as well?
That’s exactly how you hook it up. And install JMRI (free) software on your computer to access the SPROG. You cna bring up the programmer functionality (DecoderPro) and read/write pretty much any decoder out there, and store each loco in a database. Then you can switch to the on-screen throttle and run the loco you just programmed.
