I have read a lot of stuff that says to use a LocoBuffer II to connect a PC to Loconet. I have a MS100 and I am programming fine and it appears to work with RR&co. What I am unable to locate is WHY ithe LocoBuffer II is better? Your insight and experiences greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
There are a few reasons why the LocoBuffer II is better:
-Some computers cannot handle the MS100’s odd baud rate. It’s not an industry standard rate.
-Some computer serial ports don’t supply the necessary signal levels to drive the MS100. After all, it’s “powered” by the serial port, which wasn’t really designed to do that.
- Timing of the Loconet traffic can be an issue, because the MS100 cannot hold, or buffer, the traffic on either the Loconet side or the computer side. The result is collisions on the Loconet because both it and the computer are trying to “talk” at the same time. This is especially true on larger layouts, or where signalling or other activity causes an increase in Loconet traffic.
The locobuffer was specifically designed to address these issues. Plus, the LocoBuffer II has the ability to opto-isolate the Loconet from the PC, which helps prevent ground loops, etc.
If you already have an MS100, and it’s working okay for you, there’s no real need to upgrade to a LocoBuffer. But if don’t have either and you’re deciding which one you should get, there’s really no good reason to buy the MS100 over the LocoBuffer.
HTH,
Steve
The difference shows up in larger layouts, with more going on on the Loconet as well as the computer side - you WILL miss messages with an MS100 eventually.
Another reason to upgrade is if you get a new computer - one without serial ports. Very few USB to Serial adapters support the odd baud rate required by the MS100, whereas since the Locobuffer buffers the data, it can communicate at standard rates and pretty much works with any adapter.
–Randy
I am going to have to drop the $$$ for a locobuffer, my new computer doesnt have serial ports and the MS100 isnt compatible with a USB adapter[:(!]