What is the difference between the Digitrax MS 100 and the Digitrax PR3? I was at a train show today and they were using a computer interface to program their locomotives. They were using a program that they got for free off of the internet. I think it was called the JMRI. This program allowed the locomotive on the programming track to tell the computer what the CV’s were set at. Also, for me, it had graphs to tell the individual, what valves the CV’s could (and maybe should) be set. These are values that I can’t find in the Digitrax manual. Help, comments, and experience please.
I have both a Digitrax MS100 and PR3. The MS100 is for connecting yoru ddigitrax system to a computer serial port, which most newer computers do not have. The PR3 is much newer and uses a computer’s USB port.
JMRI (Decoder Pro) is a free program that you can use with your computer for DCC operations and programing. You will find it at: http://jmri.sourceforge.net/ I have a Digitrax Chief (DCS100) and gave up programing with the throttle years ago. Decoder Pro is the only way to go now.
Thank you for your reply. I am going to go to the Digitrax website for more information about the PR3. I will also go look at the Decoder Pro website. Do you know whether or not one can download the JMRI program on a Mac computer and use it on a PC. The wife as the Mac which is internet connected. The PC is in the basement, in a box and will be taken out this week and placed next to the layout. But there is no internet connection for the PC downstairs.
When you download, save it to a CD instead of installing it. Then install it on the PC from the CD.
There are versions for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Just be sure that you download the correct version and copy it to a CD or some other storage device that both machines support. Once you have the installation file on the CD (or other device) you should be able to install from that device.
One question; does your Windows PC have a USB port? It not, you will need a serial to USB adapter as the PR3 is a USB device. Be sure to follow the instructions for the USB cable that comes with the PR3 and use the driver provided by Digitrax. Do NOT allow Windows to install it’s own driver for the USB cable or you WILL have trouble getting the PR3 to function properly.
The PR3 has two modes of operation, MS100 and standalone. In MS100 mode it functions as an interface between your PC and the command station via the Loconet, in standalone mode it is an interface between your PC and a section of track. When in standalone mode, you will also meed a power supply for the PR3 (Digitrax PS14 or equivalent), no additional power supply is needed in MS100 mode.
I hope this helps.
Vernon.
A serial to USB adapter will let you use a serial device on a computer that has a USB port and no serial port, but it will not let you use a USB device on a computer that does not have a USB port.
The nice thing about a PR3 is that you don’t need a DCC system to program locomotives. Use a PR3, laptop with Decoder Pro and short programing track.
Thanks for catching that. I had assumed (yes,I know what that does) that there was an adapter that connected a USB device to a serial port. I’ve spent the last few minutes searching for such a device and it indeed does not seem to exist. Thanks again.
Vernon
If you need a USB port, the best thing to do is buy a USB adapter card for your PC.