rpierce000 Posted April 13, 2011 Share Posted April 13, 2011 I just need something to program decoders, test them on a small track, maybe run a loco in a loop. Would a PR3 and a copy of JMRI do it or do I need to spring for an entire system? Link to comment
Martijn Meerts Posted April 13, 2011 Share Posted April 13, 2011 As far as I know, you'll still need a command station. The PR3 is only a programmer/computer interface. Link to comment
westfalen Posted April 13, 2011 Share Posted April 13, 2011 As far as I know, you'll still need a command station. The PR3 is only a programmer/computer interface. Correct. Link to comment
rankodd Posted April 13, 2011 Share Posted April 13, 2011 You can check out http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/html/hardware/loconet/PR3.shtml for more details. Your best basic solution will probably be the pr3 + zephyr/zephyr xtra starter set. Link to comment
KenS Posted April 14, 2011 Share Posted April 14, 2011 The bad news: you need a DCC command station. Computers output serial information (in one form or another). The component that puts DCC on the rails (the booster, usually incorporated in a command station) needs something to take that serial information and make it into DCC commands (specific voltage levels on a wire, not "serial data" in the sense that a computer thinks of it) that the booster can then amplify. The good news: there's actually a small box that combines USB adapter with command station and a very small booster (suitable for several N-scale trains of modern design). I've never used one, but it sounds like it would meet your requirements. It's called a SPROG. I use a Zephyr, Locobuffer USB (similar to the PR3, see this page for a comparision of the two) and JMRI. That gives me some additional options (transponding support for train to command station signaling; ability to control accessories via loconet, separate from the track; ability to add boosters for more track power; hand-held walk-around throttles). But for a small layout, if you don't want fancy automated control (the main use for transponding), then a computer + SPROG combination should be fine. This, by the way, is my 1,000th post on the forum. Woot! 1 Link to comment
rpierce000 Posted April 14, 2011 Author Share Posted April 14, 2011 The SPROG looks like it might be a great way for me to get started. Eventually I will go Digitrax, but, you know, that pesky budget thingy... Link to comment
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