New DCC Programmer

Nov 11, 2006 6 Replies

I have an old Digitrax PR-1 programming system installed on my even older Windows 95 computer (which I keep only to run PR-1). Now either the system or the computer has failed and I would like to update the programming system. What is a good low-cost replacement for the PR-1?



I run Windows 2000 and while I have all Digitrax decoders I have an old Atlas Commander DCC system (Yes, I know, but I'm not ready to replace it yet.)



Carter Braxton


As I don't think the Atlas will take a computer input probably the best solution is to use a LocoBuffer with DecoderPro (JMRI) software. JMRI is free but the LocoBuffer is not. However this setup still requires a computer. See;

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While the PR-1 is a stand-alone programmer (not requiring a command station), the Locobuffer is NOT. It requires a LocoNet(tm) capable command station to operate (Digitrax or Intellibox).

JMRI can be used to _control_ a layout with an Atlas system. However, the Atlas DCC system does not permit programming decoders through a computer interface of any kind. This is a limitation of the Atlas system, not JMRI.

To use JMRI to program decoders, you'll need either an interface compatible with your system (not an option with the Atlas system...) OR a stand-alone programmer. The SPROG unit is a small command station that plugs into your computer.

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Digitrax has the PR-2, the successor to the PR-1, that will also work.

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JMRI supports both of these units.

If you're into sound, you'll need the PR-2. It supports the sound downloading capability of the Digitrax decoders.

probably the best

software. JMRI is

requires a

command

capable

However,

through a

Atlas

interface

system...) OR

station that

also work.

sound

Just a point of clarification. The PR-2 SoundFX Decorder Programmer is NOT a "successor" to the PR-1 Decoder Programmer. It is an adjunct to it, specifically for dealing with sound capable decoders.

The PR-1 is used to program decoder functions, etc., while the PR-2 is used for programing sounds, e.g., (assuming the appropriate sound file is available) loading the correct whistle sound for a specific locomotive into a sound capable decoder.

Len

You're incorrect. See:

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Bob is the primary programmer on the JMRI project.

Note that the _software_ provided by _Digitrax_ with the PR-2 _is_ limited. However, when used with JMRI... :)

The PR-1 appears to have disappeared completely from the Digitrax web site. This is a pretty good clue it is NLA.

Programmer.

the

whistle

_is_

Digitrax web

Try

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And what I said is what we were told in a class for dealers conducted by Digitrax about Digitrax products, not JMRI.

Len

Thanks Guys

All I want to do is adjust the speed settings on various locos so I don't need the sound option but you guys have given me some very valuable information. Thanks for all your help.

Carter

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