Author Topic: PR3XTRA SoundFX USB Decoder Programmer - Opinions  (Read 1867 times)

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rsn48

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PR3XTRA SoundFX USB Decoder Programmer - Opinions
« on: November 12, 2013, 12:53:41 AM »
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I'm about to purchase the PR3XTRA SoundFX USB Decoder Programmer to be used in conjunction with Decoder Pro since I am hoping programming decoders will be easier than messing around with a throttle.  Before I plunk down my cash, any thoughts, praise, criticism of the product.
Hind sight is always better than foresight, except for lost opportunity costs.

reinhardtjh

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Re: PR3XTRA SoundFX USB Decoder Programmer - Opinions
« Reply #1 on: November 12, 2013, 06:36:03 AM »
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It works.  What kind of decoders do you plan to program?  For plain DCC decoders there should be no problem. For loading sounds into a Digitrax sound decoder there shouldn't be a problem.  For other sound decoders the supplied 14v DC power supply *may* be a bit anemic.  People on the Digitrax Yahoo group report needing up to a 18v DC supply to successfully program Soundtraxx and some BLI/Paragon decoders.

If you use Windows 64-bit be very careful about how you install the drivers.  There are countless posts in the Digitrax group about people having problems with the PR3 drivers in Windows 64-bit and most are due to not following the directions and having the wrong drivers installed.  Find the right instructions at http://www.digitrax.com/tsd/product/PR3XTRA/

32-bit Windows seems to not have this problem.

If you're a Mac person then it installs without a problem.

Using Decoder Pro and JMRI with this works well.  Again, depending on the decoders.  Currently JMRI/DecoderPro is having a difficult time handling some of the special CV's for most ESU LokSound decoders and TCS's new WOW sound decoders and I think even Zimo's decoders.  Most of these use an extended CV range above CV255 and they all use different methods for accessing them.  but work is being done to fix this and hopefully before too long they will be fixed.
John H. Reinhardt
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rsn48

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Re: PR3XTRA SoundFX USB Decoder Programmer - Opinions
« Reply #2 on: November 12, 2013, 01:39:25 PM »
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No decoders with sound as of yet and maybe for some time.   Like some I have a number of older decoders on the shelf but not installed and I want to be able to program them with the more intuitive decoder pro to save time and angst.

And my Netbook definitely isn't 64-bit.

I was just in contact with Digitrax yesterday 11 Nov about installing all the software from the site for the PR3XTRA rather than using the CD that comes with the product.  I was assured I could.
Hind sight is always better than foresight, except for lost opportunity costs.

reinhardtjh

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Re: PR3XTRA SoundFX USB Decoder Programmer - Opinions
« Reply #3 on: November 13, 2013, 04:22:16 AM »
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The drivers on the site are usually more up to date than what's on the CD with the device.  Given the choice I almost always go there first.
John H. Reinhardt
PRRT&HS #8909
C&O HS #11530
N-Trak #7566

rswinnerton

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Re: PR3XTRA SoundFX USB Decoder Programmer - Opinions
« Reply #4 on: November 13, 2013, 12:47:49 PM »
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I love mine. So much easier than the throttle method.
Russ Swinnerton
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rsn48

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Re: PR3XTRA SoundFX USB Decoder Programmer - Opinions
« Reply #5 on: November 24, 2013, 05:23:55 PM »
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well I broke down and bought one so I'll report back once its in full swing so to speak, have to make an assessment as to where the computer is going to go since I will be using it to monitor a wireless camera as well.
Hind sight is always better than foresight, except for lost opportunity costs.