Digitrax Command Station/Booster Upgrade

[davefoxx]

I currently have a DB150 Command Station/Booster, which I know cannot read CV values, which complicates programming decoders through JMRI.  So, I'm considering buying a DCS100 Command Station/Booster, but, even through MBK, that costs $227.99.  Is this really worth it?  Oh, and I just realized that a DCS200 is only $16.00 more, so perhaps it would be a non-brainer to just go with that, if I decide to upgrade.  Since I cannot kick the tires before pulling the trigger on the purchase, what do you guys recommend?  This is a lot of money, so it's going to take a lot to justify the purchase.

Thanks,
DFF

[RBrodzinsky]

If your primary reason for wanting to upgrade is reading back decoder CV values with JMRI, why not use a SPROG or PR3?

Rick

[John]

or a zephyr .. you don't need that huge of a power supply for your rr .

http://www.digitrax.com/static/apps/products/starter-sets/dcs51/documents/ZephyrXtra.pdf



but I would probably go with this .. and an older laptop running JMRI

http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/html/hardware/loconet/PR3.shtml

[eric220]

In looking at JMRI's interface documentation on their website, I'd be concerned that a JMRI setup might only be able to access functions already available to the command station. In other words, if your command station can't read CV's, JMRI might not be able to either.

If memory serves, you've got a JMRI hookup already. Can you confirm?

I run a DCS200 on my layout, but I'm also powering a lot of locomotives over a lot of track. You've amassed quite a roster of locomotives, but unless you're going to get heavily into sound, I doubt you'll need 8 amps.

The Zephyr is $170 at MBK, which is quite a bit less than the DCS200 at $244. I think that's probably your best bet.

[mmyers]

I went with a Zephyr to get read back. Much cheaper then a DCS100 and the price includes a power supply. I also have a SPROG. Now that I have read back I rarely use it. having owned the Empire Builder and a Big Boy system before that I find it's easier to just write values to CV's instead of reading them first. If I write the same value, no matter. If I write a new value and it works, doesn't matter what the wrong value was. But what the heck, I like to buy neat stuff that I think I need.

One thing to look at with a DCS200 is the extra cost of a power supply to run it. Digitrax 5 amp supply won't be enough. Neither will the Magna Force supply. You might be looking at another $50 - $120 to power the 8 amp unit.

Martin Myers

[peteski]

To me being able to read CVs (with any brand DCC system) is very important for troubleshooting problems (plus when programming more complicated sound decoders).  Without it you're flying blind. While this functionality doesn't have to be used often, I find it invaluable.

[davefoxx]

To me being able to read CVs (with any brand DCC system) is very important for troubleshooting problems (plus when programming more complicated sound decoders).  Without it you're flying blind. While this functionality doesn't have to be used often, I find it invaluable.

That's exactly the way I feel, Peteski; flying blind.  It's been suggested that a PR3 could offer the read-back capability, but I'm not sure how to do that.  I thought, because I have a DB150, that can't be remedied without a new command station.  I hope I'm wrong.  I already have a PR3 and JMRI on the laptop.  If it's possible to do a read-back of CVs on JMRI with a PR3 and a DB150, I haven't figured out how to do it.

DFF

[RBrodzinsky]

Dave - you need to put the PR3 into Stand Alone programming mode (connect it up to a separate piece of track), and then configure JMRI so that it knows the PR3 is stand alone.

[davefoxx]

Dave - you need to put the PR3 into Stand Alone programming mode (connect it up to a separate piece of track), and then configure JMRI so that it knows the PR3 is stand alone.

Got it.  I would like to have a separate programing track anyway, because it's a pain to ensure that I've removed all of the locomotives from the layout.  I've got a loop of Kato Unitrack that would make for a good programming track.  I guess I should read the PR3 directions better.   

Thanks,
DFF

[peteski]

Got it.  I would like to have a separate programing track anyway, because it's a pain to ensure that I've removed all of the locomotives from the layout.  I've got a loop of Kato Unitrack that would make for a good programming track.  I guess I should read the PR3 directions better.   

Thanks,
DFF

You don't even need a loop of track for programming. Couple of pieces of straight Unitrak will do.  Unless PR3 also can provide the full DCC voltage to run trains (so you can take the just-programmed model out for a test run).

[davefoxx]

You don't even need a loop of track for programming. Couple of pieces of straight Unitrak will do.  Unless PR3 also can provide the full DCC voltage to run trains (so you can take the just-programmed model out for a test run).

I figured that, since I have a loop, it could be useful for speed-matching.  Now, we just have to see if I can figure out how to properly reconfigure the PR3.

DFF

[RBrodzinsky]

The PR3 cannot be  a full command station. For a small loop, the Zephyr would be a great choice, with JMRI. Even for a larger layout... I run the JACALAR with a Zephyr.

Rick

[Black Diamond]

I was in the exact same boat when it came to an upgrade decision. My layout is 12x6 double tracked with 8' yard--I run 2-4 unit consists and some sound locos. I considered the Zephyr Xtra's nice all in one package, but ultimately decided on the DCS100 and PR3 combo with DB150 retired to shelf for now.

The added functionality of read back and programming track (without the DPDT switching), ability to maintain same power rating and full functionality with JRMI was worth the cost to me. I like the programming track off the DCS100 and wanted all components connected to loconet so a standalone PR3 didn't work for me.

I figured that, since I have a loop, it could be useful for speed-matching.  Now, we just have to see if I can figure out how to properly reconfigure the PR3.

DFF

Hit the mode switch next to the green USB LED to toggle between standalone programmer and ms100 mode--the led will flash once a sec when you're in MS100 mode. Set Set the loconet termination switch to inactive since you will now be connected to loconet where a booster is present.

Good luck!

Jonathan