DCC Read/Write Programmer

[davefoxx]

I currently have a Digitrax DCC system, specifically an Empire Builder set that's probably more than ten years old.  It still works fine, and I even got the DT400 throttle upgraded to a DT402D a couple of years ago when the capacitor failed.  But, and here is my dilemma, the DB150 command station cannot read CVs.  For programming, I connect the DB150 to JMRI on a laptop through a Digitrax PR3.  But, unless I'm doing something wrong, an inability to read CVs is not helpful when I'm trying to program decoders on JMRI.

Since I'm planning on building an On30 layout someday, I'll need another DCC system.  I'm considering a Digitrax Zephyr, which is supposed to have a read/write programming ability, and, until that day comes, could also be used for programming purposes on my N scale layout.  This thought came up when I built my rolling reverse loop/staging cart over the past week.  It became obvious that this could be used as a stand alone programming track when disconnected from the layout.

Is there a better way to do this to get read/write capability?

Thanks,
DFF

[reinhardtjh]

Dave,

If you don't mind a little hassle, you already have it with just the addition of a power supply.  The PR3 with a power supply in the 16-18v DC range will program and read back just about anything (except my pesky BLI M1's).  Just disconnect it from the LocoNet (you might not even have to do that), run some wires from the programming PR3 outputs to a hunk of track and provide a power supply for it.

The power supply is cheap.  This is the one I bought to power my PR3 most recently. It's a regulated 18vDC 1A slim wall plug.
   http://www.ebay.com/itm/250966420357

Here is a similar one from the same vendor:
  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Generic-18V-1A-800mA-1000mA-AC-Adapter-DC-Charger-Power-Supply-PSU-5-5mm-2-5mm/231950415357

Another option for purely decoder programming is a SPROG V2.  I don't have one, but I have a friend who does and he says it programs everything without problems.  I'm thinking of getting one for my programming station to replace the PR3.  The main reason I had gotten a PR3 was to program Digitrax sound decoders, but I've pretty much settled on ESU LokSound for sound installs and they have their own programmer.

The Digitrax Zephyr will program most decoders, but it does have known problems with some of the sound decoders.  There is a "Blast mode" which helps in most cases. I don't know what the On30 locomotives draw but the Zephyr Xtra is limited to 3A output.  Probably plenty, but it's less than the 5A of the DCS100 or DB150 so it's something to consider.  If current draw is a concern, then maybe you get a DCS100 for the main layout and use the DB150 on the On30.

[davefoxx]

John,

Thank you for your reply.  Food for thought.  I'll try tinkering with the PR3 first.  I'll need something for the On30 layout one day, but I clearly have some research to do, starting with the On30 locomotive draw.

DFF