JMRI and PR4 through DCS50

[jbonkowski]

I'm in the process of setting up some hardware to be controlled through JMRI.

I've been happy using the PR4 directly with JMRI to read/write decoders, but I want to add a running track alongside the programming track. As I understand it, the PR4 will not work as a throttle to avoid an overcurrent situation, so I can't get an engine to move using the PR4 outputs.

I was looking at using my PR4 to communicate with JMRI, and then have a Loconet cable from the PR4 to an old DCS50. Then the DCS50 would drive both tracks (the programming track and the regular track outputs).

My main question is, will I be degrading the good CV read/write performance I get using the PR4 (by itself) if I do the CV read/write through the DCS50?

Also, I know the DCS50 has a "boost mode" that makes it work better with sound decoders, etc. Can that mode be activated through JMRI's Decoder Pro? Or would I have to set boost mode manually before using JMRI to read/write CVs?

Jim

[John]

The PR4 is a good candidate to do exactly what you want.  I use my PR3 and a DCS100 to send DCC information to the layout and also as a programmer.  .. The PR4 can be used either in standalone mode - or as a computer interface.   See this section in the JMRI documentation:

https://www.jmri.org/help/en/html/hardware/loconet/PR4.shtml

Let me know if this makes sense?