OK Here`s how my Sunday went. Breakfast, train show, purchase, ride home. All this completed by 1 pm. After lunch, unpack PR3, download JMRI software, hook up computer, set up DecoderPro, so far so good. Now the fun starts, I spent the next 6 hours trying to get this infernal machine to read and program decoders. First try, read decoder OK next try to read cv`s, would read 2 0r 3 and then time out. This continued for most of my roster. Next item, redo the programming track, new rail, new wire, new flux, solder and so on. Still to no avail. After a short break, to kick the cat, dog and kids, I resumed with my quest. This time, on a whim, changing the usb cable that came with the PR3 to one I had lying around. Tried again to read decoder mfg codes. this worked. On to the cv`s, this worked. To make a long story short, I now have a working PR3 "at" my disposal, instesd of "in" my disposal. 6 to 8 hours of frustration all for a wire. Ain`t model railroading fun. On the good side, this is one cool way to program decoders.
Hi Craig, first don't worry it is the first time. Please look under the install Instruction on the JMRI download side see digitrax JMRI Hardware Guide: Digitrax DCC . Also a advice from me at the first time use the version 2.8. Then please see the JMRI wiki or better join the JMRI user group on yahoo jmriusers : JMRI users you will are welcome. There are much ideas for solving your problems. Regards Karsten
I had a similar experience and had to replace the USB cable that came with my PR3 also. It was very frustrating. I only checked the USB cable after trying just about everything else.
That's truly pathetic that they ship bad USB cables with a new product. Still, I hope you didn't actually kick the pets and family...
No I did not kick the kids and the dog. They`re all to damn fast Glad to report all is working today.
I don't what's pathetic about it. Sure it's a shame if Digitrax got a hold of some bad USB cables(or maybe even just one, I haven't heard anything about this being a common problem), but these things happen.
I have heard this is a problem with PR3's from many sources now... Sound slike someone should inform Digitrax about it. I have found in my hardware troubleshootting that ALWAYS check the cables first expecially if replacements are easily at hand. they seem to go bad frequently.
OK. So the USB cable in question has been tested with all the computers and printers in the house. Said cable will work fine on some apps but not on others. Go figure?
Hey jagged ben, I just read your post regarding FVM GEVO's. I find it curious that you think a defective cable supposedly shipped by a manufacturer is pathetic but locos with possible defective trucks is ok and fixable by buyer. ? ? ? ?
Craig, thanks for the senerio you laid out! I also have had the same bad experience and have not yet been home long enough to get back to the problem. The last burning glare at the PR3 was at that USB cable and thinking no..could it be th cable. I, like you, redid many other thinks in my effort to correct the problem. I'm old school and have had many hardware / software problems that came right down to a manufactured cable. I would always susspect any cable I made first hand and replace them right away. Thanks, I'll be back at it in a few days when I get home. This time I'll have a week to break it or something on the track to get the job done! Brian KB9LRD
