Digitrax Computer Interface Products

MS100 Computer Interface $45.00 MSRP

The MS100 Computer Interface is designed to let a computer with an IBM compatible COM, or RS232 communications port, monitor Digitrax LocoNet. Application software running in the computer can then interpret the activity on the LocoNet and report back to the user via the computer screen. The MS100 is a signal level translator between LocoNet and a 25 pin DB25 style RS232 port.
For example, an application for a Railroad "CTC" type display panel would display a "schematic" layout of the railroad on the computer screen. The schematic can be set up to respond to software messages received via LocoNet to indicate block occupancy, signal state and other information received from detection devices attached to LocoNet.
Please refer to the documentation of the third-party software for full details of the features and capabilities of the optional software you have purchased.
For IBM compatibles with only a 9 pin male DB9 type COM port connector, you can use a DB9(female) to DB25(male) adapter commonly sold in computer stores to make this conversion to the regular DB25 style COM connector. Be sure you are connected to the correct COM port and that you have it set up as required to match the settings needed by your software package.

Using MS100 with USB Application note for cable that works with Windows 98SE, ME & 2000.

Now Available: LocoBuffer II an alternative to the MS100 for connecting your computer to LocoNet (compatible with the original LocoBuffer by John Jabour)

LocoNet Compatible Software available from third party vendors:

Digi-toys' WinLok 2.1 Complete DCC control software for Windows. Supports MS100

Railroad & Co. Drivers for LocoNet for popular DCC control software for Windows. Supports MS100 and LocoBuffer.

John Kabat offers LocoNet Certified freeware for Windows and DOS.

KAM Industries Engine Commander DCC control software for Windows

JMRI Freeware that requires JAVA and is available for Windows (32-bit), Linux, OS/2, Macintosh Classic and Mac OS X. This software requires a fast computer and supports MS100 and John Jabour’s 56KB LocoBuffer interface.

PR-1 Decoder Programmer $45.00 MSRP

The Simplest Way to Program Your Digitrax Decoders Yet: Digitrax PR1 Decoder Programmer and your PC!

The PR1 is a low cost IBM PC-based Advanced Programmer developed by Digitrax to give you a more convenient (and less cryptic) method of programming decoders. The programmer software for Windows was developed in close cooperation with Tannersoft, who also developed WinLok layout control software. The PR-1 for DOS software was developed by John Kabat.

Windows Compatibility Note:

The PR-1 works with Windows 98 and prior versions only.

PR-1 is not guaranteed to work with later versions of Windows.

PC Compatibility Note: Because of differences in hardware used for personal computers,

PR-1 is not guaranteed to work with all PCs.

Within 60 days of purchase and after contacting our technical support department, if you find that the PR-1 does not work

with your computer, your purchase price will be cheerfully refunded.

NOTE: Current versions of PR-1 software support only Windows 3.1, 95 & 98

The latest version of PR-1 software for DOS is now available from John Kabat. Now with support for PM4 & corrected problem with setting DS54 addresses.

Click here to download PR-1 for DOS

To program decoders using the Digitrax PR1 you will need

Digitrax PR1 programmer and windows software (included with your PR-1 purchase at no extra charge)
Windows or DOS computer with an available COM port
15Volt DC power supply & Programming track wired to the PR1 with the cable provided with the PR-1

With this set up, you can read and write all the decoder CV's and their CV values right on the computer screen. The PR1 has many great features that make programming simple:

With the PR-1 for Windows software's graphical capabilities you can "draw" the loadable speed table you want and send it directly to the decoder via the PR1's programming track. You can also read back a decoder's speed table via the PR1 to the same graphical display. You can save all the decoder information to a file and this makes it simple to load the same speed table into several different decoders.
FX options are set up by simply choosing from a menu of choices. This lets you program any lighting effect you want without having to look up numbers in a table and program individual CV's on your DT throttle. The software loads the appropriate CV #'s with the correct CV values automatically.
The PR-1's DS54 option lets you program the DS54 Stationary decoder's many features. This makes setting up complex DS54 configurations a breeze, since you can simply click on the options desired. With PR1 you can read back and write a new configuration to a DS54. You can also read and write any particular setup to a disk file and copy it to another DS54.
General access to all RP-9.2.2 CV's and support for decoders without such sophisticated capabilities is also provided.
Because the PR1 does not connect to LocoNet, you can program decoders without having to shut down the layout.

PR1 is an excellent choice if you want convenient, sophisticated programming capabilities.

PR1 instructions are part of the Digitrax Decoder Manual, Click Here To View.

Return to Digitrax On-Line Catalog

Return to Digitrax Home Page

Updated 05-19-04.