The following vendors have been and are supportive of the Apple Valley Model Railroad Club:
His and Hers Hobby Shop (Club Member Bill Howe Proprietor)
RR-CirKits - The following information was provided by RR-CirKits who make the Locobuffer:
As you know, Digitrax has announced a new product, the PR3. We have had many
questions about how it compares with our LocoBuffer-USB.
The bottom line is, yes, the PR3, when operated in it's MS100 mode, is in
competition to our LocoBuffer-USB. The PR3 will also control a programming track
and upload sound files to Digitrax sound decoders, which our LocoBuffer-USB will
not. Our LocoBuffer-USB is optically isolated, which the PR3 is not. The PR3 can
not function as a computer interface and control a programming track at the same
time.
The choice of products will depend on the customer's requirements:
1. If a USB computer interface is needed for a Chief or Zephyr command station,
but uploading custom sound files to Digitrax decoders is not important, we feel
that our LocoBuffer-USB is the best option. Optical isolation keeps the system
safe in spite of ground loops, spikes, and surges. Rogue currents and ground
loops can wreak havoc with data, and even damage the PC or connected devices.
Our LocoBuffer-USB provides 2,500 VAC of optical isolation between the LocoNet®
and the USB port.
2. If the user wants to operate a computer interface at the same time that they
are uploading sound files to Digitrax decoders and/or are using the programming
track they will need a PR3 and a LocoBuffer-USB. The PR3 will not do both
operations at the same time.
3. If the customer needs to upload custom sound files to Digitrax decoders, they
will need the PR3.
4. If the customer needs to add a read-back programming track to his DB150
(Empire Builder) system the PR3 is a good choice.
Right now times are tough financially for many of us and our customers. In order
to make our LocoBuffer-USB a more attractive option to your customers. We have
reduced the retail price, which shown on our web site,
RR-CirKits.