Locobuffer issues

Keith Jun 7, 2021

  1. Keith

    Keith TrainBoard Supporter

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    Have LocoBuffer plugged into a Vista equipped laptop.
    Digitrax LocoNet checker, I think, is installed. But, does
    can not find command station.

    Is something missing, that I needs to be installed yet??
    If so, what? The directions are very poor at best, on how and
    what to install. Gives links for Win 8/10 users. But says nothing
    about earlier OS.

    Given the issues, and extremely poor instructions, had I know it
    would be this bad, and difficult to install, I would NOT have purchased it!!

    Any help and /or additional information on how to install and get working
    is much appreciated.
    Thanks.
     
  2. MK

    MK TrainBoard Member

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  3. locomcf

    locomcf TrainBoard Member

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    I haven't installed my LocobufferUSB on a Vista system, but I have installed it on Win 7 and Win 10 systems. Be aware that there are two parts to the process, and both are covered in the instructions provided by MK:
    - install the drivers for the LocobufferUSB
    - configure the PC's communication port.

    I've also never used Digitrax Loconet Checker, but I wonder whether it is the real cause of your problems. I can find very little about it on the internet, apart from the fact that it was originally offered in 2008, and the developer no longer offers it, or support for it. Do you know for certain that it supports the LocobufferUSB? Digitrax software does not support the LocobufferUSB. You cannot, for example, use a LocobufferUSB to upgrade firmware on Digitrax devices. (I know that because I tried to do it about a week ago.) Instead of using Digitrax Loconet Checker, try using JMRI DecoderPro. It's an excellent product.
     
    Last edited: Jun 7, 2021
  4. Keith

    Keith TrainBoard Supporter

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    One issue I have, is I'm NOT notified that New Hardware found.
    Computer does not seem to recognize the LocoBuffer. Never found
    it after it was connected.Was going to look into JMRI/DecoderPro
    at some point. Gotta find tow service for my truck first!!
    Truck died in the middle of the Interstate last Thursday!
    Start and idles, but won't run Dies when put in gear.

    Checked link. Thanks!! Should help, I hope!
     
  5. locomcf

    locomcf TrainBoard Member

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    As I mentioned, you have to ensure that the COM port is also correctly installed and configured. Until that happens the PC will have no way of knowing that the LocoBuffer even exists.
    So the PC has to identify two new devices - the COM port, and then the Locobuffer.
     
  6. Keith

    Keith TrainBoard Supporter

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    Laptop running Windows Vista. Appears to be so obsolete
    that I can’t get any sort of update for it! Can’t find, or install
    USB driver, much less anything else. Can’t even update JAVA.
    Could try big computer, but it’s not near the trains. And it’s
    gonna be wiped out eventually and updated/upgraded, probably
    To Windows 10, up from 8.1.
     
  7. Mike C

    Mike C TrainBoard Member

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    Keith , you could probably wipe the vista and set it up for Linex . I paid less than 20 bucks on a USB stick loaded with Ubuntu . super easy to set up and you get to keep the old comp running .....Mike
     
    BigJake likes this.
  8. BigJake

    BigJake TrainBoard Member

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    I was about to suggest something like this, but didn't know how Linux-literate Keith is.

    Another inexpensive, but very workable, Linux computer option is the Raspberry Pi 4b ($35). I use one in my Pi SPROG 3 DCC system. It uses JMRI to run the SPROG. It also works with DCC++EX DCC systems, or virtually anyone else's DCC system with a USB interface.

    Steve Todd has a full SD card image for Raspberry Pi OS (Linux), with Java and JMRI pre-installed, free for download.

    You either need a monitor, keyboard and mouse, or use a VNC app on a laptop or desktop computer to remotely run the Raspberry Pi's desktop. I do the latter.

    However, you might have a problem with an up-to-date VNC app that runs on Vista...

    Oh, and you're gonna love Decoder Pro!!!
     
  9. Keith

    Keith TrainBoard Supporter

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    Don't knoiw too much about Linux, but I can get help from Dad
    if I had to. Should be able to figure it out fairly quite though.
    Then again.....
     
  10. BigJake

    BigJake TrainBoard Member

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    Keith,

    Linux for your laptop will be much cheaper than upgrading windows (especially if laptop is not compatible with later versions of Windows). But getting it installed on your laptop may be more painful (than say, on a Raspberry Pi, for which Steve Todd's image "just works").

    And Vista is a serious security risk if it is on the internet at all.

    Oh yeah, how's your truck?
     
  11. Keith

    Keith TrainBoard Supporter

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    Truck will be towed to shop tomorrow.
    Then they can get started on why it fails
    to run, when in gear. And hopefully, get
    most of the other recommended work done.
     
  12. Keith

    Keith TrainBoard Supporter

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    Truck went out this morning. Driver checked it. When it died, he said it wa s the torque converter that seized.
    And now, I think I have myself talked into, with OK from my folks, to buy a brand new truck!
    Looking at the new 2022 Ford Maverick. A good looking truck, from the information I’ve read on it, and
    from videos I’ve seen of pre production model(s).
     
    BigJake likes this.
  13. BigJake

    BigJake TrainBoard Member

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    YeeHaw!
     
    Keith likes this.
  14. Keith

    Keith TrainBoard Supporter

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    Even worse, is not only do I need a new torque converter, but new transmission as well.
    More work, and a LOT more money than I was planning on!!
     

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