The LocoBuffer-II provides a very reliable way to connect a computer serial port to a LocoNet®. It was produced by Dick Bronson's RR-CirKits company, based in part on the original LocoBuffer design, but is currently out of production. You might be able to find one in a local hobby shop. It's been replaced by the LocoBuffer-USB, which uses a USB connection.
The recommended LocoBuffer-II option switch settings are:
The recommended JMRI setup for the LocoBuffer-II is:
The LocoBuffer-II input circuit and code actually reads from the LocoNet output jack, so if you install the LocoNet terminator (the small circuit that was shipped with the LocoBuffer-II) and set SW7-8 to ON (down) so that the input circuitry gets it's power from the wall-wart, then you have created a loop back test. The only thing that is not tested is the LocoNet jack itself.
Steps:
If you are using an isolated computer, for example a laptop that's not connected to any peripherals, you can configure the LocoBuffer-II for "Local Power" so that it doesn't need an external power supply. It will then get it's power from the RailSync leads in the LocoNet.
It is strongly advised that you get your computer connection working properly with an external power source in "Isolated Power" mode before you do this. That way, if any problems arise when you try to use Internal Power, you'll know what caused them and they'll be much easier to diagnose.
To configure the LocoBuffer-II for "Local Power", remove the power connection and set switches 7 and 8 to ON (down, toward the switch illustration).
LocoNet® is a registered trademark of Digitrax, Inc.