as switch commands (I'm assuming you're using track power for your DS64's.). The DCS50, UR92, BDL168, DS64 and, RR-Cirkits Loco Buffer-USB are all connected with LocoNet cables and I can read and write data via JMRI. (#6 5/8" or longer screws can be used). The almost no voltage reading makes me think it may be set for solenoid motors not stall motors, so it's not putting out a constant voltage. The gear ratio is 320:1." Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/. Automatic DS74 switch address overlap detection, and correction capability when editing with DT602. For example, you can Q: Can I assume that any of the 3 powering options for the DS64are acceptable for OpSw changes? Examples of using a Digitrax DS54 with JMRI. Option Switch 06-Power Management Options for DS64 Outputs. I haven't put either item back 'on-line' yet so for the time being, I'll assume the problem has been taken care of. This will check the possibility that 2 of the sections could be touching some how. The LocoNet cable is used only for LocoNet commands. If you are experiencing this behavior then you need to add one or more PS14s to provide enought power for the DS64s you have connected. The DS64 can be powered in several different ways. A typical H0 locomotive will draw 600 MA Digitrax Complete Train Control By Zana & A.J. The BD1 is also compatible, for the same purpose, with the DS64 and SE8c. Option Switches 02, 03, 04, and 05 set the pulse length. There must be an issue with the DS64. Troubleshooting Guides -> Stationary Decoder Troubleshooting. If you have a large number of switch machines in a specific area, the SE8C might be a better choice, since the DS64 is set up by setting Option Switches (OpSw)This is how to set option switches on the DS64:1. Thank you. You will need to create an account under the Digitrax Help Desk. The only pins NOT doubled up are the AC input on 12 and N, and the Ground on 11. These are just to increase the amp rating of the contact, nothing more. But if it really bugs you, try closing OpSw 6. My problem is that when I attach the TL5 tester to any of the four external LED connectors the four LEDs on the top light up but the LED in the center of the tester that should show zone power dose not light up. I don't see an obvious isolation between the 2 visible blocks. This H0-scale railroad track plan first appeared in the Atlas Model Railroad Company's book "Six Railroads You Can Build", written by John Armstrong and illustrated by Tad Stepek. Replies: 14 Last Post: 16th Apr 2016, 05:54 AM. You can set the option switches or CVs with the DT402, but you won't be able to use the slick route programmer. I haven't had the opportunity to study the issue closely but my initial thoughts were that I must be doing something wrong. I have several DS-64s I am in the process of installing on my layout and I was going to purchase some more. So I should have active detection on three sections. Is this possible using the DS64 inputs or the Tortoise connections? If you have tried to program this stationary decoder and are having problems, there are several things that you can do before contacting Tech Support for further help. Q: When setting OpSw 1, do I have to be connected to track power or can I power Can a DS64 be powered from the LocoNet RailSync lines? A: The AR1 is handles correcting the track polarity mismatch when a reversing section is encountered by a locomotive. This user's group is run by and for Digitrax users. The PS14 power supply can be used with Auxiliary or the rear modular power connector. We are thus At first glance, the typical switching railroad would not seem to be a good candidate for DCC operations. Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter,
Since it's a first time install I'd say test it with no track installed and then go one block at a time, testing along the way. If you can run a train through this Zone A with the tester showing the above, then something is wrong for sure. Normally, I would just go with the upgraded product, but I am reading conflicting information about the new auxiliary stationary decoder. I am using Tortoise switches that are controlled with DS64s. Follow this procedure and every cable will be a good one (unless you stick one on upside downa nd make a telco cable by accident). The LocoNet cable is used only for LocoNet commands. Individual turnouts operate by throttle command, routes work with throttle command BUT when route is executed it not only throws the route specific to DS64 #2, it also throws individual turnouts assigned to DS64 #1. Need help understandingPlease explain. In addition to the route You can automate grade crossing signal lights with block occupancy sensors. We have determined that the Fulgurex motor draws too much current for the DS64. 13. I will also check that my Loconet cables are not crossed. I have four DS64's installed so far, and now that you mention it, some of the turnouts attached to them do seem to move when I power up the layout. Begin with your DS64 powered up. Press the SWITCH Key. Reply IowaDCC Member since January 2013 19 posts Posted by IowaDCC on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 9:24 AM Thanks, everyone! The DS64 can accept 12-16 volts AC or DC on the rear modular jack or 12-16 volts DC on the AX1 (-) / Hook up for slow motion type turnout machines & crossing gates.Note: Multiple turnout machines of the same typecan be operated on a single DS64 output.For example, you can run 2 Tortoise or Switchmaster machines on a single DS64 output.Note: If you find that your turnout is operating backwards simply switch the + & - wire connections to achieve correct operation.Note: The outputs can be configured to drive a grade crossing signal. Fulgurex and NCE Switch-8: Does not work together. No need to remove from layout to service/configure. Yes forgot to list the ground from the DCS50 to pin #11 and I am powering the BDL168 with 12V to pin 12 and N. Track Power is on, and gaps are good. Now, I don't have the Digitrax system, so maybe you meant that you closed "option switch" (Opsw?) To properly use your DS52 you must be sure these jumpers are in the correct position. This typically arises on a railroad that is using power in excess of the capacities of its power supplies. Is the DS64 receiving enough power? Posting Permissions You may not post . Check the Tech Support Depot for help. Reply IowaDCC If you hook it up to a variable speed transformer, do not exceed 12 volts. ANd you do have power to the BDL168? Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info,and more. Posted by joem5127 on Thursday, November 25, 2010 6:39 PM. Speaking of JMRI - do you see Loconet mesages as the loco enters each section? From the video, it looks like you might be setting yourself up for another type of failure in the future, however. manage your account online and more! Differences in the DS74 from the DS64: Up to date and compact LocoNet design with customer IPL/firmware field update capability using DigiIPLII. Option Switch 01 determines the type of turnouts that you can operate, static or pulse. It looks like there are insulating joiners in each leg of the turnout, making the three sections: turnout and track hidden behind laptop, straight leg of turnout, and diverging leg of turnout. A1 will trigger route1, S1 will trigger route 2, and so forth. This indicates that the DS64 is ready to change the option switches.3. I'm not so sure it's actually accepting things though, I THOUGHT the flashing light went out when it got a valid program command, but it's been a while since I set up any of these. However, I am running a Digitrax Super Chief system and while it will remember the last switch address and command, it doesn't send them on power up. Running a loco through the zones dose not change the statues of the LEDs. In other words, if hooked up the DS51K1 to the Kato Switch Machine that was already wired to another source to throw the switch, would the momentary power damage the decoder when it is operated by the standard control panel? A: One power supply can be used if it can provide adequate power forall the DS64s it is powering. On the DS64's control panel, press and hold the ID button . Digitrax DCS50, UR92, BDL168, DS64, UT4D, RR-Cirkits Loco Buffer-USB, one Tortoise, and JMRI running on a . Unless of course insulated joiners are used. How to program the Digitrax DS64 for slow motion switch machines such as the Tortoise machines on your DCC layout. How to Install a DS64 Decoder - YouTube 0:00 / 27:25 Intro 74. Track power is used to supply loco power only. How you plan to use them on your layout will help you decide which is better in your situation. I did in fact try to set the opsw 6 to closed with no changes in the behavior. 1. No turnouts should be connected to the DS64 at this time.2. To me, it could be a significant headache. A: Yes you can power the DS64 using any of the 3 options. Copyright 2023 Digitrax, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The BD1, block occupancy detector (replaced in 2004 by the BD4) was designed as an add-on device, which took advantage of the block occupancy message generating (over the LocoNet) capabilities of the DS54. Be aware that this action will completely reset your Digitrax system to its factory settings. I power them from the fixed DC at a central power pack. However, indicator lights can still wired to work with the DS64. I want to have a train go back and forth on this track which automatically reverses when it gets to each end. Each locomotive is going to draw, at the very least, 5 MA for the decoder. Please take a look at this YouTube video I made. A: Bothproducts will do the job. BTW, what are the little black items on each red wire near the BDL? Contact Digitrax. If you have a PC to Loconet connection (PR3, Locobuffer, etc), download a copy of Loconet Checker. Q: If I have only 3 turnouts on a DS64, to complete the 4 point programming I have been inputting a bogus turnout number. Ya it does really bug me, specially when my NCE throttle remembers the last command set to the switch and now they are all wrong when powered up. 8 internal LocoNet integrated System routes, that can be conveniently edited on a DT602 with latest IPL update. Since some routes exceed the capacity of 8 turnouts, the remaining turnouts of the long routes are setup in the second Q: How do you connect more than one DS64 to a single power supply like a PS14 to power them or do you need a separatepower supply for each DS64? A: Yes, that is correct. When the DS64 tries to operate Fulgurex motor, the excess current draw appears to be a short circuit and the DS64 shuts down to protect itself. KB808 DS64 - Choose either solenoid or slow motion turnouts for a single DS64 Can I mix solenoid & slow motion turnout motors on a single DS64?No.The DS64 is configured for either for solenoid turnouts (the default setting) OR slow motion turnouts. The solution is to connect pin 10 of the DS1 on the BD4 to a system ground such as the AX1 terminal of the DS64, Ground on the booster terminal, etc. I have decided to go with DCC and my local hobby store recommended Digitrax. By Nskale in forum Turnout Control Devices, Signaling, & Detection. Are any of you successfully using DS64 stationary decoders to control Tortises? I've also noticed this behavior. Have you tried to reset the DS64? I've never considered it to be an issue, though. No turnouts should be connected to the DS64 at this time.2. **. So, what is the current carrying capacity of the outputs on the DX64 [sic] ? I plan on getting the NCE min-panel for routes, it may not be that big of a deal then. Selecting the DS64 board. The default for the DS64 is configured for solenoid machines but if output 1 got configured for stall motor and you connect the Bachmann solenoid it might cause a problem that could cause the rest of the DS65 to stop working. All plug-in connections. Should we use the SE8C to control our slow motion switch machines, or should we use your DS64s for that function? This allows for adequate current for the switches. Here is a discription of my hardware and software conections. The Kadee uncoupler may require as much as 3 Amps @ 22 Volts. The DS64 works with a wide selection of hardware. In my opinion, the DS64 is more versatile. We will use independent turnout addresses to demonstrate the flexibility that the DS64 offers. The problem Tortoise motors, #1 & #3, are now working fine but #2 & #4 are not working. The Kelana Jaya Rail Line model is a DCC intense layout, using many Digitrax command control components to achieve the goal of training operators of the actual rail line. Digitrax DCS50, UR92, BDL168, DS64, UT4D, RR-Cirkits Loco Buffer-USB, one Tortoise, and JMRI running on a Windows Vista laptop. Unless you do a lot of work to ensure that there is absolutely no way that the edge connector can shift either way and thereby prevent its contacts from shorting two pads on the Tortoise, you run the risk of the connector shifting and shorting across the track power and DS64 output pad. Check the Power supply. Pins 12 and N.(directly above one another), at least 12 volts AC. I am having issues with a Digitrax DS64. I signed up and saw some discussion on a problem very similar to mine. One of the four exhibited this behavior on all four of it's outputs, so I closed OpSw 6 and that "fixed" it. If you use the Tortoise's onboard contactors to switch frog and points power, at least one of the pads immediately inboard of the pads you connect the DS64 to will most likely be carrying track power at some point. Hamltn - his description is direct home wiring. I can also control the Tortoise switch machine connected to the DS64 from either the JMRI control or the switch function on the DCS50. This Atlas Snap-Track layout appears in the Atlas Model Railroad Company's book "Beginner's Guide to HO Model Railroading". The slip switch is a track element that has both a crossing at grade and also a set of movable points which allow trains to both cross another track and also change track. Even more of a hassle if you have to worry about if you left a train on a turnout when the power went off. The case has three holes which can be used for mounting screws. If track power, I'd suggest trying 12V to see if that makes a difference. You don't say what scale this railroad will be modeled in, which is important since the locomotives in smaller scales draw less current than larger decoders. I am trying to wire my new layout (N gauge) using the DS 64 with Peco switch machine PL10. However, for purposes of estimation: Twelve Locomotives. A: One power supply can be used if it can provide adequate power forall the DS64s it is powering. An online web search turned up this bit of message traffic by How do I connect a BD4 to a DS64? One on either end of the turnout. Select the serial port that's connected to the PR3. Digitrax DS64 power up problem. The DCS100/200 does not send internal route messages via LocoNet. Oh, and don't worry about the double contacts on the BDL. This could be done by using a switch machine with its own contacts; these have been made by NJ International, Tenshodo, PFM and others. Connect the DS64s TRKA and TRKB terminals to your track. The DS64 requires 300mA for proper operation. The plastic junk ones always result in problems as they crimp fron an angle. As the number of switches increase, it would be a growing hassle to have to verify and/or realign each switch on the layout each time the power is cycled. I've got several old PC power supplies that work and was wondering if they would be OK for use to power the Digitrax DS64's? 2 TEAMYAKIMA Members 3.3k Posted June 23, 2022 I regret that I am still getting problems with DIGITRAX (in general) even though tens of thousands of people around the world rave about the brand. Note: The wires that connect the BD1 to the rails and rail power source are characterized as two heavy, uninsulated, and polarity neutral wires. This affordable, easy to install decoder will add another dimension to your operations. "The unit runs on DC power. There are two major situations that would require the PR3 to act as a stand alone LocoNet controller. I have an "M" shaped 250 square foot layout with 500 feet of track and twelve locomotives. These units were designed to have theFRONT jack's second Railsync differential signal run as a diode-or'ed power source (for throttles). I'm looking to wire Tortoise switch machines on a DS64. I have switched SW1 to "c" in order for them to work with Tortise like turnouts. I've had a lot of kooky things happen with our 7 BDL168's, but never that. The rail B from the DCS50 is connected to the far rail on my test track. The DS64 is strictly looking for power, and doesn't need the DCC signal from the track to set op-switches. I wanted to post an update to close this issue. Speaking of DS64 problems, I have a total of 6. ConnectingBD1 to a DS54, DS64 and SE8c? The railroad was built in the 1990's and many of the Digitrax devices used for the Kelana Jaya Rail Line model have been superseded with improved units. When the track switch is closed, power a different colored light. The DS64 works with a wide selection of hardware. Tortoise work fine. Sometimes things break. 2. Please give your name, e-mail address, phone number and when is the best time to contact you. Q: Can I assume that any of the 3 powering options for the DS64are acceptable for OpSw changes? This means that some cable orientations and power loads could cause unexpected operations in downstream LocoNet devices Copyright 2023 Digitrax, Inc. All Rights Reserved. If I ever upgrade and power-route the frogs, I will take your advice and directly solder the feeders to the Tortoise to prevent the issues you discussed. As always, I look forward to reading the replies. Knowing that it's a manufacturing design flaw will likely save me a lot of wasted trouble-shooting time. I "switched" the Tortoise motors from the DS64 outputs #1 & #3 with the Tortoise motors from the DS64 outputs #2 & 4 to be sure there wasn't an issue or problem with the Tortoise motors themselves. I have always worried 14 volts might be too high, but when I corresponded with Digitrax tech support, they didn't say anything about it. Can a DS64 be powered from the LocoNet RailSync lines? We need to find the rest of it and split it up into meaningful chunks. 12. I guess the other odd thing, not mentioned, could be that you need to supply the input power for each section even if you are not using the outputs at the moment. This article was last updated on Jan. 10, 2012, 5:46 p.m. | Print Article | Leave Feedback. The first situation is where one of the many advanced features offered by the LocoNet and the various LocoNet compatible devices is desired to be used on a layout Switch Mode is used for sending commands to accessory decoders and for changing Option Switches (OpSw) in your DCS50. Please reference the KB article number in your ticket. Cascading routes allows the setup of long routes without the need for a computer. This wasn't an issue for me, but obviously is for you. Are you powering with track power or 12V ? Just my guess, hardto see in pictures. They should not be used to connect to other LocoNet devices.