KB1 DS44 - Tandem slow motion machines on one DS44

Can the output of the DS44 power more than one slow motion switch machine such as a Tortoise at the same time? No, the DS44 was designed to only drive one slow motion switch machine on each of its four outputs.  Connecting more than one switch machine is not advised and could burn out the DS44.

KB483 Bushby Bit - Disable Normal Switch Commands

Q: What's a "Bushby bit"? A: In your command station, OpSw27 can be toggled to disable normal switch commands, a.k.a. the "Bushby bit." This allows the layout operator to use an attached PC to handle switch control logic. Under normal conditions, advanced throttles can be used to operate turnouts which are controlled by LocoNet-connected stationary decoders. The factory default setting for OpSw27 is "t". Toggling OpSw27 to "c" takes this control away from the individual throttles and gives it to a controlling computer. Such an application would be a railroad with CTC control, where the train movements are directed by ...

KB484 DS64 or SE8C for Slow Motion Turnout Machine Control?

Q:  We will be using your SE8C's for signaling. Should we use the SE8C to control our slow motion switch machines, or should we use your DS64s for that function? A:  Both products will do the job. How you plan to use them on your layout will help you decide which is better in your situation. Here are some things to consider in making your decision:The SE8C will drive 8 slow-motion switch machines while the DS64 will drive four. If you have a large number of switch machines in a specific area, the SE8C might be a better choice, since the ...

KB614 BDL168, PM42 & SE8C Recommended Wiring Procedure For 44 Pin Connector

  Do you have a recommend wiring procedure for the 44-pin edge connector on the PM42 and SE8C?PM42, PM4, BDL168, BDL16, BDL162 & SE8C use a 44-pin edge connector. Connecting wires securely to this connector requires soldering skills. For connections to the 44 pin connector, Digitrax recommends using 16 gauge stranded wire. For all other soldering connections, Digitrax recommends 14 gauge (AWI) stranded wire for electrical connections on your railroad. 1. Use individual short lengths of 16 gauge wire to connect to the 44 pin connector. 2. Strip and tin both ends of the wire. 3. Bend one end into ...

KB582 DS64 Programming Q & A

  Q: Can I assume that any of the 3 powering options for the DS64 are acceptable for OpSw changes? A:  Yes you can power the DS64 using any of the 3 options.  The DS64 is strictly looking for power, and doesn't need the DCC signal from the track to set op-switches. Q: If I have only 3 turnouts on a DS64, to complete the 4 point programming I have been inputting a bogus turnout number. Is that correct? A:  Yes, that is correct. Q: When setting OpSw 1, do I have to be connected to track power or can I power ...

KB551 DS54 Trigger Task Defined

The DS54 is a powerful stationary decoder, which can be used to control devices in several different ways. Within the DS54 electronics are four independent sections. Within each section are three independent elements: Switch_, Aux_ and Output_. Each element can act independently or in conjunction with one or more elements within that independent section. (Note: The Switch_ element can be accessed from the input connector and the Output connector of the respective section.) Each of these elements can perform any one of several different actions. The actions are determined by two variables: trigger and task. The relationship of the Trigger ...

KB457 DT402 & DT400 Switch Mode - Turnout & Switch Operation

  What is Sw (Switch) Mode? Switch mode is used by throttles for sending commands to accessory decoders and for changing option switches in your LocoNet system. The most common use of switch mode is for operating turnouts.Switches are either thrown or closed.To change the position of a switch or turnout: 1. Press the SWCH key to enter switch mode. When you enter Switch mode, the throttle knobs & direction keys continue to control the loco addresses running on the throttle. Loco speed is displayed on the bar graph and loco direction is displayed on the direction indicators for each ...

KB139 Powering the DS52

Can the DS52 be powered directly from a 13.8 v DC external power supply instead of the rails? No. Screw Terminals 4 & 5 are used to not only supply power to the DS52 from the track but also are the path that is used to both program the DS52 and to operate the DS52 via a throttle or computer program.

KB334 DS51K1 - large scale?

Can the DS51K1 be used with large scale DCC (22 volts)? What is the maximum DCC supply voltage for this decoder? The DS51K1 is designed specifically to be used with Kato N-Scale Unitrack turnouts only.  It will not work for large scale turnouts. For use with bi-polar turnouts in large scale, the DS64 is a better choice.

KB82 DS64 - Railroad Control Panel Indicator Lights

I'm looking to wire Tortoise switch machines on a DS64. When the track switch is thrown I want to power 1 color light (non-LED). When the track switch is closed, power a different colored light. Is this possible using the DS64 inputs or the Tortoise connections? The DS64 does not have separate connections for indicator lights for trackside or for a control panel. However, indicator lights can still wired to work with the DS64. Tortoise or other slow motion swith machines can be wired in two different ways. If using LEDs, a two leg, bipolar LED can be connected in ...

KB590 Q&A - Powering DS64

  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 separate power supply for each DS64? A:  One power supply can be used if it can provide adequate power for all the DS64s it is powering. The PS14 has a built-in circuit breaker; when it exceeds its capacity, it will shut down, cool off and then start up again. 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. Our recommendation of one ...

KB566 DT300 - Programming DS54

The changing of the value in the CV of a DS54 is relatively easy if you follow the steps listed below. The difficult part is deciding which CV and CV value to program to achieve the desired effect. The following are step-by-step instructions for changing a DS54 configuration variable using a DT300 throttle: 1) Disconnect the DS54 from LocoNet, the auxiliary power supply, all inputs and all outputs. 2) Short the pins of the Enable Link. (see related article) 3) Connect the DS54 track inputs to the command station programming track. 4) Connect the yellow feedback adapter wire from any DS54 output (A, ...

KB605 DS52 Stationary Decoder Configuration and Programming Jumpers

There are two jumpers on the DS52 stationary decoder board. To properly use your DS52 you must be sure these jumpers are in the correct position. The configuration jumper sets whether your DS52 operates slow motion or solenoid type turnout machines. When the jumper is open it will run solenoid turnout machines. When it is closed it will operate slow motion turnout machines. The programming jumper determines whether the DS52 is in programming mode or not. To program the addresses for the DS52 the program jumper must be closed. For normal operation, it must be open.