Q:  Is it possible to use Digitrax equipment to wire the Kato N-Scale Automatic Track Crossing? If so, how do I do it? A:  The answer is a probable "No", but there may be a workaround. The Kato, USA website notes: Some Unitrack components such as the Automatic Crossing Gate and 3-Color Signal were designed with DC operation only. So, the official position is that that these devices don't work in the DCC environment. However, we are not above speculating on how to do this, nor are others. An online web search turned up this bit of message traffic by ...

  This example is a small yard with a crossing signal at its entrance. We will use independent turnout addresses to demonstrate the flexibility that the DS64 offers. Here, route (track) 2 3 and 4 will activate the blinking light when set and the deactivation is done by resetting to route 1, the main line. The advantage of this setup is that you can easily do operating RR Crossing lights without the need for additional equipment for block detection. The turnout output utilized for the RR crossing operation is simply integrated into the route setup. In addition to the route ...

How To Run a Route with DS64:1. Select the Switch Address that corresponds to the Top Address of the route you want to run.2. Issue a Closed or Thrown command depending on which you set up in the route table.Note that if you are using an actual switch address as your top address and you send the opposite closed or thrown command from that set up in the route; you will operate that switch address only and not the route.For example: If you set up Switch Address 50 as your Top Address by sending a Thrown command, you’ll need to ...

How To Set Up Routes Using Your DS64NOTE:  During this procedure the DS64 must be connected to an active LocoNet with an active command station.1. Press and hold down the STAT button on your DS64 until the green LED begins to blink quickly. You are now ready to set up a Route.2. To program the DS64 Route Number, use your DCC throttle in Switch mode to select a Switch Address from 1 through 8 and issue a Closed or Thrown command. This lets the DS64 know which of the 8 available routes you are setting up. This is NOT the ...

When using a DCS100 or DCS200 to setup routes within the Command Station in conjunction with DS64 Stationary Decoders, the DS64 needs to be connected to Track Power. The DCS100/200 does not send internal route messages via LocoNet. DCS100/200s only send Routes as a series of switch commands out to the Track in DCC format.  The DSC100/200 were designed in 1996 and had no requirement to echo these same switch commands out via LocoNet.  Additionally, DS64 Stationary Decoders are designed to allow up to 8 Routes to be programmed internally into them. Please refer to the DS64 manual and other ...

At the factory, your DS64 was set to control solenoid type turnout machines that use a single pulse output for operation. If you are using solenoid type turnouts, you can install the DS64 “out of the box.”  If you have reconfigured your DS64 for stall motor type turnouts, the DS64 can be reconfigured back to solenoid type turnout motors.1. Connect the DS64’s ‘TRKA’ and ‘TRKB’ terminals to your track. No turnouts should be connected to the DS64 at this time.2. On the DS64 press and hold the OPS button down for about 3 seconds until the red OPS LED and ...

Loco is running fine, then suddenly slows down, stops for a few moments, then starts up again to its original speed. This happens repeatedly and randomly (not at the same locations). Wheels, track are clean, doesn't seem to be a problem with other locos. Running HO using the Zephyr with Digitrax decoders. You did the right thing to make sure that the track and wheels are clean; that is one of the most common sources of problems with model trains, DCC or otherwise. What is probably happening is that the locomotive has been selected by two throttles. You are operating ...

At the factory, your DS64 was set to control solenoid type turnout machines that use a single pulse output for operation. If you are using slow motion turnout machines, like the Tortoise or Switchmaster, that need a static type output to operate, you’ll need to reconfigure the DS64’s outputs before hooking up your turnouts.To set up your DS64 to operate stall motor type turnouts:1. Connect the DS64’s ‘TRKA’ and ‘TRKB’ terminals to your track. No turnouts should be connected to the DS64 at this time.2. On the DS64 press and hold the OPS button down for about 3 seconds until ...

The Nemo Junction module has a total of seven color light signals that regulate the flow of train traffic through this interlocking plant. Controlling the Signals with SE8C The SE8C is the signal driver, sending current to the various LED's of the color light signals. Each signal is operated via switch commands from the Zephyr. The SE8C has eight Driver Sockets, identified as DRV1 - DRV8. : A Signal Driver Cable (a 10-conductor ribbon cable) is plugged into a SE8C Driver Socket to control as many as four signal heads per Driver Socket. Each signal head can display 4 lighting ...

Does the DS64 send commands over the track bus for all turnout addresses in one of its routes? Specifically, can DS64 defined routes include turnout addresses controlled by other stationary decoders connected to the track bus but not connected via LocoNet? LocoNet is the conduit for information outside of a specific DS64, including external devices controlled by a particular DS64. In some cases, the track bus may also be used but LocoNet is a more reliable path.

Q: I would like to know about SE8C and signals on non-DCC layouts. A:  The SE8c is a signal driver for your layout. You can operate signals manually with any LocoNet Throttle and Command Station. Or, in your case, the SE8c can drive signals automatically with detection and compatible computer software such as RailRoad & Co. or JMRI.You will need detection devices to identify the presence of trains, a computer interface such as the PR3, a computer program supplying the signaling logic and the SE8c driving the signal heads themselves. Note that in a LocoNet environment, the SE8C supports detection: DS01 ...

When using more than one DS64 in a DCC environment, you must assign a Board ID to each additional DS64 so that each one has a unique Board ID.You will need to set the DS64's board ID if you are planning to use the DS64's 8 inputs with a computer, system throttle, or other smart device on your layout that needs to know when a turnout has been manually thrown or closed via a particular DS64.You can use the 8 inputs on the DS64 to control the operation of the 4 outputs that control your turnouts.  For example, you can ...

I would like to use a Tomar Searchlight Signal such as model # 858. It has three color LED for each head. The SE8C manual shows the wiring example for bi-color LED signals. Is the SE8C able to control the three color LED signals as well? The bi-pole LED's can be used to produce a yellow "Approach" indication. The SE8C sends an AC signal to the LED, alternately lighting both the red and green sides to make a yellow (or "amber") Indication. Please see below: "A2" is connected to produce an approach (yellow) indication. You may find that the yellow ...

Can I use the DS64 to power frogs in Atlas turnouts with solenoid ( code 83 ) type switch machines? No, the DS64 does not have internal contacts to provide power to the frogs. This could be done by using a switch machine with its own contacts; these have been made by NJ International, Tenshodo, PFM and others. Another alternative would be to use the Atlas Snap Relay. The Snap Relay is a solenoid device like the switch machine, but instead of throwing the turnout, it throws a set of electrical contacts. The relay is wired in parallel to the switch machine, ...

Security ElementsThe Digitrax Signaling System is organized around the concept of what we call "security elements", which are similar to what U.S. prototype railroads call "plants" or "interlockings". The Digitrax SE8C signal decoder displays aspects for up to 32 heads for 8 individual security elements (plants) using either a LocoNet Throttle or a computer with compatible software. When used with associated occupancy detectors and compatible software, the SE8C can be set up to protect the turnout with signals as shown by the example below. Note that trains can move from A to B, A to C, B to A or ...

  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 ...

DS64 is set up by setting Option Switches (OpSw)This is how to set option switches on the DS64:1. Begin with your DS64 powered up. Turnouts can be either connected or not.2. On the DS64 press and hold the OPS button down for about 3 seconds until the red OPS LED and green ID LED begin to blink alternately. This indicates that the DS64 is ready to change the option switches.3. Using your DCC throttle, select the Switch Address that corresponds to the OpSw number and send the Closed or Thrown command corresponding to the setting you have chosen. Refer to ...

Hook up for slow motion type turnout machines & crossing gates.Note: Multiple turnout machines of the same type can 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.  See Knowledge Base article.

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 ...

  Simple Example of a Yard Ladder with Manual Route Buttons in a hidden yard. Set DS64 OptionSwitches 11 and 15 to 'c' closed to enable route commands from local inputs. Make sure the momentary-on push buttons are wired as shown in Fig.1 above. OPSw 11 enables the local inputs to trigger the routes stored in the DS64. A1 will trigger route1, S1 will trigger route 2, and so forth. OPSw 15 prevents the local inputs from directly triggering the outputs.Option Switch Configuration Press the OPS button on the powered DS64 for about three seconds until the red led begins ...

You can automate grade crossing signal lights with block occupancy sensors. Install a BD4 to detect track occupancy as shown in the figure below. Other than removing the Op Sw35 commands from the routes used in the related article example, there is no additional programming needed for the DS64. Sensor operated occupancy detection requires that all rolling stock be equipped with resistor wheels for proper detection or that the detection section is longer on each side of the RR Crossing than the full length of a train since only the locomotive will draw current. A lighted caboose on the end of ...

The DS64 is a powerful stationary decoder. 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. Is the DS64 receiving enough power? The DS64 can be powered in several different ways. Although it is possible to power the DS64 from track power, this has been a source of problems for many operators due to low voltage. This typically arises on a railroad that is using power in excess of the capacities of its power supplies. Have you programmed all four addresses ...

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. Only one type of turnout motor can be used on any particular DS64.If you have both slow motion and solenoid controlled turnouts on your railroad, different DS64s must be used for each type of turnout. 

  There are three different ways to power the DS64.  Track power (Trk A and Trk B), Auxiliary power (AX1(-) and AX2(+)) and power through the rear modular power connector.  Connect the Trk A and Trk B screw terminals of the Power and Track Connections to the corresponding Rail A and Rail B track connections.  The PS14 power supply can be used with Auxiliary or the rear modular power connector.  The DS64 requires 300mA for proper operation.  Only one DS64 can be powered per PS14.  A generic DC power supply between 12-16vdc and 300mA can be connected to a DS64 ...

Once you have set up the DS64 to operate the type of turnouts you will use, the next step is to hook up the turnouts to the outputs of the DS64. Each type of turnout machine has specific requirements for wiring.Note: The DS64 is configured for either for solenoid turnouts (the default setting)  OR slow motion turnouts. Only one type of turnout motor can be used on any particular DS64.Note: Multiple turnout machines can be operated on a single DS64 output.For example, you can run 2 Peco or Atlas Snap Switches on a single DS64 output. Up to 4 Kato ...

The SE8C can drive position light type signals such as those used by the Pennsylvania Railroad and the B&O RR and the N&W RR. Leads from the signals can be soldered directly to the pads on the Signal Mast Base (the Terminal Strip Mounting Kit can also be used for interfacing your signals with the system.)You can use either common anode or common cathode signals.  We recommend that you use either all common anode or all common cathode signals on your layout for consistency in the set up procedure on your layout. If you are using the terminal strip option ...

For some reason it is not possible to successfully operate Fulgurex point motors with a DS64. Tortoise work fine. We have determined that the Fulgurex motor draws too much current for the DS64. Published sources describe the Fulgurex motor as needing 400 Ma for operation, which is well beyond the capacity of the DS64. 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. The Tortoise, while also a slow motion point motor, is "on" all the time since it is a stall-type motor. ...

A cascaded route is where the last command of a route triggers the next route; this is also known to some as a nesting route. With the capacity of 8 turnouts per route, it becomes necessary to cascade routes if more than 8 turnouts are involved in a route. To highlight these possibilities, we use a very complex scenario with many turnouts and possible routes. Cascading routes allows the setup of long routes without the need for a computer. 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 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 ...

The SE8C uses switch addresses to operate the signals, so you may need to change some factory settings to make it work in conjunction with turnouts that are already installed on your layout. Be sure that when you configure the SE8C that the switch address ranges you select to operate the signals do not conflict with other devices, like DS64s, that are already installed. We strongly recommend that you keep accurate documentation of the address ranges used to control all devices on the layout to avoid conflicts that might cause problems. Without this record it can be very difficult to ...

DS64 can be used as a LocoNet device. The two RJ12 sockets (above, left) on the back of DS64 are LocoNet Ports for connecting your DS64 to LocoNet.  Either can be used to connect to LocoNet, with the other being used to connect to other LocoNet devices.

DS64 Quad Stationary Decoder      The DS64 is a Stationary Decoder for use with 4 slow motion, solenoid, or bi-polar turnout machines Simple to hook up and configure   Controls 4 individual turnout machines: EITHER4 Slow motion turnout machines, such as TortoiseTM by Circuitron or SwitchmasterTMOR4 Solenoid-type turnout machines such as three wire (twin coil type) Peco or Atlas Snap Switches or two wire bi-polar type turnout machines such as Kato Unitrack, AristoCraft, or LGB turnouts with capacitive discharge capability  Support for up to 8 routes   Screw terminals make installation easy   Use with any LocoNet Compatible System   ...

The subject of railroad signaling is a fascinating one.  Signals provide a margin of safety and protect the train crews, freight and passengers on the railroad .  Grade crossing signals also protect the general public from collision with moving trains.  Signal operation relies upon three basic elements: Detection of trains   Operation of the signals   Operation Logic Signaling is a complicated topic, far beyond the scope of this knowledge base.  But Digitrax offers several items which will help you with creating a realistic signal environment. Detection determines the presence or absence of trains.  Both the BDL168 and BD4 will ...

  Can a DS64 be powered from the LocoNet RailSync lines? No.  The LocoNet cable is used only for LocoNet commands. The DS64 must be powered via the rear modular connector (12-14 volts AC or DC) OR via the AUX power 12-16 volts DC using AX1(-) and AX2(+) on the circuit board at the front of the unit. It is also possible for the DS64 to get it's power from the track hooked to Trk A and Trk B terminals, but experience has proven that this power source may not be reliable in certain situations.  NOTE: Use only the rear power jack or ...

If you have more than four turnouts, you will need to program the addresses.The DS64 has 4 Output pairs labeled 1R & 1G, 2R & 2G, 3R & 3G, and 4R & 4G.  The DS64 is shipped from the factory with these outputs programmed as Switch Addresses 01, 02, 03, and 04 respectively. You can set the Switch Address of each of these four Outputs to any value from 01 - 2048.NOTE:  During this procedure the DS64 must be connected to an active LocoNet with an active command station.1. On the DS64’s control panel, press and hold the ID button ...

Includes 3 Signal Masts that can be used as Signal Mast Bases in any scale or can be painted and detailed and used as N-scale signal masts.Making these circuit boards look like signals is easy, just paint the mast silver and the heads black (be sure not to cover the LED with paint), then add targets and hoods for a reasonable facsimile of a signal. Another option is to cut off the circuit board mast from the base and attach a signal from another manufacturer.

Automated Routing with DS64   Routes are a way of operating a preset combination of turnouts to predefined positions using a single Switch command. Route tables hold the Switch Address and position information that make up the Route that operates when a single command is issued. The DCS100 Super Chief can store up to 32 individual routes that consist of a "Top" address and 7 additional turnout addresses and their positions.  The DS64 has a route table that can hold up to 8 individual routes that consist of a "Top" address and 7 additional turnout addresses and their positions. Sensors ...

Digitrax transponding works with Digitrax signaling system products. Transponding is not required to operate signaling systems however, the provision of transponding allows the possibility of the signaling system being able to automatically take control of trains that violate a signal aspect. Transponding can also be used to eliminate the "pushy pusher" problem that is characteristic of hardware implemented signal influenced speed control schemes.

Model railroad layout signaling is just as complicated as real railroad signaling. This is an example of how signaling might work on a small oval layout.  Once you understand how the signals work together in a simple setting, you will be better equipped to tackle signaling on your layout. The layout is a simple oval with a passing siding. Here are the locations of the individual signals: This railroad has four Absolute signals, two Dwarf signals and two Permissive signals.The four Absolute signals and two Dwarf signals protect not only the main line & the passing track but also the two turnouts ...

I was wondering if I could use an output on the DS64 to momentarily apply power to a Kadee #309 electric uncoupler? OpSw 02, 03, 04, &05 closed would give me a 3 second pulse. The Kadee uncoupler may require as much as 3 Amps @ 22 Volts. So, what is the current carrying capacity of the outputs on the DX64 [sic] ? What is the maximum DC voltage I can apply to terminals AX1 and AX2? The DS64 can accept 12-16 volts AC or DC on the rear modular jack or 12-16 volts DC on the  AX1 (-) / ...

Q:  How can the DS54 be configured to control a Flashing Crossing Signal? A:  The elements necessary to create a simple function flashing/blinking crossing signal are: a block occupancy detection (trigger) device, an electronic flashing/blinking circuit (DS54) and a crossing signal. The DS54 can accommodate two different types of triggering devices: Digitrax block occupancy devices (BD1 and BD4) and third party block occupancy devices (such as magnets and reed contacts). The following drawings indicate how to connect the two different types of triggering devices, along with the crossing signal, to the DS54. The upper drawing is for the BD1 or ...

The DS64 is a powerful stationary decoder that can be used to control different devices on your railroad. It can be used on both command control and analog model railroads. The DS64 is configured by the settings of different Option Switches (OpSw's), listed below: OpSw01 - Solenoid or slow motion devices OpSw02 - Pulse Timeout, 200ms OpSw03 - Pulse Timeout, 400ms OpSw04 - Pulse Timeout, 800ms OpSw05 - Pulse Timeout, 1600ms OpSw06 - Output Auto Power Up OpSw07 - Factory-default Reset OpSw08 - Regular/Extended Startup Delay OPSw09 - Timeout Option OpSw10 - Throttle/Computer Option OpSw12 - Sensor Input Option OpSw13 ...

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 ...

When you program the DS64, you must program all four outputs, even if they are not connected to anything.  A "Virtual" top address can be used to avoid conflicts with actual turnout addresses and other routes. To create a virtual top address use a switch address for your top address that is not used to operate an actual turnout on the layout. The advantage of this is that you can consistently use either the "thrown" or “closed” command to operate all routes, making it easier to remember which position goes with which route to make them work. Since DS64 routes ...

I am now constructing an N-Scale layout with Digitrax DCC system. I know SE8C and two-heads signal mast supplied by your company are applicable for a entry signal mast for the both of main and siding (branch) lines. However, I don't know how the signal mast is used in the case of "more than two" siding lines. For example, the next picture was taken in Powder River Basin (Converse Jct.) in Wyoming State. TS, Japan In this picture, some two-heads signal (mast) can be seen. In every signal mast, the top signal head will be for a main line. But, ...

The 10-Pin Signal Mast Bases that are part of SMBK and used as test signals with the SE8C have two connections marked Aux Hi and Aux Lo (Pins 2 & 9). These connections are not currently implemented and are reserved for future use.

Q: I have a Lenz Set 100 and was wondering if I can use my DCC system and use the Digitrax signaling and detection components. What about other DCC systems?A: Yes, Digitrax detection and signaling will work with any DCC system.  You will need to install a LocoNet network for the LocoNet components to communicate with each other and use a PR3 or MS100 to interface with a computer running software such as Railroad and Co. 

Track Power IndicatorThis very small star shaped dot located just above the bar graph display in the LCD on the right side indicates the status of the track power.No indicator = System track power is OFFIndicator On Steady = System track power is ONBlinking Indicator = System is in “STOP” and track power is ON Tetherless IndicatorThe tetherless indicator shows when your throttle is using either infrared or radio communications.L and R Semaphores-Cab SignalingThe L and R Semaphores are used when cab signaling is implemented on the layout. The L and R Semaphores will display the following:

The Intermountain 2014 release of their F-Units require some special attention when installing a decoder.  There are three locations which require attention to make sure the motor and headlight LED are completely isolated.  If the motor is not insulated, you'll hear a buzzing sound when the locomotive is placed on your layout.  I would suggest trying to program the locomotive on an isolated service mode programming track.  If you're successful in programming, the motor is properly isolated. 1. The motor has to be removed from its mount and Kapton tape needs to be placed from the bottom of the motor ...

In this example we add some more features to complete the capabilities of the DS64 / BD4 combination. In addition to the fascia button, we utilize the remaining sensors of the BD4 to automatically select the exit route if triggered by the advancing train. For this purpose, each yard track will need a short detection section just before the yard ladder. A departing train will then trigger and set its own exit route as soon as the engine enters the detection section. To enter the yard however, the routes must still be selected manually with the push buttons.

The DS64's approximate size:12cm (length) x 8.8cm (width) x 3.5cm (height)4.75" (length) x 3.5" (width) x 1.4" (height)The front edge of the DS64 needs clearance for wires to be attached.  The back edge has two LocoNet connectors and a barrel style power supply connector.  The back edge and left end have cooling slots which must remain clear.  The case has three holes which can be used for mounting screws. (#6 5/8" or longer screws can be used)

Use this table as a planning guide for setting up a DS64 for route control.

Determines The Type of Turnouts You Can OperateOpSw 01 defines the output type (static or pulse) for the decoder. Thrown (factory default) for pulse output mode to operate three wire (twin coil type) PecoTM or Atlas Snap SwitchesTM or two wire bi-polar type turnout machines such as Kato Unitrack, AristoCraft, or LGB.Closed for static output mode to operate slow motion (stall motor) type turnouts such as Tortoise or Switchmaster.

The SE8C can be used in 2 aspect mode.  The signal control address range will be in blocks of 32 instead of 64.To use this mode set Option Switch 02 to closed (OpSw02=c).

Why does the DS64 generate multiple output pulses for a single command? I get between 2 and 5 pulses over a period of about 2 seconds. Option Switch 01 determines the type of turnouts that you can operate, static or pulse. The Factory default is for "Pulse". Option Switches 02, 03, 04, and 05 set the pulse length. OpSw 02 = Closed the pulse width is 200ms (milliseconds). OpSw 03 = Closed, the pulse width is 400ms. OpSw 04 = Closed, the pulse width is 800ms. OpSw 05 = Closed, the pulse width is 1600ms. All, or any combination of ...

How do I set up the SE8C to control semaphores? Installing Semaphore Type Signals with SE8CThe SE8C can be set up to use its 8 turnout motor drive outputs to run 8 three-position semaphore (arm type) signals using slow motion turnout control machines (such as the TortoiseTM machines) as actuators. These 8 semaphore signals are available in addition to the standard 32 LED signal heads on the 8 signal control cables and occupy a separate semaphore address control range.The SE8C automatically sequences the three possible mechanical arm positions to match 3 aspects of red, green and yellow using a position ...

The individual signal heads are connected to the SE8C with 10 conductor ribbon cables. Depending upon which way you assemble the ribbon cables, Pin 1 can be either the brown colored conductor (called Phase A) or the black colored conductor (called Phase B). To maintain your sanity it seems easiest to be consistent when choosing either conductor, but there is no "wrong" answer. In the example below, the ribbon cable is being set up using the brown cable as Pin 1, thus it is being configured as "Phase A" The table below shows the various connections which result when setting up ...

Differences in the DS74 from the DS64: Up to date and compact LocoNet design with customer IPL/firmware field update capability using DigiIPLII. All plug-in connections. Can support on expansion header up to 4 DSXCP1 fascia SW control panels with SW direction indicator LEDs. 8 internal LocoNet integrated System routes, that can be conveniently edited on a DT602 with latest IPL update. Configurable unit Base switch address when on layout. No need to remove from layout to service/configure. Automatic DS74 switch address overlap detection, and correction capability when editing with DT602. Indicates internal IPL Sub-version loaded to latest DigiIPLII rev 2.9 ...

In addition to controlling turnouts via LocoNet with your DT400 throttle or with a computer program such as Railroad & Co., you can use local push buttons to operate turnouts. These buttons can be mounted near a particular turnout on the layout fascia or on a local track diagram. In this way, train crews can operate a turnout with a push of the button. The momentary push buttons are connected to the DS64 inputs marked S1, S2, S3 and S4. The return connection of each push button is made to "+COM. Here, a momentary button is connected to operate Turnout ...

How do I connect a BD4 to a DS64? The BD4 is a block occupancy detection device designed as an add-on device that can take advantage of the LocoNet hosting capability of the DS64 stationary decoder. It is connected in this way: The installation of a BD4 is relatively simple. Looking at the BD4, you will find a 5-point terminal block on one end and two (LED1 and DS1) 10-pin (5x2) headers on the other. There are three termination areas: a) The 5-point terminal block (left) is for the interconnection between the rail power source and the rails. b) The ...

I am putting the finishing touches on my 10 x 20 foot H0 railroad. It is a copy of the Cajon Pass, Salt Lake & Santa Fe RR by John Armstrong (#86 in the 101 Track Plans by Linn Westcott) [Kalmbach Publishing, ISBN 0-89024-512-6; still in print]. I have decided to go with DCC and my local hobby store recommended Digitrax. The layout is in my basement, I will be the only operator, the plan has 54 track switches (34 NJ International twin coils and 20 Tortoise turnout motors). Can you give me an idea as to what equipment I ...

I am trying to wire my new layout (N gauge) using the DS 64 with Peco switch machine PL10. The PL10 has four wires to be attached. My question is: Do I need to attach all four wires or just one set of wires? The PL-10 is a coil-type switch machine with double solenoids. One solenoid is activated to make the track switch throw in one direction, and the other is activated to throw it in the other direction. All four connections are required, with one for each solenoid being common and the other two being for the individual coils. ...

Q: I am building a new DCC layout that will include a logging spur that is simply a single long piece of track with no loop. I want to have a train go back and forth on this track which automatically reverses when it gets to each end. While the AR1 was designed for reversing loops, can it be wired to simply reverse a train on a straight piece of track? A:  Not in the way that you intend. One of the interesting problems with DCC is that we often still think in terms of DC, where the track polarity ...

When you click on the "FX-Setup" button a second menu screen appears which contains the special light effects for the FX decoder. If the decoder you are programming is not capable of FX effects, this section will not apply to your situation.On this screen we have access to F0 Forward Light, F0 Reverse Light, F1, F2, F3 & F4. The programming directions and choices are the same for each function. The pull down field to the right of this shows you which effect is assigned to that particular function. The following is a list of choices: No effect, normal function ...

This Atlas Snap-Track layout appears in the Atlas Model Railroad Company's book "Beginner's Guide to HO Model Railroading". It includes a reversing section which can be controlled with a Digitrax AR1. DC Control For DC operation, Atlas specified an Atlas Controller (for the reverse loop), two Atlas Selectors (to control eight track segments) and seven controllers for the railroad's turnouts. DCC Makes Things Simple With DCC, the wiring of this railroad is considerably simpler. Because each locomotive has a unique address, the section insulated gaps and the two Selectors are not necessary. Likewise, the Controller is replaced with the AR1 ...

Adding duplex radio, infrared or simplex radio to your existing Digitrax system is simple because of LocoNet.InfraRedYou probably already own a DT300, DT400, UT4 or DT402 series throttle. All of these are "InfraReady." These all come with two IR emitters pre-installed. All you have to add for IR operation is one or more UR90 Infrared Receivers to your layout. Most layouts require multiple UR90s because the infrared signal is line of sight. This means that your receiver will need a sight path to the throttles.Simplex RadioDigitrax throttles with an "R" at the end of the part number are simplex radio ...

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. This book was first published in 1958 and has been reprinted several times. A classic bowl of spaghetti, the Transbay Interwoven has two reversing loops and a turntable. DC Control For DC operation, Atlas specified three Atlas Controllers (for the reverse loops and the turntable), two Atlas Selectors (to control eight track segments) and ten controllers for the railroad's turnouts. DCC Makes Things Simple With DCC, the wiring of this railroad is ...

Digital Command Control (DCC) has specific electrical requirements that must be provided for your layout control system to operate properly.Input PowerAll DCC systems require an external power supply.  Digitrax manufactures several power supplies for our command stations and boosters: The 3 Amp PS415 (the Zephyr Xtra power supply) The 5 Amp PS515 for all Digitrax 5 amp command stations and boosters The powerful 20 Amp PS2012 can be used for multiple 5 and 8 amp command stations and boosters  Additionally, the PS14 is available to power various other devices for your railroad.  Digitrax strongly encourages you to use our power supplies to insure satisfactory ...

LocoNet's "ethernet like" architecture seems interesting and more advanced than the systems used by other DCC manufacturers. But, at the numbers we are talking about (a few controllers and perhaps 10-20 decoders), does it really make a difference?If your system operates with a few throttles and other devices attached any of the commercially available systems will work today. But what about tomorrow? Remember when a hard-drive bigger than 32Mb seemed excessive- and remember when DOS had to change to 16bit FATs/ directories? Also, the LBA access change at 540Mb also once seemed unthinkable!!The network structure of LocoNet is very important ...

Your DT300 has two infrared LEDs in the cable end of the throttle case. These emitters send infrared signals that can be used by LocoNet compatible Infrared receivers such as UR90, UR91 & UR92 to give you tetherless operation via infrared signals.

  Can I add Radio and IR to my Zephyr Xtra?Yes.Adding radio and/or IR to Zephyr and Zephyr Xtra is the same as adding it to any other existing Digitrax layout or Digitrax Starter Set. Digitrax offers InfraRed, Duplex Radio and Simplex Radio systems for wireless operation.  Any combination of these wireless methods can be used on the same layout at the same time.Infra Red Wireless OperationAll current Digitrax throttles are Infrared capable (InfraReady) in that they come from the factory equipped with the IR emitters required to send IR information to LocoNet.  To use this functionality, you only need to ...

The DS64 Stationary Decoder allows you to install and operate your turnouts directly through any DCC system that has turnout control. The DS64 works with a wide selection of hardware. From solenoid turnout machines to slow motion motors, the DS64 hasn’t met a turnout it doesn’t like. This affordable, easy to install decoder will add another dimension to your operations.

Can I add Radio and IR to my Big Boy?Yes.Adding radio and/or IR to Big Boy is the same as adding it to any other existing Digitrax layout or Digitrax Starter Set. Digitrax offers InfraRed, Duplex Radio and Simplex Radio systems for wireless operation. Any combination of these wireless methods can be used on the same layout at the same time.Infra Red Wireless OperationAll current Digitrax throttles are Infrared capable (InfraReady) in that they come from the factory equipped with the IR emitters required to send IR information to LocoNet. To use this functionality, you only need to add one ...

Under what conditions can the PR3 be used as a Stand Alone LocoNet Terminator? The PR3 is so designed so that it can be configured to act as a stand alone LocoNet controller in the event that a Digitrax command station is unavailable for the control of a series of LocoNet compatible devices. There are two major situations that would require the PR3 to act as a stand alone LocoNet controller. 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 ...

What is the difference between boosters and power management? A Booster is the device that provides the electrical power to the railroad. Most Digitrax command stations have a combined booster. The command station generates the DCC signal then sends it through a booster to the layout. A small model railroad may only have the command station and booster, while a large railroad will have numerous boosters. Multiple boosters provide more power to larger layouts.Additional boosters receive the DCC signal from the command station via LocoNet. Power management usually refers to the devices which act as circuit breakers and power distributors. ...

Most intermittent operation faults on all layouts, not only DCC ones, are caused by bad electrical connections and poor wheel pickups on locomotives.  Poor electrical contact causes problems with sound decoder operation in particular.  Sound decoder installations usually include a capacitor to store energy to keep the sound going when the decoder briefly loses electrical contact.   When the track is dirty or corroded, it can't transmit the electricity and DCC signal needed to run locomotives.  When the locomotive pick ups are dirty or corroded, they can't pick up the signal from the track.  Check your track cleanliness and quality of wheel pickups ...

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. 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. Components used for the Kelana Jaya layout: 28 Mainline turnouts 11 Yard turnouts 39 Tortoise switch machines 84 Dwarf signals (yellow/green, red/green, red/yellow) 38 Mainline block signals 38 Heavy duty SPDT switch relays Digitrax Components Used for the Kelana Jaya layout: 1 DCS 100 ...

The Kelana Jaya Rail Line model layout uses WinLok 2.1 running on a PC under Windows 98 to operate the trains, turnouts, signals and to use the feedback from the block detectors for train control. This equipment was configured and programmed to PUTRA's specifications by Dr. Hans R. Tanner of DigiToys Systems. PUTRA specified the following capabilities for the control system used for the simulation: 1. Run eight trains at once in any combination of automated or manual control. 2. Define specific routings and be able to assign automatically or manually any route to any train at the time the ...

The jacks on the front and sides of the UP5, UR92, UR91, UR90, and LNRP front panels are Throttle Jacks and should only be used for connecting throttles to LocoNet.  They should not be used to connect to other LocoNet devices.  The jacks on the back of these units are LocoNet Jacks that are used for connecting LocoNet devices to the network.  Technically speaking! These units were designed to have the FRONT jack's second Railsync differential signal run as a diode-or'ed power source (for throttles).  This means that some cable orientations and power loads could cause unexpected operations in downstream LocoNet devices ...

Most modern command stations and decoders are set up to run 28/128 speed steps.  If you are using older command stations or decoders you may need to adjust one or the other to get the trains to run.Why are more speed steps better?The reason you want to use a command station and decoders with 128 speed steps is for smoother speed control of your locomotives.   Digital command control signals are just that, digital.  When you send speed commands with your throttle, you are sending digital instructions telling the decoder to change from the current speed to a different speed.  When ...

Digitrax Complete Train Control By Zana & A.J. Ireland Digitrax Complete Train Control makes reliable, realistic train operation and simplified layout wiring a reality. Digital Command Control is incorporated within the Digitrax system to let you control multiple trains independently on the same section of track without blocking. In the real world, engineers control the speed and direction of real trains. Engines operate under their own power independent of the track. Each engine has its own motion characteristics like how fast it speeds up (acceleration) and how long it takes to slow down (deceleration). A locomotive's performance is influenced by ...

Before sending your Digitrax mobile decoder in for repair try these troubleshooting steps to see if you can “bring it back from the dead” and save a trip to the shop and possible repair charge. As with troubleshooting anything, begin checking what could be wrong methodically. Write down your observations as you work through the list to solve the problem.The most common "repair" problem we see in our repair department is decoders that are programmed incorrectly.Many decoders we receive for repair have been programmed with CV values that cause them to seem to have a problem. The good news-bad news ...

Here at the Tech Support Depot, it has been our goal to improve operators' understanding of the Digitrax system of model railroad command control. We often see thoughtful words from others who are not employed by Digitrax that still have an in-depth understanding of the product line. Here, Doug Stuard talks about the UR91; these words originally appeared on the Yahoo Groups Digitrax discussion list, and are used here with his kind permission. UR91 and Throttle Antenna The UR91 antenna is the pair of 3" wires that sprout from the PC board that are arranged in a "V" similar to ...

Switch Mode is used for sending commands to accessory decoders and for changing Option Switches (OpSw) in your DCS50. The most common use of switch mode is for operating turnouts (track switches).To change the position of a turnout:This note assumes that you have already installed and programmed turnouts and turnout decoders on your layout.  Each turnout is connected to a stationary decoder that controls the operation of that turnout.  There are several different stationary decoders for this purpose such as DS64 and others.  Please see the related articles below.1. Press the SWITCH Key. 2. The last switch address selected by ...

BD4 Output Each BD4 is situated between the PM42 Power Manager and the railroad. The DCC signal passes from the DCS50 Zephyr, through the Power Manager, through the BD4 to the track to the locomotive. When a locomotive (or equipped car) is present in a track segment, the BD4 also sends out occupancy information, in two ways. Occupancy Information Output LED1 The LED1 10-pin header is for testing the status of power to the rails and block occupancy with the LED indicator which is included with the BD4. The LED1 can also be used for panel indicator lights using LED's. ...

The DB150 has 22 “Slots” for locomotive addresses The DB150 command station can run up to 22 loco addresses and throttles at a time. Each of these addresses occupies one of 22 “slots” available in the DB150’s memory. Once those 22 slots are full the system will display the “slot=max” message to let you knot that you need to release some locos if you want to select and run others. The DB150 manages the addresses that occupy slots by assigning different statuses to each decoder depending on how it is being used in the system. This allows the DB150 to ...

  Digitrax Duplex Wireless Functional diagnosis and debug process:   Duplex Background:  The Digitrax Duplex radio system is a two-way RF radio link connecting wireless throttles (DT402D & UT4D) via a UR92 onto LocoNet.  It operates on one of 16 user-selected channels in the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi frequency band.  FCC rules requires that all WI FI devices including the RF24 Duplex transceivers (part of Digitrax Duplex throttles and the UR92) operate co-cooperatively in this 2.4GHz band and have to accept whatever wirelessenvironment is present.  This means that there is no guarantee that Digitrax Duplex will work in all situations or that it will ...

If I use a non-Digitrax compatible system, what features of the PM42 Auto reverse/Short Circuit Managers (SCM) will I lose?The PM42 can be used as a stand alone Auto reversing unit and Short Circuit Manager with many other non-Digitrax systems, but for systems without LocoNet capability a number of networked management features will not be available.For example, the PM42 sends out real-time, event driven (non-polled) information to the LocoNet about fault problems and resolution, auto reverse actions and also identifies the affected sub-districts. This allows other devices, such as PCs, the Digitrax Signaling system, Digitrax Transponding or other detection and ...

DT400R is a radio equipped throttle. To use your DT400R as a radio throttle, you will need to install a radio receiver on your layout. All DT400s are “InfraReady.” This means that your DT400 comes with IR LEDs that will send infrared signals to the layout. To use this InfraReady capability, you just need to install one or more infrared receivers on your layout. A 9 volt battery must be used to power the DT400/R for tetherless operation. Using DT400/R as a tetherless throttle is easy: 1. For Infrared operation, plug in at least one Digitrax IR receiver (UR90 or ...

I have my Kato Switches hooked up to a standard switch panel with toggle momentary switches. Can I hook up the DS51K1 stationary decoder in addition to this wiring? 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? I would like to operate these switches via DCC and by the control panel. In this situation, it would appear that using a DS64 configured for Kato turnouts (solenoid turnouts) and ...

Connecting BD1 to a DS54, DS64 and SE8c? 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. The BD1 is also compatible, for the same purpose, with the DS64 and SE8c. The following diagrams indicated how to connect the BD1 to the rails, rail power source, and the Digitrax DS54, DS64 and SE8c.  Note: The wires that connect the BD1 to the rails and rail power source are characterized as two heavy, uninsulated, and polarity neutral wires.

Kato recommends, and Digitrax concurs, that the best DCC performance with the Unitrack turnout requires that you set each turnout to "Non-power-routing". Kato has offered a variety of turnouts in their H0 Unitrack line.381-2840 - LH, 490mm Radius, selectable operating mode with power or non-power routing.381-2841 - RH  490mm Radius, selectable operating mode with power or non-power routing.381-2850 - LH, #4, power routing only. * Some additional power feeds required for use with DCC 381-2851 - RH, #4, power routing only. * Some additional power feeds required for use with DCC381-2860 - LH, #6, live or insulated frogs, power or non-power ...

I have an old Diamond Scale turntable; this turntable uses a rotary switch to select which stall or track you want to align the table with. It is basically a closed connection, or relay connection to select the track you want. I was wondering if it was possible to use the DS64 to create a closed connection (relay output) to activate this connection for the turntable position. Basically I want a relay output from the DS64 to be addressed by my DT400. Using throttle control This should be fairly easy, but not in the way that you envision it. The ...

  This document outlines the power requirements for Digitrax LocoNet accessories.  To simplify wiring, Digitrax recommends providing individual power supplies for like accessories.  For example a power supply or power buss which only powers the PM42s.  A power supply or power buss used solely to power multiple DS64s.  UR9x and UP5 panels can be daisy chained provided adequate current is provided to properly power all the panels.  Through the use of individual power supplies, the chance of Ground Loops or sneak paths back to ground is minimized.  Using individual power supplies will also make troubleshooting much easier.  Many Digitrax LocoNet ...

DCC Automatic Reversing SectionsVirtually all automatic reversing will fall into 3 categories with the wiring principles for all being the same:1. Reverse Loops2. Wyes3. TurntablesDCC has the ability to automatically reverse sections of track we call Reversing Sections while our trains are running and not affect the direction or speed of the trains. This is because we put a constant square wave AC current on the track and control the trains (locos) by sending messages to them (actually to receivers we call decoders) to tell them what to do such as start, stop, change directions, etc. . We are thus ...

The Digitrax DCS50 Zephyr is set at the factory to send 128 speed step commands to all mobile decoders.If you have a non-Digitrax decoder that can’t run in 128 speed step mode, you can change the number of speed steps the DCS50 sends to that decoder so that you will be able to control the decoder. This is called status editing the decoder. When you status edit a decoder, the DCS50 will send a different format to that specific decoder address without affecting the 128 speed step operation of Digitrax decoders and other 128 speed step decoders on the railroad.NOTE: ...

Q: I am setting up a yard control panel with a CML Electronics DTM30. For the DTM30 to know what state a turnout is in, it can issue an interrogate command but my DS54's do not seem to respond with this information. Is there a trick to this? A:  According to CML: The DTM30 makes use of the “Interrogate” feature that all modern Digitrax systems use. After power up, the Command station normally sends out 8 switch commands. All accessory devices respond to these, and send LocoNet messages back reporting sensor states and point states. The DTM30 can also send ...

Before sending your Digitrax Command Station or Booster in for repair try these simple steps to see if you can “bring it back from the dead” and save a possible trip to the repair shop.1. Nothing is respondingIf there are NO LEDs lit on the front panel of the Command Station or Booster: Check the power supply to the unit to make sure that it has not been knocked loose in the power socket and that the socket is powered. Check the connections from the power supply to Track A and Track B connections on the front of the unit ...

Q: I have the original DCS100 with the old style non-removable wire connectors. What would I gain with a firmware upgrade? A: Early DCS100s that do not access Functions 9 - 12. If you have a DCS100 that you would like to have updated, please send it to the Digitrax Repair Department for updating. This update is a chip change only and the original style connectors will not be changed to the new style connectors. The circuit boards used for the two different connectors are completely different and are not interchangeable. The DCS100 must be sent to us for this ...

Kato makes a Unitrack double-crossover, their No. 20210: Kato has advised us that this unit has four solenoids in its base, each operating one turnout point set. Connecting the DS51K1 to the red / black wire pair at the base of the track will damage the decoder since the four solenoids of the crossover will draw more than the rated current capacity of the DS51K1. If you are wiring the DS51K1 internally to this track segment, it is easiest to program each turnout pair to the same address; done this way, activating one track switch address will result in the ...

By Zana & A.J. IrelandThis clinic is titled Digital Command Control: The Wave of the Future. Recently, I was asked the question: "DCC has arrived and is the technology of today, everybody's using it so, why don't you change the title of your clinic?" My answer is that digital command control is still evolving rapidly. Today's digital command control is moving beyond the basic NMRA DCC Standards and RPs to encompass many new technologies that will compliment and enhance the basic things we can do with the track format defined by the NMRA. It's an exciting time for model railroaders ...

By Zana & A.J. IrelandThis clinic is titled Digital Command Control: The Wave of the Future. Recently, I was asked the question: "DCC has arrived and is the technology of today, everybody's using it so, why don't you change the title of your clinic?" My answer is that digital command control is still evolving rapidly. Today's digital command control is moving beyond the basic NMRA DCC Standards and RPs to encompass many new technologies that will compliment and enhance the basic things we can do with the track format defined by the NMRA. It's an exciting time for model railroaders ...

How does DCC work? You use a throttle (cab) to tell the system what you want a train to do. The throttle sends the information to the command station. The command station makes a digital packet out of the information and sends it to the booster. The booster* adds power to the digital packet and sends it out through the rail. The decoders in all locomotives (even those that are not running) read all digital packets, and decipher them to get the address contained in the data packet. If the packet address matches the decoder address, the decoder uses the ...

Q: How do I use the AR1 and automatically control the turnout? I'm confused here. It is good that the AR1 controls the switching of the track power for a reverse loop automatically but it seems the turn out direction also needs auto control. Am I missing something here? Need help understanding...Please explain. A: The AR1 is handles correcting the track polarity mismatch when a reversing section is encountered by a locomotive. When the polarity inside the reverse section does not match the polarity outside the reverse section, the AR1 detects the short circuit and flips the polarity so that ...

  To use the UT2 to program a decoder you must first put the UT2 in Programming Mode. To do this press and hold “RUN/STOP” and simultaneously press “PROG”. The Status LED will now turn a steady orange color indicating the UT2 is now in Programming Mode. Set the locomotive you wish to program on an isolated programming track (See Section 5.2). Make sure that the DB150 command station is not connected to any other part of the layout. If you don’t have a programming track on your layout remove any locomotive you don’t want programmed at this time. Decoders ...

Here are some terms that you might find useful as you work with the BDL168. Direct home wiring is a layout wiring method where each power district and its booster is electrically isolated. The track within each power district uses a "common return" wiring method for occupancy detection and/or power management. Direct home wiring is the wiring method recommended by Digitrax for safety reasons & also because it makes detection work more prototypically. Power district is the power wiring, track, components and equipment attached to that wiring, driven by a single properly isolated booster. The track for a power district ...

The TSMK, Terminal Strip Mounting Kit, includes 2 terminal strip boards with resistors for easy installation. The Digitrax Terminal Strip Mounting Kit makes it simple to connect any scale or model signal to the Digitrax signaling system without soldering. Simply connect the wires from the signal to the TSMK’s screw terminals and plug it in to the SE8C’s Signal Driver Cable. Using the Terminal Strip circuit boards You can attach any of a variety of types of model signal masts in any scale you choose to the Terminal Strip Mounting Kit. The Terminal Strip Mounting Kit has 10 screw terminals ...

We recommend testing your new SE8C prior to installation on your layout. The following testing procedures will help familiarize you with the general operation of the SE8C. Track power needs to be ON, a working LocoNet connection and a throttle or PC running DCC control software. Pre-Installation Set-Up 1. Solder one wire from a 12V AC or 15V DC power supply to Pin 3 and the second wire from the power supply to the Pin C on the 44-Pin edge connector; this powers the SE8C. Digitrax manufactures the PS14, which is appropriate for this installation. Multiple SE8Cs can be powered ...

Materials for making 2 Signal Driver Cables for SE8C. Includes 30’of 10-wire Signal Driver ribbon cable & 8 10-Pin sockets.

SE8C Plug 'N Play Signal Decoder make it easy to add prototypical signaling to your layout. The SE8C can drive as many as 32 signal heads with many popular LED signal types. It can also be used to control up to 8 slow motion turnout machines as either turnout control or control for semaphore type signals. Easy modular Plug 'N Play and additional accessories make it simple to add signaling to your layout.

Includes 3 Signal Masts that can be used as Signal Mast Bases in any scale or can be painted and detailed and used as N-scale signal masts.

Under layout mounting hardware for Signal Driver Cables and their sockets. 6 metal signal straps and 6 signal spacers. These handy bits of hardware hold your signal plugs at just the right distance from the layout to make it easy to plug in your signals.

HO scale Mainline Signaling Kit including: 2 Single Head A Signals, 2 Single Head B Signals, 4 SMP1s, 8 spacers, 8 screws.

HO scale Turnout Signaling Kit including: 1 Dual Head A Signal, 1 Single Head B Signal, 1 Single Head C Signal, 3 SMP1s, 6 spacers, 6 screws.

N scale Mainline Signaling Kit including: 2 Single Head A Signals, 2 Single Head B Signals, 4 SMP1s, 8 spacers, 8 screws.

N scale Turnout Signaling Kit including: 1 Dual Head A Signal, 1 Single Head B Signal, 1 Single Head C Signal, 3 SMP1s, 6 spacers, 6 screws.

Supports four SE1 10-pin signal head cables for up to 16 masts. Upgraded replacement for SE8C, fully encased.

In response to questions about the differences among the DCC systems that are currently available from different companies, I offer the following comments & observations. You may have heard that all the systems are pretty much the same or you may have seen “comparison” charts in various DCC companies’ literature, in magazines or “analysis” on the Internet by “impartial observers.” Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to break down the system and company differences on a simple chart & the people who write the “impartial analysis” are usually not really impartial. As you read these comments, please keep in mind that ...

While tetherless, the DT400/R operates as a one-way transmitter. The DT400/R must be plugged into LocoNet to select an available locomotive address. After an address is selected on your DT400/R, you can unplug from LocoNet and run the selected addresses with infrared or radio. The throttle will automatically convert to infrared or radio operation for all speed, direction, function, operations mode programming, and switch commands. Digitrax uses this safety selection procedure, which requires throttles be plugged into LocoNet to select a loco address to run. This is an important operational safety feature. Digitrax chose not to allow one way address ...

This article was originally posted on this site in 2006, but the source material dates back much further than that, probably back to the early 1990's, when DCC was an emerging control system. The article discusses non-sound mobile decoder programming operations. Many of the issues discussed in this article are less relevant when using recently produced decoders, but this text still does cover some questions which may be raised when you are using mobile decoders which were manufactured by other companies. These decoders will operate in the Digitrax environment, but you may need to make some adjustments.The earliest Digitrax mobile ...

What do I need for DCC control of a Walters Cornerstone Swing bridge? Image Courtesy Wm. K. Walthers We do not have any direct experience with this particular bridge but after a little research, this is what we recommend.The instruction sheet which comes with the 933-1050 Motorizing Kit is quite vague.  "The unit runs on DC power.  Hook the wires up to the DC contacts on a transformer with a maximum voltage of 12.  If you hook it up to a variable speed transformer, do not exceed 12 volts.  The gear ratio is 320:1."  That said, it is still a ...

Stealing A Locomotive AddressDigitrax systems do not allow more than one user to select and run the same locomotive address unless the loco is “stolen” (or shared) by the new user. When an address is receiving commands from more than one throttle, it may seem to be out of control.Stealing is a safety interlock that prevents operators from automatically taking control of locos that are already selected and being run on another throttle. Occasionally you may need to override this interlock to gain control of a loco. This override is called stealing and will result in having a single loco ...

The layout uses twenty-eight turnouts on the mainline and an additional eleven turnouts in the yard. Each turnout is powered by a Tortoise slow motion turnout motor. Each of the twenty-eight mainline turnouts has three dwarf signals associated with it. The aspects of the signals are shown below. The indications of the signals are: Green = Proceed Yellow = Proceed with caution Red = Stop Each signal has one head with two LEDs. There are also thirty-eight mainline block signals (red/green) that are controlled by heavy duty single pole double throw relays. This makes a total of 122 signals. Since ...

When the command station is sending commands to a loco address that is in-use on one of the DT300's throttles and that address is being changed by another throttle or computer, it will cause the DT300 to “click” every time it sees a remote throttle change its locomotive settings. If that locomotive is in the active throttle, its speed display will also show the changes. This is called slot following. This allows two DT throttles to run a single locomotive address with both throttles being able to send commands to the loco. Both throttles will show the current speed and direction of ...

Railroad signaling works based on detection of trains on the railroad.  If a train is detected, then the signal system goes into action, setting up indications that let show that the track section is occupied and warn other trains that the section is occupied.  At a grade crossing where a railroad and a highway intersect, the presence of a train starts the crossing signals and lowers the gates in time to stop highway traffic so the train can pass.In the case of real railroads, detection is easy, since the rails are naturally insulated from each other and either a locomotive or ...

Train detection and the related signaling can be a complicated affair. However, it becomes easier if you analyze things and break them down into their component blocks. The whole idea is to protect trains from each other, regulating their movements by the use of signals which tell train crews what to do or what to expect. Train detection identifies which segments of track are occupied by a train. For the real railroads, track detection sections can be very short (such as at track junctions) or very long (such as in rural environments). Train speed and frequency of trains are also ...

Digitrax's “safety selection” is an important operational safety feature. Digitrax chose not to allow one way address selection to prevent multiple operators from being able to select and send commands to the same addresses at the same time. Having multiple operators sending commands to the same address can result in serious problems in an operating session because locos can appear to be out of control. Simplex radio throttles like the DT402/R, DT400/R, DT300/R, UT4/R and similar throttles operate as one-way (simplex) infrared or radio transmitters. The DT402, DT400/R, DT300/R, UT4/R must be plugged into LocoNet to select an available locomotive address to run on ...

Q:  I am the only operator. There will be no others. I wish to use block detection for signaling. However, I find that I cannot use the BD4s in the way I thought they could be used. My question, must I divide my simple layout into blocks (which DCC says you don't really need) in order to use the BD4's and SE8C together? A small basic layout can be operated in the DCC environment without dividing the railroad up into power districts.  In this scenario, you will use one command station/booster to power the entire layout. As your power consumption ...

  CV29 is assigned a single value which chooses a combination of specific effects: 1. Speed step control. 2. Speed table On or Off. 3. Analog mode conversion On or Off. 4. Normal Direction of Travel (NDOT). 5. 2 digit addressing or 4 digit addressing. Speed Step Control. There are two modes for speed step control: Standard (14 speed step mode) and Advanced (28/128 speed step control). Because of differences in the capabilities of DCC compatible command stations and decoders, you may have to set CV29 in your decoders to different values to match the mode of the command station ...

Many locomotives feature warning lights that are designed to make a train more visible to the general public. FX Functions are function outputs that incorporate 4 FX generators for prototypical lighting effects such as Mars lights, ditch lights, Pyle Gyra-lights, rotating beacons, single and double pulse strobe lights, and random flicker.

  CV29 is assigned a single value which chooses a combination of specific effects: 1. Speed step control. 2. Speed table On or Off. 3. Analog mode conversion On or Off. 4. Normal Direction of Travel (NDOT). 5. 2 digit addressing or 4 digit addressing. Analog Mode Analog mode conversion is very convenient if you plan to run your Digitrax decoded locomotive on regular DC layouts. With analog mode conversion enabled, the decoder will automatically begin operating as a DC locomotive when no DCC signal is detected by the decoder. This means that if you place your Digitrax decoder equipped ...

When I get several locos in the same PM42 sub-district, the PM42 seems to shutdown at random times even though I am sure there is no short circuit, what is wrong?1.  The PM42 is set at the factory with a default current trip point of 3 amps for all 4 sub-districts. This is fine in most cases. 2.  If you plan to run more than two or three locomotives in a sub-district, you will need to increase the trip current. 3.  Use the minimum current set point that gives acceptable layout operation, i.e. minimum power interruptions when no short circuits ...

There is an error in the BD4 Instruction Sheet, 2004 version.As a result of this error, BD4 shows no status light and no detection lights.  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. This connection was not shown on the original instruction sheet for the BD4.

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.

A route, which is a series of turnouts set into one specific configuration, can be automatically set up by using the DS64.

Braking sections are sections of track which will cause a DCC equipped locomotive to stop automatically. The simplest way to do this is to set up a track section where the power is turned off. This has two disadvantages. First, since there is no power, the locomotive lights will be off when the train is stopped in the section. Second, the lead loco in a consist stops as soon as it hits the dead section. Other locos in the consist will push the dead loco forward. In a long consist, you could get a situation where the last loco in ...

This article stops in a strange place??  We need to find the rest of it and split it up into meaningful chunks.  Also needs meta stuff Troubleshooting in General:Regardless of the guides, manuals, tips, suggestions, experts or whatever, troubleshooting can occasionally degenerate into a vast chasm of darkness and confusion.  It would be impossible to cover all the areas that have, can or may cause problems. This is a general guide to identifying and resolving problems with Digitrax Complete Train Control.  Keep Good Records:Although it may seem to be a pain while setting up your Digitrax system, keeping layout records ...

Individual signal heads are driven from connections marked DRV1 - DRV8. Although these are typically connections to individual signals, they can serve more than one signal as necessary. The ID Button is used to set the individual SE8C board ID. If using more than one such circuit board, each must be assigned a unique number so that the system recognizes it. The Option Button is used to customize the SE8C. LocoNet Jacks provide a data channel for the SE8C.

Configurable strobes are controlled with CV49 & CV50. CV49 controls the White Lead   CV50 controls the Yellow Lead The value programmed for each CV consists of 2 digits, the first digit controls the conditions under which the light will be active.1x=Reverse, if 1 is the first digit then the light will be on when the locomotive is in reverse2x=F0 Qualified, if 2 is the first digit then the function will be active when F0 is on and off when F0 is off4x=Direction insensitive, if 4 is the first digit then the function will be On in either directionThe second ...

The TRACK STATUS indicator shows that there is voltage on RAIL A & RAIL B terminals. The color indicates the type of signal:  If it is orange the track is getting DCC signals with no analog zero stretching.  If the color is green or red then a stretched zero signal is being used to operate a conventional locomotive. When zero stretching is present, the DCC decoder equipped locomotives will read their digital commands normally and perform as commanded. If the Track Status LED is not lit there is no voltage on the track, the track power to the DCS100 may ...

  I have an "M" shaped 250 square foot layout with 500 feet of track and twelve locomotives. What Digitrax equipment would I need? 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. However, for purposes of estimation: Twelve Locomotives. Each locomotive is going to draw, at the very least, 5 MA for the decoder. If it has LED lights, then it will typically draw 15 MA more; conventional light bulbs will draw 50 MA. A typical H0 locomotive will draw 600 MA ...

Simplex Radio Coverage One UR91 should provide full coverage for a typical model railroad under most circumstances. Simplex Radio reception is affected by metal objects between the throttle and UR91 simplex receiver, or large metal objects adjacent to the receiver; a furnace is one example of such an object. Such objects cause a second reflected signal, impairing the radio throttle signal's ability to reach the UR91. In this case, the receiver gets the signal directly from the throttle, then another signal right on top of it from the reflection. Moving the UR91 to another location may solve this problem, or you ...

Before sending your Digitrax DS54 stationary decoder in for repair try these steps to see if you can “bring it back from the dead” and save a trip to the shop and possible repair charge.If you find you need to send in an item for repair, click here For Digitrax Repair Procedures and InformationAre there burn marks on the DS54 decoder?You'll need to send it in for repair!Understand CV programming with different throttleCV values shown are 00 or 000 for decimal and x00 for hex. Read your manual carefully to be sure you are using the appropriate values when programming ...

The Series7 Stationary (or Accessory) decoders are configured to not use, or need a CV Service Mode (SM) programming track. It is impractical to disconnect these fixed wired devices from a layout to configure on a SM track, unlike a mobile locomotive decoder. Series7 devices are configured when operating on a working LocoNet system to access all product capabilities. As detailed in the product Instruction Sheet (IS), the units have a number of Option Switches (OPSW's) that may be modified by; pressing the OPSW button and sending the appropriate SW# as Thrown or Closed. The IDSW button allows the setting ...

  My layout is in N scale, with an 85 foot double track main, a 12 track storage area, small yard, and engine facility. The layout measures 10 X 14 with two helices. There are a total of 34 engines, many of which are with their trains in the storage area. All of the already made-up trains (11) have two or three engines on them, ready to be brought up via a helix to run on the railroad. Currently, the road is divided into six parallel blocks (DC); 12 blocks in all. In the future, I plan on adding a ...

How Many UR90 Infrared receivers will I need?One UR90 should provide complete coverage if your room is typical, with a hard surface floor and finished walls and ceiling. However, several things can cause the need for additional UR90s, such as: larger room, odd shaped room, acoustical ceiling, carpeted floors, or book shelves or other things on the walls that can interfere with the infrared signal. How many more you'll need depends on how many of these "impediments" are in your layout room. This Infrared signal should be considered to be line-of-sight, but the IR signal does reflect off of other objects, thus the concern ...

We have designed a layout at my place with double main line with reverse loop at each end. Plus there is a branch line with two reverse loops that in one loop is connected to the main line. The main lines stay double track even at the split. The branch stays single with only one connection with the main. My plans where to use the AR1 for all my reverse loops and the PM42 for my power control. What if any problems do you see with all these loops? Nothing, if you can guarantee that at any given time only ...

I don't understand what the white cam lead gets hooked up to. Some model steam locomotives are equipped with, or can be equipped with, a cam arrangement which coordinates the sound to the rotation of the drivers creating chuffing. As the wheels turn, a switch opens and closes, operating the chuff sound produced by the sound decoder. The white wire goes from the decoder to a microswitch which is operated by a cam that is mounted on the axle of one of the drivers. In operation, when the white wire senses the DCC track signal, it operates the chuff sound ...

The 5 Amp DCS100 and the 8 Amp DCS200 share the same front panel layout. There is a variety of indicators, switches and connectors: Power Input The two POWER IN terminals on all Digitrax boosters & command stations are the power input connections. Power On Indicator This green LED indicates that the power to the DCS100 is on. Ground Terminal The terminal marked ground provides electrical safety features and an RF ground reference for minimum radiated noise. This should be the ONLY point of any DCS100 installation that is connected to the AC safety ground pin provided on most 3 ...

As originally conceived, the Texas & Southwestern was set up with a very simple DCC system. The railroad uses a DCS50 Zephyr as its command station and booster. The Zephyr is connected to a central power bus, and all tracks, stationary turnout decoders and the automated reverse loop unit are connected to it. Likewise, the LocoNet connections are a series of simple cable connections starting at the Zephyr and ending at the last Universal Panel. The T&SW works well with this arrangement, but there are additional devices that will enhance the operation of this railroad. Digitrax PM42 Power Management System ...

The term smooth DC is used to describe the power provided to the layout by conventional model railroad power packs (analog transformers). Traditional model railroad power packs convert household line current into 12-18 volt current to power your model railroad. Voltage is supplied to the track, and as the voltage increases, the speed of the locomotive's motor increases, which makes it run down the tracks at faster speeds. Some power packs put out only AC (alternating current), while others put out DC (direct current) and AC (for accessories such as track switches and building lights). AC powered trains tend to ...

When I turn on the DCS240 and system, the DCS240 beeps 10 times and track power goes off. When I retry turning on track power, the 10 beeps occur again and the track power stays off. What is happening, and how do I fix this so I can run trains? The DCS240 actively scans for conflicting Command Stations at Power up, any time Track power is turned ON, and additionally about every 2 minutes.  If another Command Station is detected the DCS240 will issue 10 long beeps and the Track Power is turned off.  The DCS240 will not allow track ...

Clarifications of UR93 and DT602D/UT6D Duplex RF and network performance: The new UR93 and DT602D and UT6D throttles employ the new Digitrax designed and manufactured RF28 Modular Certified 2.4GHz transceiver module. The RF28 is configured to interoperate with existing Digitrax Duplex UR92 LocoNet access points and e.g. DT500D and UT4D throttles worldwide. All Duplex units employ IEEE 802.15.4 PHY/MAC compatible devices using 2.4GHz Direct Sequence Spread- Spectrum (DSSS) modulation. The RF28 was developed for: a)  Smaller size. The venerable RF24 could not fit in the small UT6D, and this case was designed in 2017, so a new smaller Duplex support ...

Detection Section Inputs DS01 to DS08 (see below) are inputs from occupancy detectors that provide at least +5V (max 22V) when occupied, and 0V when unoccupied. The SE8C sends occupancy messages to LocoNet when these inputs change. If these detection section inputs are not disconnected, they will report “unoccupied”. Occupancy reporting can be turned off by changing OpSw 13 to closed.

DT300 throttles can be converted to simplex radio by Digitrax. The DT300 cannot be converted to duplex radio. This radio retrofit must be done at the Digitrax factory because of FCC rules. Please complete the form in the warranty section of the website and send it in with your throttle.  Be aware the long cord will be cut off to 12", no exceptions.

  As of 2017, UT4 throttles can only be converted to duplex.  Digitrax discontinued simplex radio upgrades due to lack of parts. This radio retrofit must be done at the Digitrax factory because of FCC rules. Please complete the form in the warranty section of the website and send it in with your throttle.  Be aware the long cord will be cut off to 12", no exceptions.

Q:  Can I set up the DS54 to act as an emergnecy stop device? A:  Any unused DS54 input can be configured to send an Emergency (OPC_IDLE) Stop packet. The typical Emergency Stop circuit is a supervised series of one, or more, normally closed switches or contacts. When any one of these devices is opened the circuit is deactivated and everything affected by the Emergency Stop circuit immediately shuts down. The following drawing depicts a typical Emergency Stop circuit using a DS54. 

Setting Up a Mars Lights with the PR1To program the decoder for Mars Light or other "single" output applications, follow these steps:1. Go to the Digitrax Decoder Programmer2. Select FX Set up3. Choose the function that you want to be the Mars Light4. Select "Mars Light"5. Click "OK"6. When you are back in the main screen click "Send"

1.  Digital technology gives extremely reliable operation and the technology is almost infinitely expandable without causing backward compatibility problems (analog systems are inherently more restrictive). 2. Digital systems make wiring simple and easy to install. 3.  Digital systems encode information sent from the command station to the decoder as numbers grouped into packets, new types of packets can be added to a digital system to send more information thus extending the existing system without causing backward compatibility problems.

1) Does the LNRP terminate and re-time the LocoNet data signal in both directions? Yes 2) Does the LNRP repower the LocoNet data lines for each segment? Yes 3) What happens to the signal on a protected segment when there is a fault on an adjacent segment? Nothing, it keeps going 4) What happens RailSync on a protected segment when there is a fault on an adjacent segment? Nothing, it keeps going 5) What do the various diagnostics/error indicators really do? They monitor and report the protected sides. A Digitrax PS14 power supply is required for correct operation.

Q:  If you buy the infra ready set and down the road want to upgrade to the radio is it necessary to buy a whole new set? If not what is required to upgrade the existing set? A:  The DT400 or DT402 can be converted to DT402D duplex radio or DT402R simplex radio.  The conversion must be done by Digitrax. If you plan on using the IR features of the DT400 or DT402 , you will need one or more UR90 infrared receivers.If you convert the DT400 or DT402 to duplex radio, you will need a UR92 duplex transceiver which handles both infrared ...

Only the basic communications protocols are covered by the " Standard" in order to ensure interoperability and backward compatibility with existing systems. The "Standard" defines the signal sent over the rails, the tolerances allowed in its generation, the tolerances that must be accepted by the decoders and the basic communications protocol used to convey information to digital decoders. Recommended Practices cover things like the locomotive sockets and "advanced" decoder features. Manufacturers are free to design and implement DCC hardware and interfaces that make sense for their customers. Manufacturers are also free to define how the DCC packets are handled by their ...

Two Programming Methods Are Supported by Digitrax Command Stations:Service Mode Programming is done on an electrically isolated programming track. Using this mode, the command station broadcasts programming information to all decoders on the program track.  Within Service Mode programming are Paged, Direct and Physical Mode.Because these are a broadcast modes, we must isolate the decoder we want to program from the others on the layout by using a separate programming track that is connected to the command station for programming but not powered for operation of the locomotive. This mode works with all DCC decoders. This is the most commonly ...

The sound in your decoder shuts down after you stop it and you are not using a Digitrax system for control. On some DCC systems decoders are not addressed by DCC packets after the locomotive is set to 0 speed. In this case after the CV11 timeout elapses (6 second factory default setting for SoundFX decoders), sound will shut down. To remove the timeout and prevent sound shutdown, set CV11=00.  This would leave the sound in the locomotive on until you remove power from the loco.Digitrax command stations continue to refresh locomotives by periodically sending packets to them as long ...

Our thanks go to Digitrax operator Aksel Suarez of Chesapeake, Virginia for sending this tip on how to install a Digitrax decoder in the Walthers GP15, called by some prototype railroaders a "Geepette" or "Cheep Geep". Use a DH165A0 decoder to replace the existing light board. Remove the plastic clips that hold the wires to the light board. Once the light board has been removed, place a piece of electrical tape on the metal frame to isolate the decoder from the frame and prevent a short circuit. The wires on the locomotive to the motor and lights do not follow ...

I have a medium/large sized layout with a reversing district. I want to operate 6-10 trains with several operators. I am interested in turnout control, prototypical consist operations and signaling to be added later. I might want a computer added later, too. Which components do I need?You will need a Super Empire Builder Xtra or Super Chief Xtra with additional throttles for the operators and an additional DB150 booster or PM42 for the reversing district. You will also need at least one additional DB150 to provide enough power to run 6-10 trains in N or HO. You can choose and Digitrax ...

Power Management is a concern on every layout.  With Digital Command Control, the main concern is that enough power is supplied to evey track section on the layout so that the digital signal is transmitted to the decoders in the locomotives and turnouts.Each locomotive uses power from the track, some for the motor, some for headlights and other functions and some for the command control electronics in each locomotive.  More electrical power is necessary to run more locomotives on the layout.  Digitrax boosters provide between 2.5 amps & 8.0 amps.  A small N Scale or HO Scale layout with two to ...

While the DT400 series throttle is being used tetherless, there are occasions when you may want to disable the throttle's controls to prevent accidental commands being sent to the railroad. For example, your train is in a siding waiting for another train to pass. You put your throttle in your pocket and go take a break. By locking the throttle controls, you will not be able to accidentally start your train if you bump your throttle knob or press the Y + Key . To lock the controls on your DT400 1. Press both the Y + and the N ...

Connecting a turntable to a DCC model railroad is easy.  Each of the tracks approaching the rotating turntable bridge should be wired with the same orientation.  The power feeds through a pair of conductive rings to a pair of electrically conductive brushes that are wired to the rails of the turntable bridge.  DCC power is fed to the turntable bridge through an AR1 Autoreverser; when a locomotive enters or leaves the turntable bridge, the AR1 properly orients the DCC signal.  Some turntable designs have a "split-ring" electrical pickup, where the two electrical contacts that power the two rails on the ...

Digitrax Command Stations can operate one locomotive on your layout that does not have a decoder installed. This loco is called an "analog," "conventional," or "non-DCC equipped" locomotive. To operate an analog locomotive with Digitrax you will use address 00 to send commands to the locomotive.  The magic that makes this happen is called zero stretching. With Zero Stretching, an analog locomotive going forward receives an unusually long positive voltage, followed by a very short negative voltage. The much larger positive voltage ensures the locomotive moves forward. The brief negative pulse causes a low buzzing that will vary with the speed of the locomotive. This method ...

Most Digitrax mobile decoders have a global reset function, which returns the decoder's CVs to their factory default settings.This is useful if the CV values in a particular decoder have been changed with less than wonderful results. For example, you may have accidentally set the CV value for acceleration so that the engine won't move for minutes when issued a speed command. This makes it look like the decoder is not working when all it needs is to have the CV value for acceleration reset. Many of the decoders that are sent to us for repair just need to have ...

LocoNet is Digitrax's method of communication between LocoNet compatible devices on a model railroad layout.  LocoNet compatible devices are designed to work together on the network, and in some cases can also accept DCC commands from  the track, but often go beyond the scope of simple DCC train control.   LocoNet is a peer-to-peer Ethernet type multiple access network.  Because of its design architecture, it is very robust and powerful.  Layout implementation is simple and wiring is free form with minimal limits. LocoNet is designed to run an unshielded 6 conductor ribbon cable.  Digitrax recommends using flat, six-conductor telephone wire ...

Your Super Empire Builder Starter Set contains: The DB150, which is the system’s DCC command station. It generates the DCC signals that control decoders and other devices on your layout. The DB150 is also a DCC booster. Boosters receive DCC signals from the command station, amplify them and put them on the track along with the power from the transformer to run the locomotives. You can have several boosters on your layout to provide additional power to run more locos. Depending upon the set, there is either a DT402 or DT402D (duplex radio throttle), which is the DCC throttle that ...

The following CV set up simulates prototypical ditch lights that are on steady when running and alternately flashing when the horn blows. The ditch lights will be on when the engine is running, when you simulate blowing the horn by going into function mode and pressing F2 the ditch lights will flash on alternate sides of the loco. Note, the F2 key on Digitrax throttles is set up as a non-latching function so that the function assigned to F2 will be "ON" as long as you hold the F2 key down and will go "OFF" when it is released. Follow ...

The DigiGroupSetup utility is in a ZIP file which is provided for Digitrax customer convenience and can be downloaded from our downloads page. Read Me Text File with DigiGroupSetup This utility is provided on an as-is basis for users with a Windows based machine configured to work with this software, and the ability to perform the setup and operation tasks detailed below. Techsupport is not configured to diagnose issues related to operating system, hardware, configuration or other possible problem areas that may cause problems with running these utilities. DigiGroupSetup: This program allows convenient Duplex system setup for any UR92 on ...

Installation: Figure 1 shows the general arrangement for connecting one or more LNRP's to configure a LocoNet based system for operation. Note that the LNRP's drive the power and Railsync signals on the "standard" LocoNet cable segments, so each LNRP should have a DC input of +15V to +18V at up to 250mA supplied on the side DC power jack. Note that the shaded cable connections are made from the protected network side connections of the LNRP units to the components that are on the "protected" or high reliability part of the System. The other solid cable connections are the ...

Railroad & Co. is a suite of computer programs for both digitally and conventionally controlled model railroads. The BDL168 needs to have several Option Switches changed for proper operation with Railroad & Co.'s Train Controller program. Our recommendations are based upon experience with earlier versions of the program: Suggested BDL168 Settings for Railroad & Co. (from European users): OpSw9 = Closed (No message sent if un-powered) OpSw36 = Closed (Ignore GPON) OpSw37 = Closed (Long delays for sensors) OpSw38 = Closed (Extra long delay for sensors) OpSw39 = Closed (Verbose mode enabled) OpSw43 = Closed (Filter for transponding disabled) OpSw45 ...

As has been noted in other articles, most model railroads require a power bus which uses 10 - 12 gauge solid copper wire.  This power bus is routed around underneath the layout, providing an efficient path for the layout's power needs.The command station/booster is connected to the two wires of this bus; one wire uses black color insulation and the other uses red color insulation.  The rails of the layout are then connected to this power bus at six foot intervals, at minimum; denser track areas require more such feeders.  For an individual command station/booster or for a booster by ...

Direct Home Wiring: A wiring system where the DCC booster powers each rail via an individual wire.  Each booster is wired to it's own track power section and there is no electrical connection between boosters. This means that each power district is double gapped and is connected to it's own booster.  The boosters are in turn connected via LocoNet to the command station providing one source of commands for the entire layout.Digitrax recommends using only Direct Home Wiring for all Digitrax layouts. Non command control layouts typically use common rail wiring as part of their control method. This means that one rail ...

If you want to change the address or other settings of your locomotive decoders, you must set up a programming track. It is very important that the rest of your railroad can be isolated from the DB150 and the programming track when you are programming a locomotive. Decoders are programmed when the DB150 command station sends programming information to them through the rails. There are two basic ways of programming decoders. Service mode programming broadcasts a message to all DCC equipped locos that are on the track. Because this is a broadcast method, you will need to set up a ...

The front panel of the DB150 Super Empire Builder has electrical connection points, indicator lamps, LocoNet connections and toggle switches which give status indications, configure and connect the unit for your railroad. Power Input The two “POWER IN” terminals on all Digitrax boosters & command stations are the power input connections. Please see the related articles about power requirements for the DB150. Power Supply Digitrax recommends the PS515 power supply to power the DB150. There are many other transformers and power packs that can supply the input power for the DB150. Check with your Digitrax dealer for suggestions. Most regular ...

Digitrax SoundFX lets you make your locos sound like the real thing!Remember, your Digitrax SoundFX decoder is ready to run and will operate and generate sound using address 03 with no additional programming.On your Digitrax system, simply select the locomotive's address and the sound will start. On some DCC systems, it is necessary to select the locomotive address AND send a command to start the sounds. When used in conjunction with a separate DCC motor decoder in a single locomotive it is most practical to program both decoders to the same address and operating modes.For a more prototypical railroading experience, ...

  The first steam locomotive to pull a train appeared in 1804, although there were examples of vehicles operating on rails even earlier than that.  As railroad technology captured the imagination of investors, it also captured the eye of the general public.  It was inevitable that someone would make a child’s toy of this wonderful thing.  Models of trains would evolve like any other technology.  As railroad technology advanced, so did the quality of model trains.  What started with crude blocks of wood evolved into cast iron “floor toys”; these crude trains were meant to be pushed along on the ...

Background The world is filled with places like Nemo Junction, a crossing between two railroads which is protected by a signal interlocking plant that also serves as an interchange point between these railroads. Cars destined for places to and from another railroad are exchanged at places like these. The interchange has been described as being the ideal model railroad industry because any type of car can be found there, heading toward places that are not on the model railroad itself. Nemo Junction is based upon a real place, a location in Illinois identified on the timetable of the Santa Fe ...

You can use your DT400 series throttle with a DCS100 or DCS200 to set up routes that are triggered by operating a single turnout address to make it either c (closed) or t (thrown). Setting up and operating routes is similar to consisting locomotives because you can cause more than one unit to operate based on a single command sent to the system. We call the turnout address that other turnout addresses are “consisted” to, the TOP address. To operate a route, use Sw (Switch) mode to select the TOP turnout address in the route and move it to either closed or ...

The following CV settings have been found to give great performance from the Trix Mikado. These settings were discovered by Norm Stenzel after much trial and error.  Once the loco was set with the following CV values this locomotive operated very nicely with the sound synchronized to its movement. CV 2 = 4         Default Value = 4      START VOLTAGECV 3 = 0         Default Value = 8      ACCELERATIONCV 4 = 0         Default Value = 6      DECELERATIONCV 5 = 35       Default Value = 64    MAX VOLTAGECV 6 = 20       Default Value = 22    MID POINT VOLTAGECV 29 = 6      Default Value = 4      CONFIGURATION ...

Here are several things to check if you are having trouble with the BDL168: Proper Wiring Be sure that you have NOT connected pin 11 to pin M, as this can prevent proper LocoNet communication. Check to make sure not wires are touching adjacent pins.  Follow the wiring diagram closely. Packet Reception Be sure the green ID LED is ON & is “winking” off about every 2 seconds. This means that correctly formatted DCC packets are being decoded from the left most (Railsync) pin of the RJ12 LocoNet socket. For DCC detection, the same DCC packet signal that drives the ...

Follow these simple instructions to determine the best location/s on your layout for installing your UR panels for the best possible infrared or radio reception. With LocoNet, you can use Infrared, Duplex Radio and Simplex radio individually or in any combination on your layout.You'll need to be able to observe whether your command station is receiving commands from the UR panels when you are installing infrared or radio receivers and transceivers.  Your Digitrax command station makes it easy to determine when the system is receiving a signal and when it is not.  You can observe the NET LED and the Track Status Indicator or your ...

The Super Chief can be used to operate routes. A Route is a group of turnouts and their specified positions that will be triggered by the activation of a single "TOP" switch address to a specified position. The DCS100 Super Chief supports up to 32 routes. Each route consists of a list that contains a TOP turnout address and its position (c or t) and up to 7 other turnout addresses and their positions. Routes are stored in the DCS100's memory and can be operated by any throttle in the system that can send switch commands. Each of these 32 ...

CTX/CTY throttles allow you to have up to 4 separate throttles controlled by 4 different operators rather than 4 throttles controlled by one operator as in the CT4 that comes with your Challenger Set. Digitrax provides these instructions so that you can build your own throttles to your own specifications. You are free to choose any knobs, buttons & cases you like, the ones on the parts list below are just suggestions. These throttles give you the option of expanding your operations cost effectively. The CTX throttle controls speed & direction for one train in the operating group & can ...

After considering the various alternatives available at the time, the NMRA's DCC Working Group found that the signaling techniques used by the Lenz System had what they were looking for and used a communications protocol that offered the greatest future growth potential. While the signaling techniques were based on the Lenz design, numerous improvements were made and a packet format that is much richer in features was ultimately adopted. While the Standard has its roots in the Lenz system, it is not based on any proprietary equipment or information.If you look at the early NMRA DCC working group FAQ's it ...

  What is the difference between programing on the layout using Track A and B and using a dedicated programing track using Pgm A & B. Is there a difference in voltage, packets, protocol between the two? Programming Track Broadcast programming, also called service mode programming, uses a programming track. The programming track is electrically separate from the rest of the railroad, and is connected to the "PROG A" and "PROG B" terminals of your DCS100/200 or Zephyr (Xtra) command station.One major advantage to a programming track is that many systems can read-back the Configuration Variables (CV's) that are in ...

Speed stabilization is a feature that causes the decoder to run the locomotive at a somewhat constant speed according to the throttle setting. This means that if you set your throttle to 21% of total speed, the decoder will force the motor in the locomotive to maintain a constant speed at that level no matter what the track gradient or the load on the locomotive. The SD9 is an example of a US prototype that employed a load compensating type of control technology. Many modern European locomotive prototypes use some form of load compensation of the prime-mover in response to speed ...

Q: I read in the February 2008 "Scale Rails" on page 11 that I need to add some "High Frequency Filter" gizmos on my layout to make my trains run properly. I have been using Digitrax equipment for 12 years, do I need to make these changes? A: We do not feel that this is necessary. With modern, well designed decoders, almost any combination of transmission-line ringing and other mismatch effects described in this article are completely filtered and ignored by the decoder. This is a superior solution rather than trying to design filters for unpredictable limiting cases of wiring ...

At first glance, the typical switching railroad would not seem to be a good candidate for DCC operations. Yes, there may be only one locomotive on many of these railroads, but that locomotive can still benefit from DCC. By adjusting the starting, mid-range and maximum speed values of this locomotive, you get very good slow speed control, perfect for the switching railroad. And, of course, if you add a second locomotive, then DCC becomes the clear choice because you are not longer having to throw toggle switches just to move around the yard. The DCC environment also gives you turnout ...

Good DCC practice means good planning for the electrical needs of the railroad. Here, we talk about the power needs of the Texas & Southwestern. Anticipating Power Consumption The core of the Texas & Southwestern's DCC control system will be the DCS50 Zephyr, which is very appropriate for a small railroad. Zephyr has 10 "slots", memory locations in the command station each holding an active decoder address. Rated at 2.5 Amps, the Zephyr should also be enough to handle the power needs of the railroad, but if more power is needed, then T&SW can easily be expanded with an additional booster ...

Q:  What is the output voltage to the LED's and the inline resistor value. A:  The typical output of the SE8C ranges between 4.5 and 5.0 volts DC; it varies a bit depending on conditions. The signal mast base kit (SMBK) and the terminal strip mounting kit (TSMK), both have 100 ohm resistors built into the base.

My signals are supplied with current limiting resistors and require 12v max to operate. What are the voltage outputs from the SE8C and does this differ depending on the supply (15V AC or 12V DC). The output voltage is 5 volts, regardless of the input power. It is powerful enough to drive LED's, but it cannot handle incandescent lamps.

What's the best method to handle structure and street lighting with a DCC layout? If I put in bus wiring for my lighting can it interfere with the DCC signal? Unless you have stationary decoders that control the structure and street lights, there is no need for connecting these lights to your DCC wiring. In fact, doing so will add additional power consumption without any of the advantages of command control. These additional power consumers take away available power for your locomotives, controlled cars and stationary decoders. Should I use a completely different power source like an old power pack? ...

Just wondering if i can get clarification regarding using the PR3 as a standalone Loconet Terminator. The "LocoNet termination" mode of the PR3 allows the unit to connect to other modules without needing a command station, when there is no requirement for DCC track packets. In this mode you can interface to a PC and add units like DS64's with control of turnouts and detection (BDL168) and signals (SE8) without needing to run DCC track control or decoders. Running off e.g. JMRI or RR+Co is a good and intended usage.

I have purchased an LNRP, UR90, and 4 UP5s. I have noticed the LNRP seems to have a solder point between the two LocoNet jacks as the UR90 and UP5.Can all of these be connected to the same 12 volt power supply? No. It is important that each LNRP has its own power supply. As noted in the documentation that comes with the unit, "the LNRP drives the power and Railsync signals on the standard LocoNet cable segments, so each LNRP should have a DC input of +12V to +18V at up to 250mA supplied on the side DC power ...

Is it possible to use UP3 with a Super Chief system?Yes. Both have LocoNet in common, so the signals produced by the DCS100 Super Chief go though LocoNet to all devices that can connect to the LocoNet, including the UP3.

Digitrax decoders with numbers ending in "3" have SuperSonic™. Decoders control the locomotive's speed through Pulse Width Modulation. When these pulses are within the human hearing range, it can cause some buzzing in some locomotives.CV09: SuperSonic™ The SuperSonicTM feature allows you to adjust the PWM (pulse width modulation) frequency of your decoder to reduce the humming noise that is characteristic of the DCC signal. Digitrax decoders that have this feature are shipped with the value set at 000/x00 or maximum PWM. To change this value, you can set any value from 000/x00 (max) to 255/xFF (min). Use of this feature ...

Q:  I have seen notes several times where the author recommends removing the capacitors that are in the Bachmann circuit boards before installing a DCC decoder. Can you comment on the need for this? Is it universal for the Bachmann steam locos? A:  As a rule, all capacitors must be removed from locos before installing decoders. Also, any choke coils must be removed, too. Both capacitors and choke coils cause problems with DCC signals. If you are unsure, a Google search for the locomotive type and the term "DCC" often produces an article specifically about the locomotive installation in question.

The EDIT Key is used to enter the Edit Mode for editing the fast clock, routes, signaling, etc. It is also used to status edit decoders while in locomotive address selection mode.

The L & R Semaphore Indicators are used when cab signaling is implemented on the layout. These semaphores offer three indications:

If your track does not have adequate power supply to the locomotives, then the DCC signal won’t get through either. Take a quarter or screwdriver blade and go around your layout creating electrical shorts by laying the quarter/screwdriver blade across both rails every 10 feet. Your Digitrax system should shutdown when the short is present.  When the short is removed, the booster should return to normal operation. If the unit does not see a short or it does not return to normal operation after the short is removed, then you need to add more feeders.

The SuperSonic decoder feature allows you to adjust the PWM (pulse width modulation) frequency of your decoder to reduce the humming noise that is characteristic of the DCC signal.Digitrax decoders that have this feature are shipped with the value set at 000/x00 or maximum PWM.  To change this value, you can set any value from 000/x00 (max) to 255/xFF (min).  Entering a value of "255" will turn this feature off.Use of this feature will make the locomotive run more quietly but will reduce the torque generated by the motor.  Digitrax torque compensation can be used to compensate for this effect.

Companies that sell interoperable equipment compatible with the NMRA's DCC "Standard" often use the DCC logo to let customers know that they support basic DCC standardization by producing DCC compatible equipment.This symbol is seen on many DCC compatible products because the NMRA DCC "Standards and RP's" do not cover all DCC compatible equipment and therefore not all DCC compatible equipment is eligible for a conformance seal. Basically, command stations and decoders are covered by the "Standards and RP's". Throttles (or cabs), computer interfaces, boosters (or power stations), computer based programmers, cab buses, control buses, control networks, radio and infrared interfaces, ...

  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 ...

Q:  Can the SE8C slow motion turnout controllers operate multiple turnouts from one output? A:  No. The slow motion connection was originally intended to be used with single slow motion drives for semaphores, part of the overall design of the SE8C signal driver. Since only one semaphore is operated, the circuitry was not designed to handle heavier loads than that single drive.

Adding UR92s will provide better signal coverage for complex layouts. If you are adding more than one UR92, be sure to connect all of the units before changing the Duplex Group name or channel number or you will have the units automatically re-negotiate these values with each addition. 1. Add the UR92(s) to your LocoNet. (See UR92 Installation articles, below.) 2. After adding extra UR92s, use the DT402D to turn OFF layout track power and then turn track power back ON. This forces all the UR92s to automatically negotiate a common and permanent single Duplex Group name and channel number. ...

Stealing is  also known as Forcing An Address Selection or SharingIf you try to select a loco address that is already selected on another throttle the DT400 will display “Steal?=Y” in the text area. This is a safety interlock to prevent operators from taking control of locos that are already selected on other throttles. Occasionally it is necessary to override this interlock to gain control of a loco that is “lost” for whatever reason. This override is called stealing & can result in having a single loco address selected on two different throttles at the same time.To steal an address ...

A TF4 can be used with any decoder that is not transponder equipped to add transponding capability to the loco.  It can also be used in any piece of rolling stock with track pick ups to add transponding.  For example, you could use a TF4 to add transponding and lighting effects to a caboose if it is equipped with track pickups to provide power and signal to the TF4.A TF4 should not be connected to an existing transponder equipped DCC decoder unless the DCC decoder's transponder is disabled. This avoids having 2 transponders responding to the same address in the ...

There are two throttles in the "300" series: The DT300 connects into LocoNet by a 7' cable. The cable allows flexibility in movement. The throttle can be disconnected to move to another point on the layout and reconnected to LocoNet without losing the acquired locomotive. The unit will also work wireless using Infrared signals when used with either a UR90 or UR91 or UR92.   The DT300R is a simplex radio control throttle with a 1' cable to connect into LocoNet. The throttle is plugged into LocoNet to select a locomotive or to program a locomotive and then can be disconnected ...

Q:  Will Digitrax Transponding affect my existing boosters, track wiring or locomotive pickups?A:  No. Digitrax transponding is designed to be sued with DCC compatible boosters made by all DCC manufacturers, track wiring & locomotive pickups without causing any damage or operational problems with existing DCC track signals. Unlike other "bi-directional" systems, no high current spikes are used by Digitrax transponding that can cause problems with boosters and wiring. Digitrax transponding does not require the replacement or modification of existing control equipment or infrastructure.

The answer to this question applies to all Empire Builder sets including Super Empire Builder XtraQ:  I have just purchased a Super Empire Builder set. My expectations are for it to operate an N-Scale switching layout right now with future expansion to a larger N-Scale layout. I am a little confused as to which power supply I would need at this time. I am reading about power supplies and inline fuses, all of which is a little overwhelming to me as I am getting back into the hobby. Can you recommend which power supply will be better for me as ...

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 ...

  Many prototype trains use multiple locomotives to provide the necessary power to pull or push the train. This practice is called Multiple Unit consisting, usually shortened to MU or consisting. The DT300 Throttle can provide three methods of consist control:1. The Basic Consisting method, which is not commonly used, is to program all the locomotives in a consist to the same address and run them on one throttle. In this case all the locomotives must be headed in the same direction, head to tail, head to tail, head to tail. If you use decoders that allow you to set ...

What is the meaning of the colored lines and bars which show up in the chart portion of the DigiGroupSetup v1.03 window after pressing the "Start Chan Scan" button? The graphics show the peak signal and average detected while you let the scan run. This may be useful in helping you setup your layout for best Duplex performance. What is the "Group ID" number which is shown in DigiGroupSetup v1.03? The Group ID is typically used in the train show environment, where there may be several wireless networks operating at the same time. The unique Group ID allows new operators ...

Troubleshooting Your Installation To get the best performance out of your duplex radio installation, walk around the layout and check Duplex operation to ensure complete signal coverage. Depending on the layout size and geometry and surrounding materials it is often possible to move the UR92(s) to better cover dead-spots. Experimenting with UR92 location usually will quickly provide a position that is best for most layouts. Note that DT402D orientation and your body position may also affect range and reception. On very large layouts or layouts with problem areas, it is possible to add more than one UR92. Adding extra units ...

Programming is the process of setting the configuration variables (CVs) in your decoder to the appropriate values that will make the locomotive perform the way you want it to.  The first CVs that most people change are those that set the locomotive decoder's address.  The mobile decoder in your locomotive usually comes pre-porgrammed to a factory default address of "03".  Once you add a second locomotive, you will want to change the this new locomotive to another address.  Not doing so will result in both locomotives operating at the same time when you send commands to address 03.Likewise, there are a ...

What are the different operational modes available in the PR3? The PR3 is the combination of two previous Digitrax devices: the PR2 decoder programmer and the MS100 LocoNet to computer interface. The PR3 can be configured through manual (control panel buttons) or automatically (software) means to perform any one of the following three operations: a) The PR3 can be configured to function as a stand alone decoder programmer. In this mode the PR3 can program the configuration variables of most DCC decoders and the sound effects of the Digitrax Sound FX sound decoders. b) The PR3 can be configured to ...

We are a LARGE club layout. We have several reversing districts, 25 operators and run 30 trains at a time. We want computer control, turnout control, signaling. You name it, we've got it. What equipment do we need to run this layout?You probably need the Super Chief Xtra Set with additional throttles, boosters, mobile & stationary decoders & detectors.A typical HO layout of this size would need approximately 5 boosters & power supplies to provide enough power to run 30 engines. The DCS100 command station/booster will be one of these boosters so; you would need 4 additional DB150 series boosters. You will ...

Some Digitrax decoders offer scalable speed stabilization (also called back EMF) control to help smooth out operation in the low end of the speed range.  This feature can be beneficial especially in N scale switching situations especially when the decoder can select how much of this effect to implement (scalable speed stabilization).  Speed stabilization is a decoder feature that can be used with any DCC system.  Most Digitrax decoders that support this feature are shipped with scalable speed stabilization turned off so, to use it you will need to set program them to use this feature.  Other Digitrax decoders are ...

Whoa!!!!!Each locomotive on your railroad has a mobile decoder which receives the command control signals from the command station and operates the locomotive motor accordingly.  The performance of mobile decoders can be adjusted by changing the Configuration Variables (CV's) of the decoder.  You can improve the speed performance of a locomotive by adjusting its start speed (CV02, V-Start), its mid-range speed (CV06, V-Mid) and its top speed (CV05 - V-Max).  You can also adjust the acceleration (CV03) and the deceleration (CV04).If the deceleration CV value you set for a particular loco is very large, this can make it look like ...

This Application note shows how Marklin Users can have the power and reliability of Digitrax boosters along with their Marklin command stations! Notes: 1. Before applying power to the booster, use a short length of wire to short the 2 gray terminals (SYNC & GROUND) on the DB100. This forces the DB100 into the booster mode when the power is applied to it. Set the MODE switch to "P/R" for auto reversing operation or to "RUN" for normal booster operation. 2. Make a cable with 6 conductor RJ12 cable with a 6 conductor male plug on the DB100 end and ...

I still don't understand the bus stuff. Wires come from the command or booster and run under the track layout and have feeders coming off. I understand these feeders connect to the track. Where do you connect the wires coming from the power source? (ie: Zephyr) Is there a particular place on the track layout it is to connect to?The power connection for the command station and boosters is directly between the power supply and these units.  It is not connected to the track!  Please see the diagram below: In this case, the Zephyr is the Command Station and Booster ...

A speed table is a list of numbers, one number for each speed step. Many operators customize their locomotives by adjusting the CV's for Vstart (02), Vmid (06) and Vmax (05) to set the throttle response characteristics for each locomotive. This is known as a three-step speed table It is also possible to create a more complex speed table, either with 14 or 28 steps that specify the exact percentage of full power sent to the motor when the throttle is set to that speed. Speed tables can be set up for 14 or 28 speed steps, but not for ...

Q:  Where do I locate UR90 for best performance? A:  Infrared signals are transmitted and received in the line of sight between the transmitter and the receiver.  Most problems with IR reception are caused by people or things blocking this line of sight.  UR90 should not be mounted in the layout fascia below track level because that is where we stand when we run trains.UR90 works best when mounted on a wall, opposite the operators, near the ceiling, at a 30° to 45° downward angle. The reason for this positioning is simple. When you are making speed and function changes on ...

Digitrax DCS210+ Options switches: These documented Option Switches are implemented and tested option settings.  It is recommended that any undocumented option switches not be changed from the Factory Defaults (OPSW40=c) values to avoid unpredictable behavior. Option switches are an advanced topic, and most factory defaults work well for most layouts. OPSW# Name State Default Opsw2 DisableCS c= disable CS - Booster only   t Opsw3 Auto Reverse c= enable Booster reverser t Opsw6 Skip_Ptrk_Imin c= ignore empty Program track           t Opsw13 Purge long     c= extended PURGE time t Opsw14 Purge Off c= disable PURGING function t ...

Q:  I have a Digitrax Chief system. I wired the programming track as per the manual, using PROGA and PROGB outputs on the DCS100. I turned on the system and checked the track voltage with a Tony Trains RRamp meter, the mainline read 14.2 volts. The programing track did not read anything. I then checked the two wires coming from the DCS100 and they did not have any readable signal. A:  The programing track connected to PROG A and PROG B will NEVER have track power on except the very instant the program message is sent.  So, you would not ...

What are the most common applications for the PR3? 1) Stand alone Sound FX programmer As a bench tool the PR3 is the first USB and second device designed by Digitrax for the programming of the SoundFX sound decoder. The PR3 does write to and read from the sound patterns of any SoundFX sound decoder. In addition the PR3 can write to and read from any CV of most current non sound mobile and function decoders found in today's market place. 2) Digitrax command station LocoNet to Computer interface As a layout control tool the PR3 is a second generation ...

When DCC locos enter a brake section with braking on, they will receive braking commands from the command station instead of normal DCC operating commands. DCC locos in this braking section will come to a stop. When you throw the switch to allow normal DCC commands, the DCC locos will resume normal operation. Once the DCC loco has left the brake section under normal DCC power, simply return the switch to the break position so that the next DCC loco will stop in the section. This is useful if you want to have trains stop at stations around the layout ...

We have a number of customers who are running Digitrax alongside their existing block detection circuitry. There are numerous block detection schemes and circuits, and we cannot cover all the variations here. Generally, it is necessary to isolate the block detector power supply and ground system of your existing block detector system from that of the Digital boosters. The most common detectors use "back to back" high current diodes to sense block current-draw. Detectors with "opto-isolated" or relay outputs will generally have no problem sensing current draw of a loco, etc., on the DCC current, and will signal the occupancy ...

Fortunately, most DCC railroad wiring is very simple and easy to install. One critical point for any DCC system is power consumption, how much power an individual Booster is able to deliver. The available power is measured in terms of Amperes or Amps. The higher the Amp rating, the more power is available to run your layout.Amps have often been compared to water pressure in a pipe. When the pressure is low, turning on one faucet will draw from that water pressure. As more faucets are opened, the water flow from each faucet drops. One solution is to turn off ...

The UR92 is simple to install and begin using in your new or current layout. 1. In most cases a UR92 should be situated near the physical center of a layout and will typically cover a circle of about 300+ feet (~100 meters) across, which will be adequate for most layouts. Some layouts may require additional UR92s for adequate signal coverage. 2. Connect the PS14 DC power supply to UR92 via the DC power jack on the side. The green and red LEDs should blink and then the red LED should stay on. 3. Connect the UR92 to your working LocoNet ...

Needs to be investigated  Z.I am looking at buying one of your Super Chief systems. My question is :- Do you have to carry a bus under the boards or could you use an adhesive copper tape on the top of the board .  My system will be totally new; layout size 10 foot 6 inches x 8 foot.  Model Rail DVD showed this.The core power bus of the railroad is an important component.  Remember, the Super Chief will be delivering either 5 Amps or 8 Amps of electrical power.  Your interest is to make sure that sufficient power readily ...

LocoNet System ArchitectureDigitrax LocoNet is a Peer to Peer local area network (LAN) designed specifically for model railroad operation.  System architecture is the biggest difference among DCC systems, the way the components of a DCC system communicate among themselves. LocoNet wiring is cost effective, flexible and expandable to accommodate almost anything you want to do with your railroad today and in the future.System ExpansionHere are some of the expansion possibilities available with LocoNet. With Digitrax LocoNet your DCC journey starts at the Main Station with your first “starter” set. From there, it’s up to you. You can add:  Mobile decoders ...

Bring Your Locomotive to a Compete Stop Turn the Throttle Knob that the loco address is selected on counterclockwise until the speed display shows 00 and the loco stops moving. This lets you slow down your loco and stop it in a prototypical manner.If you have set up deceleration for the loco and you move the throttle knob to 0% speed, your loco will slow down and come to a stop at the programmed deceleration CV value.   We strongly recommend that you run your locos with the factory default of no deceleration until you are familiar with your system. If ...

I was planning on purchasing the Digitrax Super Chief Radio 5 amps but several members in the club told me to buy them Super Chief Radio 8 amp for my HO Layout.  They said you will need the power when you start expanding.Question:Is it ok to use the 8 amp version for my HO layout?Answer:Yes it is fine to use 8 amp Digitrax boosters on your HO layout.  The choice between 8 amp and 5 amp command station/boosters, it is a question of how much power your railroad is likely to consume on your railroad as it is built today.  ...

The DT300 is “InfraReady”. The DT300R can operate tetherless on radio or “infraReady.” Both units are also provided with a cable to attach into LocoNet when required. A 9 volt battery must be used to power both the DT300 and DT300R for tetherless operation. Using DT300 as a tetherless throttle is easy:1. For Infrared operation, plug in at least one Digitrax IR receiver (UR90 or UR91) to your working LocoNet. Because infrared signals are line of sight, more than one receiver may be necessary for optimal performance in your layout room. 2. For Radio operation, plug in at least one ...

Q:  I just purchased a used Digitrax set consisting of a DB150, UT2 and a PS515 for a very low price. What do I need to add to bring this up to current standards? A:  Because of Digitrax LocoNet, it is easy to add the latest components to upgrade on older starter set.  What you purchased was originally called a Genesis Starter Set.  The PS515 did not come with it but it is the perfect power supply for the DB150.   Your next step depends on what you want to do with your railroad.  In this case, the components you have will be ...

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.  The Crossing The crossing allows tracks to cross each other at grade.  The Slip SwitchThe more complex slip switch allows trains to both cross and to change tracks: In the schematic below, you will note that the slip switch is more compact than ordinary turnouts.  As a result, they are often found in high track density areas such as passenger terminals, where space is at a premium. ...

Q:  Your recommendation is to have a DB150 booster at no more than 50 foot intervals. Will one booster handle all track in that 50 foot area, i.e. a passenger terminal throat with many turnouts and switches? A:  The "50 foot intervals" applies to the maximum distance which boosters can be located from each other. This is a conservative recommendation.  You should consider how much power will be consumed in a district when locating boosters around the layout. If your power district is a single track railroad stretching over hundreds of feet of linear distance, boosters should be placed at 50 ...

  Connecting BD4 to an SE8C?The BD4 is a block occupancy detection device designed as an add-on device that can take advantage of the LocoNet hosting capability of the SE8c signal decoder.   It is connected this way: The installation of a BD4 is relatively simple. Looking at the BD4, you will find a 5-point terminal block on one end and two (LED1 and DS1) 10-pin (5x2) headers on the other. There are three termination areas: a) The 5-point terminal block (left) is for the interconnection between the rail power source and the rails. b) The LED1 10-pin header is ...

Although this is a simple railroad, it will have some advanced features. When the railroad's sectional modules are first assembled, the electrical connections are simple. The railroad will be controlled with a DCS50 Zephyr, using a PM42 Power Manager for short circuit protection. One section of the PM42 will control the inner oval of track, a second section of the PM42 will control the outer segment. This is done so that if a train derails on one loop, the train operation on the other loop will not be affected. Because the DCS50 is rated at 2.5 amps, the PM42 must ...

DCS240 FAQ   I’m getting a “StealZap” or message on my DT402 rev 2 throttle. What is this? This is a feature that helps prevent having the same address selected on multiple throttles and creating unexpected operations.  When you steal you are truly stealing control of the locomotive instead of sharing it as was the case before the DCS240 and DT402 R2 firmware were released. When using a DT402 R2 throttle with an Advanced Command Station featuring expanded slots, each throttle ID is associated with the Loco Addresses it has selected.  When you select a Loco that is selected on ...

  Option switches are used to change the operation of the DB150. Option Switch # Effect on system when Option Switch “c” closed Default OpSw 02 Booster Only override t OpSw 03 DB150’s booster is auto reversing t OpSw 05 Default closed for command station –DO NOT CHANGE- c OpSw 13 Loco purge time extended from 200 seconds to 600 seconds t OpSw 14 Loco purging is disabled t OpSw 15 Purging will force loco to Stop or 0 speed t OpSw 17 Automatic advanced decoder assisted [FX] consists are disabled c OpSw 18 Extend the DB150 booster short circuit ...

SE8C - Default Switch Address Range Usage For Board IDs 01-36  Board ID(Press ID Button, set Sw# for Board ID number) Slow Motion Turnout Machine Switch Address Range8 Per SE8C Signal ControlSwitch Address Range 4 Aspects Per Head64 Per SE8C Signal ControlSwitch Address Range2 Aspects Per Head   32 Per SE8C 01 (factory setting) Sw01-Sw08 Sw257-Sw320 Sw257-Sw288 02 Sw09-Sw16 Sw321-Sw384 Sw289-Sw320 03 Sw17-Sw24 Sw385-Sw448 Sw321-Sw352 04 Sw25-Sw32 Sw449-Sw512 Sw353-Sw384 05 Sw33-Sw40 Sw513-Sw576 Sw385-Sw416 06 Sw41-Sw48 Sw577-Sw640 Sw417-Sw448 07 Sw49-Sw56 Sw641-Sw704 Sw449-Sw480 08 Sw57-Sw64 Sw705-Sw768 Sw481-Sw512 09 Sw65-Sw72 Sw769-Sw832 Sw513-Sw544 10 Sw73-Sw80 Sw833-Sw896 Sw545-Sw576 11 Sw81-Sw88 Sw897-Sw960 Sw577-Sw608 12 Sw89-Sw96 Sw961-Sw1024* Sw609-Sw640 ...

DCS50’s Jump A & B ports can host two DC power packs that work as additional throttles to control DCC locomotives.You begin with an operating DCS50 attached to your layout.   In addition to the throttle built into the DCS50, you can create a LocoNet to add additional Digitrax throttles and other Digitrax devices.  Jump Ports:You can also connect up one or two smooth DC power packs as shown in the following illustration.  These power packs must also be powered, since the Zephyr jump throttle connections detect the voltage level from the individual power pack(s) and makes adjustments to the command control ...

Q:  I am not sure where to begin. Dabbled in O & HO over the years and am now starting into S but have no knowledge in DCC. My layout is drawn, Dog Bone, with an over size of approx 20' by 11'. As of now there will be 8 turnouts and perhaps a turn table will be added or more turnouts. My intent is to run maybe 3 or 4 engines max. My only purchase so far is a Showcase Western Maryland, scale, which includes DCC with sound. My next comment is HELP! I do have a 2006 Summer ...

One of the basic problems encountered with command control systems is when things simply are not working.  Period.  Even after vigorous exhortation on your part, and perhaps even some enthusiastic train table banging, nothing is running.  At this point, it is time to gather your wits and your patience for a debugging session.   The first step to determining how to proceed is to determine if the problem with the electronics or with the layout?  The tendency is to blame the electronics, after all it is a black box.  But don't jump to conclusions so quickly! Be patient and follow the ...

To select and run a DCC equipped locomotive with a known address follow these steps:1. Set the DCS50's Throttle Knob [1] to STOP. 2. Place a DCC equipped locomotive (one with a decoder installed) on your digital layout that is controlled by your DCS50. In this example we assume that you have a new Digitrax decoder that is factory programmed to address 03. If your decoder is using a different address, simply use that address as you follow these instructions.3. Check the DCS50's Track Status Indicator Dot [4] to be sure that track power is turned on. Press the POWER ...

In earlier generations of model railroading, the reverse loop (reversing section) was the bane of many model railroaders. As the rails of a track come back upon themselves, an electrical short circuit is created. In the analog control world, the solution is to use toggle switches and special wiring to allow the locomotive to move on to the next block. Electromechanical solutions relying on relays and track detectors can also be used to automate reversing on an analog layout. The wye is another example of a reversing section on a layout. One of the advantages of digital command control is ...

Basic tools for soldering: a soldering iron, solder, wire cutters, wire strippers, tweezers, heat sinks, etc. This photo does not show an example of desoldering braid which is useful for touch ups and removing mistakes. If you are building a model railroad, you will need to learn to solder. This skill is used for attaching track feeds to the rails to provide power to the layout, for installing decoders in locomotives, for building locomotives and signals and much more. Manufacturers minimize the need to solder where ever possible by using screw connectors, board repalcement decoders and plugs for installing decoders. ...

Based upon a layout designed by the late, great John Armstrong which appears in the classic book, 101 Trackplans for Model Railroads [Kalmbach Publishing, 400-12012, still in print], this railroad combines different elements to offer varied model railroad operations. At the center right of the railroad is the Union Passenger Station. From this station, trains can operate out & back, which is to say that a passenger train leaves the station, goes out onto the circular main line and eventually comes back into the station after passing through the reverse loop. Another passenger train can operate point to point, meaning ...

American Wire Gauge (AWG) is a U.S. standard set of wire conductor sizes. The "gauge" is related to the diameter of the wire. The higher the gauge number, the smaller the diameter and the thinner the wire. Typical model railroad copper bus wiring is AWG number 12 or 14. Connecting wire is often 20, 22, or 24. European color coded wiring practice often calls for "9" gauge wire, or approximately 3mm diameter wire. They also use smaller wire for runs from stationary decoders to individual devices. The smaller the diameter the wire, the more resistance; this means that a larger ...

'It is possible to operate one conventional DC locomotive at Address 00.  In many cases, this is the first locomotive that beginners use when they first get their command control system.  In other cases, this locomotive is one which cannot be easily converted to DCC.  Regardless, although it is possible to use your Digitrax system in this way, it is not a recommended approach.1. Place an analog locomotive (one without a decoder) on your layout.  While the analog loco is sitting still, you will hear the characteristic “singing” caused by the DCC track signal when it is applied to analog ...

  MU (Multiple Unit) OperationsIt is not uncommon to see two, three or even four diesel locos pulling in consist at the front of a train. Sometimes, there is a locomotive added in the middle of the train or at the end of the train to give “helper service” to the head end locomotives. This is called Multiple Unit Operation or MU operation. With DCC, each locomotive is separately controlled. But in the case of MU'ing we would like to have more than one locomotive address controlled by a single throttle to simplify MU operation.Your DCS50 uses universal consisting to ...

Digitrax decoders have outputs that can control lamps and other on/off devices installed in your locomotive.  These are called functions.  Functions are things like: lamps, sound units, smoke units, etc. All Digitrax decoders are equipped with two or more function outputs that are used to turn functions on and off.Decoder function outputs can be:1.   Leads (wires) attached to the decoder that are used to hook up external functions.  See Table I below for wire color codes used on Digitrax decoders.or2.   Pre-wired function outputs that hook up by just plugging in the decoder. This is the case for decoders that ...

Q: I connect my DT400 to my DCS100 and it works fine, but when I add a DB150 working as a booster the DT400 stops working. What is wrong? A: A number of things may cause this, so you can use the diagnostic features of the DT400 to solve this problem. Experience has proven that the most common LocoNet problem is related to pins 3 and 4. By following this diagnostic procedure, you can narrow down to the source of the problem. Starting with DT400 without a battery [The throttle has no battery for this test to assure it executes ...

I have a 4x8 H0 scale layout.  I'm 13 years old and REALLY thinking about switching to DCC, I need to know really fast because I want to ask my parents to get it for Christmas.You wouldn't know by looking at those who edit the Tech Support Depot, but there actually was a time when we too were thirteen, and just starting out in model railroading.  In many ways, we still are thirteen years old; we just can't move as fast.  Consider this photograph from our youth: This little bit of ancient model railroad history dates back to the 1950's, ...

  Zephyr Xtra                             Super Empire Builder Xtra                            Super Chief Xtra                                                Command Station DCS51 DB150 DCS100 Current Rating 3 Amps 5 Amps 5 Amps or 8 Amps Throttle DCS51 DT402 DT402 Throttle Controls Single Knob, Direction Switch Dual click encoder throttles Dual click encoder throttles Function Control F0-F29 F0-F29 F0-F29 Keypad Full Numeric Keypad Full Numeric Keypad Full Numeric Keypad Display Large LED Multi-line Backlit LCD Multi-line Backlit LCD Throttle Capacity 20 22 120 Loco Capacity 20 22 120 Loco Address Range 00-9000+ 00-9000+ 00-9000+ Stationary Address Range 01-999 00-999 00-999 Turnout Position Reporting Yes, last command sent Yes, last ...

Note: This page applies only to Challenger SetsOur customers continue to come up with different combinations & configurations to suit their individual needs so, feel free to customize your own CTX/CTY!Some users choose to hard wire 4 throttles for the 4 different channels so that the throttles are not able to change locomotives within the group.Parts List:Radio Shack Part NumbersSW-1: 6 Position Rotary Selector Switch, # 275-1386, CTX 1, CTY 1C1-C4: 0.047uf Disc Ceramic Capacitors 50v, # 272-134, CTX 2, CTY 2D1-D5: 1N4148/1N914 Small Signal Diodes 50v/100ma, # 276-1620, CTX 1, CTY 2SW-2/SW-6: Normally Open Push Button Switch, # 275-1566, ...

IPLING From time to time the latest DT602 family throttle firmware will be updated and will be posted on the product support page.  These updates may slightly modify the DT602's operation, based on customer feedback/requests and priority support issues discovered. If you are happy with the operation of your DT602, and have no issues or new features you may want, it is not required to perform an available update. All DT602 family throttles should only be firmware updated or IPL'd while plugged directly into a working LocoNet. The Digitrax provided DMF file for field updating DT602's can be used for IPL of any ...

Decoders with FX function features have 4 user configurable, independent special effects generators. All current production Digitrax Decoders use FX3 functions so this article is not applicapable to these decoders. CAUTION: Decoders with FX3 function generators use different CVs to control the decoder outputs. All current production Digitrax decoders use FX3 function CVs. Before using these CVs to program your decoders make sure that they are FX and not FX3 decoders.The Real FX effects are set up by programming CV values as described below.F1/F2 NOTE: If using DH142, DN142, DN141K2, DN149K2 series decoder, when F1 is set up for FX, ...

  Zephyr Xtra Super Empire Builder Xtra  Super Chief Xtra Command Station DCS51 DB150 DCS100 Current Rating 3.0 Amps 5 Amps 5 Amps or 8 Amps Throttle DCS51 DT402 DT402 Throttle Controls Single Knob, Direction Switch Dual click encoder throttles Dual click encoder throttles Function Control F0-F28 F0-F28 F0-F28 Keypad Full Numeric Keypad Full Numeric Keypad Full Numeric Keypad Display Large LED Multi-line Backlit LCD Multi-line Backlit LCD Throttle Capacity 20 22 120 Loco Capacity 20 22 120 Loco Address Range 00-9000+ 00-9000+ 00-9000+ Stationary Address Range 01-999 00-999 00-999 Turnout Position Reporting No Yes, last command sent Yes + actual ...

Decoders with FX3 features have 8 user configurable, independent special effects generators.  All current production Digitrax Decoders use FX3 function features. These are set up by programming CV values as described below.  If your decoder is not a Series 3 decoder, please check the spec sheet to determine which type of functions it supports.FX3 functions incorporate FX generators with additional dynamic and static qualifiers.  FX3 functions are fully remappable so they can be controlled by any function key on your system.  A master light switch can be set up to turn off all lights on a locomotive. Functions associated with advanced ...

CV29 is called the configuration register. It controls the following decoder characteristics: 1.  Whether the decoder uses 14 speed steps, 28/128 speed steps or loadable speed tables.  This affects how smoothly the loco will move and how it responds to throttle controls.2.  Whether the decoder automatically converts to analog mode when no DCC signal is present.  This allows the decoder to operate on a DC layout even though it is DCC equipped.3.  Defines the normal direction of travel for the locomotive. Normal Direction of Travel or NDOT can be changed when the motor connections of decoder have not been connected so that the locomotive runs ...

When you are using a throttle to control a locomotive, you will notice that as you increase and decrease the speed, the loco responds to the change in throttle settings according to the relationship between motor voltage applied and the throttle setting.  This is called the throttle response curve.  Decoders are shipped from the factory with a linear throttle response curve.  This means that as you increase the throttle setting from 0 to full speed, the loco will look like the default curve in this diagram.If you want to create a more realistic throttle response curve, you can set up ...

Digitrax series7 mobile decoders have many industry standard Configuration Variable (CV) numbers and values, as well as numerous Digitrax custom CV numbers and definitions or controls. The series7 CV values are a superset of older Digitrax FX3 series3 and series6 decoders, already covered in Digitrax Decoder Manual V2 on the Digitrax Web site. The “CV8 to 8 default” columns indicate current factory defined value after writing a value of 8 to CV8, using; Service mode programming track or Mainline Operations Mode Write to the active decoder address. An entry with value/xx indicates a xx number invokes the value before the ...