You need EITHER a PS14 or a 12-14V DC power supply to connect to the AUX+/- terminals. The PS14 plugs right in to the socket next to the Loconet connections. Alsom, if you have crossovers, they CLAIM the DS64 output can drive 2 twin coil switch motors, so maybe you can free up an output or two.
–Randy
The DS64 quite easily throws two turnouts at once from one output. I have 3 of them doing just that.
Ah really? That will save me money! Plus it’s easier to not have to program the routes for the cross-overs.
So to make sure, I have the PECO switch machines, I was told that they take more power because the PECO switches are designed.
Please confirm, I’m about ready to start wiring up like 2 of the DS64s.
Thanks!
They work on my N scale crossovers. Far as I know the same PL10 motor is used on HO. Just hook one up and try it.
Damn, by the time we get done discussing all of this, that replacement DCS100 would have been in.
Martin Myers
Wow…(7) PS14 sounds like power overkill to me. I powered (5) Lenz LS150 with one small DC power pack. Is there any way to reduce the number of PS14? I’m talking about a non-Loconet installation.
That’s what I would have done as well.
Yeah, no kidding!
I would have waited, too, especially when you consider all that that LocoNet brings to the table.
I’m in the process now of setting up my yard throat/engine servicing facility/caboose tracks using four DS64’s and Tortii. When I’m done, I’ll be able to align all the turnouts from the mainline to a yard track by pushing a single button on a small control panel, or by sending a single switch command from my DT4* throttles, or by clicking on that yard track on my JMRI panel on the computer.
That’ll all be accomplished by using the DS64’s routes and inputs, combined with LocoNet communications to tie everything together. No muss, no fuss, you just plug it in and it works!
Oh, and to address the power supply issue:
Each DS64 draws a max of 300ma, but I’d have to think that’s while recharging the internal CD unit for solenoid machines. So even with four Tortii (15 ma each) active at once, I’ll probably be drawing significantly less. Therefore, my plan is to run the four DS64’s in the yard throat area off of a single, 1 amp PS14-type supply using something similar to this, with OPSW 9 closed on my DS64’s. Once it’s up and running, I’ll monitor the current draw. If it’s too much for that supply, I have another 3 amp supply I can substitute. But I really think that would be overkill…
Steve
I just talked to Digitrax and they said I could just run (3) DS64 of off track power. I think I will give that a try and see how it works. Of course I’m not using Loconet (but I sure wish I was…and I really miss my DT402D!)
Since you have chosen to give up Loconet, you have to power your DS64s from track power. That is the only way your command station will be able to send switch commands to them. Of course without Loconet, the DS64s will be unable to send commands to other components. The PS14s would, therefor seem to be superfluous.
OK I am way confused here.
Randy tells me that the DS64s need a PS14 to power them AND also need to connect the DS64 using the TRACK A and TRACK B connections right?
So please confirm what exactly I need to wire up?
Edit: I just called Digitrax support as well, and indeed I do NOT have to use the PS14 power supplies when using the DS64s track connections.
I have brain damage now… good lord.
I have a Digitrax Super Chief. I have 8 DS64s. While it is not my intention to do it forever, at the present time they are all powered from the Track A&B terminals. They work fine. Because I also have them connected by Loconet, they communicate with each other as well.
The only PS14s I have are connected to the PR3 and the UR92.
I’ve heard more than a few stories about DS64’s acting up when using track power via the Track A&B terminals. Switching to an external power supply seems to be the universal cure. My guess is that it’s caused by voltage spikes and the same ringing on the track bus that “terminators” are supposed to fix.
Plus, if your track is shut down, so are your DS64’s So if someone runs up against a turnout thrown against them and shorts that power district, you can’t correct it by just throwing the turnout the right way.
For that reason, I think an external power supply is the way to go. Unfortunately, if you’re not using Loconet, you don’t have that choice…
Steve
We’re getting mixed up here between peopel using DS64’s with Digitrax systems, and peopel usign DS64’s with other DCC systems.
With Digitrax - do NOT connect track power, DO connect a PS14 or some for of aux power. How much you need depends on the switch motors you are driving - runnign Tortoises you can easily power more than one DS64 froma single PS14. Driving solenoid machines you need enough power to recharge the internal CD supply in a timely fashion.
Using other systems: Track power is the only way you can do it, because the track connection is the only way for the DCC commands to get to the DS64 This does expose you to the same issue Digitrax users sometimes have when connectign DS64’s to track power - track power isn’t as smooth as a dedicated power supply, and it seems the memory in the DS64 is a bit touchy when the power supply isn’t ‘clean’. WHat hapens is the configuration sometimes gets scrambled. Don’t panic - it’s actually a very small percentage of people have this problem, so it could very well depend on how far along the bus fromt eh booster the DS64’s connect. I woudl strngly recommend using circuit breakers to make multiple power districts and put the DS64s on their own so a short on the track won’t also shut down the DS64.
The other option for non-Digitrax users is to build a standalone Loconet (no Digitrax command station), however your only option for then controlling the turnouts would be via computer or else with local pushbuttons connected to the DS64 inputs. If you do that then it’s kind of pointless having the DS64s, you could just have pushbuttons and no decoder, unless you were implementing a dispatcher control panel on the computer and didn;t need local control of the turnouts.
I’ll give the example again - this is something ONLY Loconet can do. All the popular DCC systems have a computer interface, and all of them e
I just hooked my first DS64 I have with track power it works just fine!!!
OMG, I just threw my first switch with the NCE throttle, AND IT WORKED!!
LOL… I’m all excited now… Next test is connecting two switches, the cross-over to the single output of the DS64. Will report back later.
Option Switch 08 is recommended to be closed when using multiple track-powered DS64’s. This delays the power up of the units. I wonder if that has caused problems for some.
You can still add a PS14 in a non-loconet system. I just wish there was a way to share the PS14 between several units. One per DS64 seems a bit much.
That’s great. Sounds like you’re having some fun. Are you going to try them all track-powered or do you plan to use the PS14’s?
The reason for closing OPSW 8 is to avoid an excessive inrush when powering up the rails. In other words, to avoid the “sound decoder problem” that looks like a short and causes your circuit breakers to cycle. That shouldn’t cause memory problems, although I guess anything’s possible.
And if you want to power multiple DS64’s from a single power supply, go right ahead as long as the total current draw doesn’t exceed the power supply’s rating. Look at my first post in this thread to see how I’m (easily) doing it.
Steve
Steve,
Thanks. I didn’t understand the daisy chain cable when I first looked at it. That does look like an easy way to share the power.
Yup, my kid was adding yet another effect to his pedal board and was using one of those cables. I saw it and said, “Hmm, let me take a look at that for a minute…”
Just be careful about using an effects-pedal power supply. ISTR the one he needed was only 9v and center negative.
Steve
Ahhhhh crap!! I think I fried my Athearn SD45 non-DCC loco. I didn’t know I could not run it with the NCE system. When I placed the loco on the track, it made a whirring sound, had it on there for about two minutes.
Now when I hooked up my DC to the track, my loco is dead. It actually moved a little bit with 100% throttle, and now it’s completely dead.
Did I kill it?