Digitrax DS-74 vs. DS-64 Questions

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

I have several DS-64s I am in the process of installing on my layout and I was going to purchase some more. However, I see now that Digitrax has replaced them with DS-74s. Normally, I would just go with the upgraded product, but I am reading conflicting information about the new auxiliary stationary decoder. I am hoping some of you with experience using both DS-64s and DS-74s can answer my questions:

  1. Can a DS-74 control one turnout using two of more push buttons. I have a peninsula and want matching control panels on each side so I need to control turnouts from both sides?

  2. Can a DS-74 control two turnouts at the same time? That is, can it handle a crossover with two Tortoise turnout motors and one push button to control both turnouts?

  3. Can the addresses for turnouts be assigned out of sequence? For example, I need a DS-74 to control turnout numbers 201, 202, 117, and 205. Is this possible?

  4. I have a dedicated 12v buss to power all my Tortoises and DS-64s. Can I plug the DS-74s into this buss using the TKA and TKB ports?

The simpler routing capabilities of the DS-74s are attractive, but if I cannot do the above things with them, then I think I am better off sticking with the DS-64s. Alternatively, I could use the DS-74s in my yard for the routing and the DS-64s elsewhere on the layout.
As always, I look forward to reading the replies. This forum is so helpful. Thank you.

2

Hello All,

Sounds more like a question for Digitrax.

You will need to create an account under the Digitrax Help Desk.

Then “Open A New Ticket” to ask your question.

Hope this helps.

3

Or, without having to create a logon and open a ticket, you can simply go to the DS74 product page and read the doc to get your answers.

That said, I’ll give you the answer to your #1 to get you started: Simply connect the two (or more) momentary pushbuttons in parallel.

4

In case anyone finds this and doesn’t see an answer:

  1. Already answered. You can have 4 momentary and switched button inputs.

  2. Yes. A single DS74 output can control 2 tortoises in a crossover. Doing it right now.

  3. No. You set the base address and the addresses are automatically set 1-3 higher than the base. This wasn’t an issue for me, but obviously is for you.

  4. You can use the same 12/14v bus to power all your DS64s and DS74s. You need to have a tip/ring connector for it though as it doesn’t have the 2 header connections for power. Alternatively of course you can get power from the DCC bus which is still supports.

In my opinion, the DS64 is more versatile. Having a DT602 to program the DS74 can be useful, but only for setup once.

5

But the OP didn’t ask how many switch inputs there are, he asked if you can control a single turnout with multiple push buttons:

(Emphasis added)

So my answer stands: Simply connect the two (or more) momentary pushbuttons in parallel.

Edit: corrected my typo

6

Thanks for the responses. I think I will just stick with the DS-64 as the added features of the DS-74 are not needed and the inability to number the turnouts is problematic for me.