I want to use several DS64’s to control turn outs (PECO). My question is, does the DS64 provide the switching function to flip the PECO solenoid switch motor or do I still have to have a separate AC power source for the switch motors? Does that make sense? In other words, if I select the turnout address on my throttle, will the DS64 flip the turn out, or does it just provide the signal to activate a momentary contact switch that will activate the turnout motor.
If that makes sense, here is part two. Can I also have momentary contact switches so that I can throw the turn outs either /or manually or using the throttle?
I have a Super Empire Builder system and only one DB150 at this time. Would it be advisable to use a second DB150 as a booster to power only the DS64’s and other accessories? I will eventually have 8 DS64’s in total operating over 30 turnouts. Layout size is “W” shaped in a 14’ x 11’ room. I plan to power the track bus using the first DB150 and a PM42 to subdivide the layout into three districts and one reverse loop. Does anyone have any advise from experience using multiple DS64’s? I should mention I have locomotives. Five have sound and four without.
DS64 is a stationary decoder that also has a built in capacitive discharge unit. You would still need a turnout motor for each turnout. The motor can be twin coil type or stall motor type. DS64 has 4 different outputs but the turnout motors have to be the same type for esch DS64.
I have DS64’s that control twin coil PECO motors and other DS64’s that control Tortoise stall type motors. I have successfully controlled two turnout motors on one DS64 output. These are at crossovers.
DS64 has provisions for local control as well as sensor inputs if desired. I like the pushbuttons and find they get used more often than the throttle for throwing turnouts.
DS 64 needs power. The most successful method is through the coaxial jack using a PS12 or similar supply. Auxilliary power is the best choice for DS64 and there are several ways to connect power. Connecting DCC ytrack power to the track A and Track B inputs is the least successful. I recomend that DCC track power not be connected at all. There are reports of some DS64’s becoming unstable when connected to track power.
I use an AC power supply bus to add power to all of my DS64’s. My bus is powered by a Magna Force MF615 power supply. Any power supply that will put ot 12 - 18 volts AC or DC at 1 amp or more would easily handle the number of DS64’s you have in mind. I connect the 15V AC bus to the track connections instead of DCC track power. AC or DC can also be connected to the coax jack. Both the track terminals and the coax jack are connected internally to a rectifier so that the DS64 sees the DC power required. Connect ONLY DC to the ax1 and ax2 terminals!!. They are not connected to the internal bridge rectifier.
DS64’s option switches are set to take commands from the loconet and track by default. For commands, simply connect a loconet cable. It is also set up to control Twin coil pulse type switch machines (PECO) by default.
Best way to learn these things is to get your feet wet and "pl
The DS64 outputs will drive the Peco switch motors directly. Yes, you can control the DS64s from both momentary contact pushbutton switches and via your throttle. You’ll need to configure a couple of Option Switches for this function. You can even have either execute a route, which is s series of turnout throws to move your trains without throwing all of the turnouts by hand. I have 7 DS64s right now and 1 DS44. The main advice I can give is:
Use local power and not track power for the DS64s. This means wire a 12V DC supply to AX1/AX2. I don’t recommend the coax connector for powering them.
I have 7 DS64s all powered by the track, though that will not always be the case. I do recommend a separate power supply, but mine are working fine as is. With routes, a single switch throws the entire yard ladder to access that track. With detection, it can even automatically throw a switch that a train is approaching from the wrong leg. With cascaded routes it can throw an almost unlimited number of switches in a route. There is no need for a separate booster for the DS64s. I also have some crossovers where two switches are wired together as one.
Thanks Martin. I really appreciate your advice. I have the turn outs, the Peco motors and a DC power supply. I am very green as far as wiring and electrical hook up is concerned. I am trying to get as much expert advice as possible. I don’t plan on using track power. What I don’t understand is if I have to use facia mounted switches to throw the turnout or just address the decoder and throw the switch with my throttle. I am searching for photographs and schematics of possible hook-ups to help me visualize what I have to do. I am confident that with the help of you all, I will get it right before I blow up too many decoders.
DS64 will operate by selecting the switch address on a throttle and throwing it OR by pushing an external push button supplied by you. You pick the method. I use both. I press the button if I’m within arms reach of it. I use a throttle if I’m too far away.
The push button isn’t required, it’s optional. Out of the bag, DS64 can have a push button connected to control each of the 4 switch outputs. Push the button and the turnout changes. Push it again, the turnout moves to the opposite position.
With a throttle, the turnout will be “closed” or “thrown”.those two positions are determined by you when the wires from the switch machines are hooked up. If you want to swap closed and thrown, just swap the wires.
I don’t think you’ll blow up any DS64’s. They are not like mobile decoders because there’s no motor to isolate from the track.
DS64 manual has drawings that show the connections you need.
You can use the drawings from this version of the manual but the Option chart on page 11 is incorrect. When Digitrax upodated to the version 4 manual they somehow got the option chart from the version 1 manual. Here’s the correct chart. The primary differences are options 11 and 15.
