Does anyone know of any incompatibility issues, including loss of some features, macros in particular, between the NCE Power Cab DCC control system and the Digitrax DS64 stationary accessory controller?
I’m using the Power Cab and want to add the DS64, a suggestion from this Forum. I’ve read the product description on-line and don’t see any restrictions, however, I’ve heard that there may be some issues.
John
There are two ways to run routes with the DS64. One is to program them in the command station. That probably requires a Digitrax command station. The other is to program them in the DS64. That should work with any command station because it is just run from a switch address. It can get the switch address from the track so you wouldn’t need the Loconet.
But check with someone else because I have a Digitrax command station so I haven’t actually done what you propose.
John,
Since the DS64 can receive it’s commands (normal switch commands) from the track buss, and is programmed the same way, there are no real incompatibility issues. Routes that are self-contained within a single DS64 will also work just fine.
However, if you wish to expand those routes to more than the four addresses within a single DS64, or have a route in one DS64 trigger a route in another DS64, you will need to set up a stand-alone LocoNet to connect those multiple DS64’s. There are a number of ways to do that, depending on what your ultimate needs and goals might be.
I can’t answer your question about NCE’s macros, since I know nothing about them. But if they’re simply a way to trigger a number of switch commands, the DS64’s built-in routes would do the same thing. I would imagine you could use either method.
HTH,
Steve