Do I need a UP-5 @ Test Bench?

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

Hello All

I have a spare Digitrax DCS 200 and rather than let it collect dust on the shelf I thought I’d wire it up to my test track at the bench.

Question is… can I just keep a tethered DT 300 throttle plugged directly into the DCS-200 Or do I need to put the UP-5 in line on the Loconet cable?

Thanks, ED

2

you can plug your dt-300 directly into the DCS-200 with no problems. A UP-5 is only an extension of LocoNet. It is not necessary to have it. The only reason I would think you would need it is as a keep alive so that when you turn off the command station the throttle is not running off your battery.

3

Thanks…

Won’t need the keep alive since I’ll always have the dt300 plugged in. Just wondered if the up-5 needed to be in the Loconet circuit.

Thanks again!

4

It is a really good idea to have one at your work bench. In fact while you are at it go one better and install a DPDT switch there with both power and programming feeds to your test track on the bench. That way you can make CV changes, flip the switch and see/hear the results of the changes. This is especially great when it comes to adjusting the vaious relative sound levels, i.e.: engine, auxilliary, horn/whistle, and bell. John Colley, Port Townsend, WA

5

I have a six foot test track at my workbench that is connected to my Digitrax command station (DCS100). I have a PowerPax which is now obsolete as I have upgraded from a Digitrax MS100 to a PR3. I use my laptop at the workbench to program through Decoder Pro and also use Decoder Pro as a throttle for the test track. I had problems with a DPDT switch when I first set up the test tack. I exchanged the DPDT switch for a DPDT (center off) and it works great. I can program locos and then test run them. I can also test decoders and functions before installing the decoders.