Hi folks
I bin running into a few snags wiring up my ds64’s. I wired them up to a main bus wire from an old dc power pack all the wires to the ds64’s are hooked to the aux1 and aux2. I have some ds64’s that the tortoise machines will throw the points eventually ( very very slow motion) these tortoise switches seem to be very far away probably 15-18 feet from the ds64. I have others that seem to work better that are closer they throw the points instantly. I’ve tried the trk power hook up and the aux power hook up and same results . Is there perhaps something not set right in the ds64’s ? I have them set to slow motion, switch 1 closed.All are programmed to individual addresses. I’m using 10 ds64’s in total .
This is really giving me a headache in fact I’ve thought of just using the peco manual points throw rather than the tortoise via ds64’s but I like the idea of the led’s.
Oh cripes I’m sorry I was assumming every one new what a ds64 is . The DS64 Stationary Decoder allows you to install and operate your turnouts directly through any DCC system that has turnout control. I’m using the tortoise switch machine which is controled by the ds64 .The ds64 is the updated version of the digitrax ds54.[:)]
I haven’t had much experience with stationary decoders( they aren’t necessary on my layout) but with my used of DCC I think your power supply that you are using isn’t supply the necessary current. You said you had it hooked up to a old DC power pack. if you were Running just one or two of these DS64’s I’d say you are ok but 10 I think you may want to get a beefer power supply. This is all I can think of at the moment.
Also for the tortoises taht are farther away. Wire does have resistance to it. you could be losing power in the wire itsself over a 20 foot run. I don’t konw what guage wire you are using but I don’t think this is the cause.
Sounds like you have a power drop or low voltage to your switch machines.
You can use any auxiliary power from any transformer with a volage between 12V & 16V AC/DC.
Awg 20 to Awg 22 wire is recommended for the conection to the Power inputs.
To provide enough power to the DS64’s and avoid power drops on the system when multiple
turnout machines are operated simultaneously or if you want slow motion turnouts to operatr faster, provide additional power to the DS64’s. When using more than one DS64 make sure that the polarity is the same for all auxiliary power inputs. Next if you have Awg24 wire try wiring your distant switch machines with it or double the wire going to your distant machines that are slow.
If that don’t work you need more power. Look at Digitrax’s PS515. Now that is power.