Programming The Digitrax DS64 & Other Options

Рет қаралды 9,677

7 жыл бұрын

How to program the Digitrax DS64 for slow motion switch machines such as the Tortoise machines on your DCC layout. Also, we show how to wire the input and output terminals for this operation. This is a simple process once you start using your throttle to key in the correct digits for the type of turnout control you want to control with this unit.
I use the DS64 to control my Tortoise slow motion switch machines on my layout. Before using the DS64 you have to set the OpSwitch 01 to closed for the unit to work with slow motion turnout controls
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Пікірлер: 44

@sunocher 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this, I just installed my two first DS64! I also paired a lot of my turnouts so I can save some of them!

@TomsTrainsandThings 4 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help! I do the same thing pairing up the turnouts.

@samhane11 6 жыл бұрын

Really Liked the video. Thx Tom

@SimulationFarms 7 жыл бұрын

great stuff cant wait for the jmri video and your email

@TomsTrainsandThings 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you Lenny

@jamurphy8386 7 жыл бұрын

Hey Tom, I like that DS64!! Controls several functions for multiple turnouts. The Pacific Belt RR might have a use for one of those!! 👍👍 Except for two switch machines on two reverse loop, every other turnout on the Layout is hand thrown, with Caboose Industries Ground Throws..... I can definitely see the value in one of those though, and will keep it in mind. Murph 🚂

@TomsTrainsandThings 7 жыл бұрын

I have three of them here, but I still have a few Caboose Ground Throws here and there to keep it interesting.

@elsdp-4560 6 жыл бұрын

THANK YOU...for sharing.

@TomsTrainsandThings 6 жыл бұрын

Your welcome. What's your name ELSDP-45?

@williamfix4038 6 жыл бұрын

I think this has help me as I am trying to hook-up my DS64's

@TomsTrainsandThings 6 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help William

@chrisoconnell9384 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Mate. I can't seem to program my DS64 at all. I tried following the Digitrax video as well. but still no go. Do I need a switch motor connected to it before I I try programming it ?

@TomsTrainsandThings 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Chris. When I first programmed my DS64's I din't have any turnout motors connect but I don't think it makes a difference. Can you be a little more specific as to what step is failing or your not seeing the LED's light up as described when programming.

@jessicaklingler5837 6 жыл бұрын

Can I run multiple DS64s off one power source (PS14) by plugging in the first one with the jack provided on the PS14 and then chaining the other DS64s together using AX1 and AX2?

@TomsTrainsandThings 6 жыл бұрын

I use a wall wart similar to the PS14 to run 3 of my DS64's, but I connect them directly to the terminals on the front. It may have been because the barrel connector was a different size and I cut it off. I don't see why your idea wouldn't work. The power should transfer through the device. Digitrax does not specifically say how many DS64's can run off of one PS14. They say there is a circuit breaker within the PS that will trip if it is over burdened and if this happens to multiple DS64's than use an additional PS. I would assume if you are only going to operate one output at a time, you will not overburden multiple units. If you use routes that throw multiple outputs at once is probably the only way you would trip the PS using them on multiple DS64's.

@harleynut1961 Жыл бұрын

Hey Tom got my ds64’s figured thanks to you. Was wondering though what gauge of wire do you use for your ds64’s because of the screw holes being so tiny? I’d really like to cleanup my wiring on the layout for the ds64’s but so far have found the best wire is telephone solid wire which I’m now running short of. Is Ethernet cat 5 too light of a gauge? Thanks

@TomsTrainsandThings Жыл бұрын

I use 20 gauge wire for my DS64. Cat 5 will work, I use that with my Tortoise switch machines. I have the #20 going to a terminal block & then the Cat 3 from there to the turnouts.

@dhgast4198 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Tom; I'm rebuilding my layout and using some of the things I've learned from you and a few select others. I'd like to use the DS74 (latest version of the DS64) but operate an MRC DCC system. Any suggestions on whether or not I can make that connection and if so, how? Thanks. Cheers.

@TomsTrainsandThings 2 жыл бұрын

The DS 74 is a stationary decoder. Not sure if it can be programmed from an MRC system since it needs Loconet to program. It most likely be controlled once programmed through Digitrax throttle or JMRI. With JMRI, you still need the program configured for Digitrax. Never tried to configure a Digitrax configuration in JMRI without Digitrax. See if you can configure a Digitrax setup in JMRI without a Digitrax command station. If that is possible, then it can be programed in JMRI.

@carlcraig2039 Жыл бұрын

Tom, would you make a new video about the DS-74? I could really use the help wiring 2 units (8 turn-outs). Thanks.

@TomsTrainsandThings Жыл бұрын

Don't have one and don't see me getting one unless someone donates it. I'm using servos to operate my turnouts with Arduino & DCC-EX

@railbuilderdhd 3 жыл бұрын

Helpful info. One question is it an option to have the DCC wire and push button connected to control the switch?

@TomsTrainsandThings 3 жыл бұрын

You can control your turnouts through your throttle and the push button

@railbuilderdhd 3 жыл бұрын

Toms Trains and Things that’s what I’m looking for exactly. I want the remotes via DCC to work but you can override from the layout push buttons. Can you do the same push button and DCC control with the DS52? That’s a cheaper option if so.

@williamfix4038 6 жыл бұрын

When you disconnected the DS64 from the loco net to go into OPS mode to program Switch address 01 with the DCC throttle what was the throttle plug into and how did the DS64 get the closed command?

@TomsTrainsandThings 6 жыл бұрын

In the video I disconnected both cables when I should have left the one to the command station connected. You have to isolate this unit from other units on the loconet when doing this task.

@hawthornvalley Жыл бұрын

@@TomsTrainsandThings I noticed that too when i was replaying the video. I thought it was strange not having the command station connection. I now have a query, I have 4 DS64s to program and considering all the wires/cables are loomed in, I will run a temporary cable from the command station, disconnect the permanent cable and the daisy change cables until all are programmed. That is the right way to do it isn't it?

@abdullahabu1252 2 жыл бұрын

Hi. I like your show. I like to know if I need to insulting the both end of the turnout tracks with the main tracks by using the DCC System.

@TomsTrainsandThings 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, absolutely, it's best practice.

@abdullahabu1252 2 жыл бұрын

@@TomsTrainsandThings Thank you Tom's for your reply to my request. Have nice day

@clashofminiatures 6 жыл бұрын

You left out some information I think. 1: how are you communicating with the system to set for tortoise switch machines( you unplugged loco net, the cable that goes to the system) 2: when and why did you plug the loco net back in? I have a friend that has Digitrax and I'm trying to set up DS64's so what I would like to know is 1: is it better to just run the 2 wires to the system to set up the DS64's and then connect loco net (he has 4 DS64s) 2: is there a way to set to factory default?

@TomsTrainsandThings 6 жыл бұрын

I disconnected all the loconet cables and went through the motions of programming for the slow motion machines because it can not be connected to any switch machines whenever programming the machine type. I stated that it has to be disconnected from the rest of the loconet (other components). I mentioned this again toward the end of the video. it was easier to disconnect the loconet cables than all four switch machines I had hooked up to the unit. To reset to factory default, you have to program op sw 07 to closed. If your referring to Track A and Track B terminals, that is one of the optional power methods and you can communicate through other units with track power also. Sorry about the confusion.

@harleynut1961 Жыл бұрын

I enjoy all your videos. I’m a bit confused on this one, if you disconnect the loconet cables and using your hand controller for slow motion switches how does the ds64 know it’s getting the switch 1 closed command if it’s not connected to the loconet / command station?

@TomsTrainsandThings Жыл бұрын

Sorry about the confusion. This step should be done before connecting any turnouts to the device. Since I had this setup already, and functioning on the layout, I had to disconnect it from the loconet as to not interfere with the turnouts. I should have worded the instructions differently in the video.

@harleynut1961 Жыл бұрын

@@TomsTrainsandThings ok so for me having my ds64’s already mounted on the layout and in need of reprograming of the type of switch machines ( tortoise in my case) , should I simply run a loconet from the digitrax command station to each ds64 and do the switch 1 to closed and then do the same method with giving the 4 addresses? I have to rewatch the video but will a dpdt also work as a fascia mounted toggle for changing the turnouts direction?

@TomsTrainsandThings Жыл бұрын

@@harleynut1961 Do each one individually. A DPDT is overkill on on the inputs. Since it just a flip flop type of operation a pushbutton is all that is needed. Make sure you get a good qiality PB. The oneI used in the demonstration was a very cheap one which caused a bounce on the contacts. I'm not sure wahat a constant signal on the inputs fronm a DPDT sw would do to the operation of the DS64.

@jeffstrains4014 5 жыл бұрын

At the point of you programming this I am not sure you did anything, you where powering from a wall wart, and you had disconnected from loco net. How did the controller at that point make the connection? Lost as I am programming mine

@jeffstrains4014 5 жыл бұрын

I programmed mine using track power

@TomsTrainsandThings 5 жыл бұрын

If you look at a previous reply to a comment you'll see I disconnected both Loco net cables. You still will need one going to the command station. Since you can not have any other units connected via loco net or switch machines while programming the DS64. I just went through the motions since I had all my switch machines and other components connected through the loco net.

@TomsTrainsandThings 5 жыл бұрын

Track power is an optional way of connecting to the loconet and programming. There are actually three different ways to get power to the DS64.

@jeffstrains4014 5 жыл бұрын

Are you running two machines off 108? That was going to be my plan, I also bought the 2 piece remote mount kit for the tortoise gonna try and use it there I can get the machine under. Also said you could tie two of those together and power the crossover with 1 machine.

@TomsTrainsandThings 5 жыл бұрын

Yes, I have several crossovers where I run both sides from one output on the DS64. I use 2 Tortoise switch machines on them. I have a remote mount kit for them but I haven't installed it yet.

@samhane11 6 жыл бұрын

Really Liked the video. Thx Tom

@TomsTrainsandThings 6 жыл бұрын

Your welcome