Whoo Hoo! My DCC Works!! (But I got a Question)

[macrailer]

Funny enough, I expected DCC to be harder to wire, but it is seemingly easier than DC. (So Far Anyway)

[macrailer]

And on another note: I had bought a DC power supply thinking it would be the best way to begin my layout and that I would update to DCC down the line. I even began to make a switch box for throwing turns and reversing power on the reverse loops as well as bought a pre-made CDU.

In theory I threw away around $200.00 or more and lots of wasted time....how dumb! The Zephyr does it all. And If I wanted to make a quick power test for a small layout, hooking the Zephyr up for a quickie would have been simple enough.

Needless to say, this weekend, I am putting some things on eBay!

[crclass]

Macrailer- you crack me up. I love your excitement. I am learning so much from your post. Keep asking all those questions that I have and celebrating the end result. The big difference between you and I is my day job involves servicing million $ + pieces of electronic equipment. I don't get nervous there as I am not footing the bill if I should happen to break something. Digitrax seems to have won my loyalty as I put a decoder in a loco and had it running in no time. Keep it simple stay with one brand then it should all work right?

[macrailer]

Yeah.... so far I am happy with Digitrax and DCC. I am thankful for this forum! It seems as Digitrax is the easiest for experts and newbies like me. I am definitely staying with them. This weekend I am installing the DS64 and I will run some turnouts off the Zephyr...be on standby for my posts on this thread!

[macrailer]

Ok!! I finally hooked up my DS64...1-2-3! A Caveman can do it! 2 minute wire hook up, I changed the addresses easily and it works great!!! Unlike most things in life, follow the manual and it is an easy install.

This is a great DCC function, I am now able to select "switch" on my Digitrax Zephyr, then select the remote turnout # (you can program the this address) and then hit either + or - to open or close the turnout! This will work with any turnout including slow motion machines, I however, am using Code 80 Atlas turnouts with point motors. I no longer will require a CDU either, because you can not run too much current to the point motor and blow it up as I have in the past.

Now..this is probably a touchy subject for some of you, because most of you probably prefer a control panel and track plan with switches to see what is going on, but this feature and capability should be a consideration for some of you too. It makes wiring a breeze if your a dummy like me.

I would like to be able to add LED's eventually so I can see which direction the switch is currently in. Any suggestions??

I am in love with Digitrax... and my Zephyr!!! However, In a few months I am making a much larger layout and I will probably sell my Zephyr and get a Digitrax upgrade! Probably a super chief!

[macrailer]

Now wait a minute....

If I had a super chief or super chief extra.... It can report the position of the turnout or the last command sent. I am just looking at alternatives to LED's. Could be an interesting concept for me and a chance at being 100% DCC. Am I missing any other DCC feature?

[CSXRobert]

...
Now..this is probably a touchy subject for some of you, because most of you probably prefer a control panel and track plan with switches to see what is going on, but this feature and capability should be a consideration for some of you too. It makes wiring a breeze if your a dummy like me...

It doesn't have to be one or the other, it can be both. The DS64 has push button inputs that can control turnouts or routes, so you can have a control panel with the pushbuttons and still be able to control the tunouts with the throttle.

...I would like to be able to add LED's eventually so I can see which direction the switch is currently in. Any suggestions??...

With Loconet, there are a LOT of options. The Team Digital SRC16 is one of them. It has 16 inputs and 16 outputs. Another option is the CML DTM30 Super Tower Master with 30 inputs and 30 outputs. With something like one of these, you can build a control panel that has LED indicators and pushbutton inputs. Again, like using the inputs on the DS64's, you would be able to control the turnouts with either the pushbuttons or the throttle, or even from a computer. The LED indicators will match the turnout position whether it was thrown from the throttle, the control panel, or a PC. You can actually build the control panel and wire it up and test it at a workbench and when you install it at the layout all you have to hook up is Loconet and power.

[macrailer]

Wow....I appreciate the advice. I will definitely look into all this!

[seanm]

CSX Robert... Thanks for that info. I don''t think I will be going down this route, (har har har) but ya never know. It has given me something to consider... now lets see. 100 servos, servo drivers for 100 servos, 4 dtm30's... Yikes, I better stop thinking about this. My wallet is already trying to hide under the couch.