These are the kind of video's I really appreciate , thank you Mike . I don't use electric switches of any kind on my layouts ,but I may use them on my big layout once I acquire the space for it .This knowledge will most certainly help me because I like Digitrax products .
i have over two dozen DS64s on my layout run by 4 JMRI panels using JMRI panel pro. the Omaha experts here recommend i set up a startup "configure button" on the panel. the purpose of the button is it initialize all the tortoises after startup by setting all the switches to "normal". also it was suggest that all my DC-64s run through one dedicated DCS200+ which is what i have done.
Hi Mike Just saw your video about the DS64 klicken. I have 3 MACROS set up, after I turn on my system, to set all my switches or Accessories to where I like to have them. You can chain many Macros together and every Macro controls 8 accessories
Thanks Mike for clearing this up for me. I have noticed this on my "winter" dining room table layout, and was wondering what was going on. It doesn't bother me a lot though, because I am using JMRI to control the layout and have predetermined routes set up in the panel. I just click "Initialize Routes", and everything goes to a default setting.
Hey Mike, I am stuck with track power for my DS64s as I have the ESU ECoS 50210 and therefore no LocoNet. Is there any way around this issue using track A and B? I've experienced the same crazy synapases when I boot up the ECoS command station. At this point it is merely a nuisance.
I use Digitrax Mike and any information that has to do with the system helps, I'm planning to install something like it in the very near future. So thanks a lot for the tip and info. RT
Mike, Thanks for this video and warning. I use NCE Switch Kat's, but still appreciate the heads up. You might look at a little $5 delay relay we are using to stall our scenery start ups (we were overloading our power supplies). It is the H3Y-2, and it can be purchased through eBay. It works for us and is adjustable to 1 minute delay. This is probably the same problem I had with their DS51K's, and the reason I had to change to the Switch Kat's in the first place. Thanks to your pursuit of the problem, I may get to use those DS51K;s after all.
I"m a newbie and so much of this is going straight over my head...*sigh* I am using Kato unitrack for both standard track and my turnouts. First question Mike, why do people use those God awful huge solenoids underneath the track bed to control their turnouts, when you can just use Kato's Unitrack turnouts? The Unitrack turnouts eliminate the need for them right? Second question, do I still need some kind of Digital Decoder such as the DS64 when using the Unitrack turnouts and are they compatible? Hopefully Mike you'll read this, or someone else who can answer it. Thanks everyone in advance!
Yes you can use them with Kato if you desire. Some folks just can not get into Kato. Why do people buy Yugo's when they could of had a Corvette? I have no answer here. Mike
Hey Mike great video that really helps me I'm putting in my DS 64 and my tortoise is now but I'm going to have a totally separate bus line that goes to a separate Transformer that's pretty powerful and I'm going to wire it to the track power there and turn the throttle down and we never turned a Transformer off so I'm hoping not to have any problems thanks Gary
Hi Mike - Hope your weekend is going well. I wanted to ask - I've go a very small dcc Kato layout with just 1 Turnout and I seem remember that you did a video about how to make a switch to replace Kato switch controller. Right now I have to have my old kato controller setup just for that one turnout - a PITA. Did I mis-remember? (At 62 I'm allowed some latitude in that direction...)
***** I sent you the PDF of the switch-kat to your email. It is on the last page. They have really been great for me. I had a little help from Mark Gurries as I was shorting them out.
Maltux1 how much are they and where can I get them , saw a toggle set up on e bay that does the same thing but it was a kit form with a electronic board and some stuff I had to solder to the board ., hard to put together
I can't find anything about how connect my DS64 to my DCS51. So, on the official DS64 manual, it says to connect to track via TRKA and TRKB. Would I still need to connect it to my track if I have it connected via Loconet cable to my DCS51?
Hi Mike thanks for all the great videos this question really doesn't have anything to do with the DS 64 just so happens I saw this video I want to run Kato track on a plastic table would that work or should I cover the table with wood or foam thank you
Hi Mike I just had a quick question I was told it's better to use shorter leads to your bus but the k a t o are fairly long with their Plug and Play system are they okay to use
I just got a DCS52 and is plugged into USB and power. When I turn the power off the DCS52 stays on and lit but the track power is off. Will the DS64 problem apply to this scenario as well? Asking because I'm working on power wiring.
Just found this; very informative. I'm curious .. what is the setting of OpSw6 in your DS64's ?? Factory default (thrown) is the outputs power up automatically. The option (closed) is the outputs do not power up until they receive a command. I wonder if that would have made any difference. I don't have a DS64 to fiddle with.
N Scale How To Channel We set all 13 of or DS64's at the club to Opt Sw 6 Closed and Opt Sw 8 Closed and the problem seems to have magnified. We had more switches throw with them set this way. I am lost with this problem. Mike
Hi Mike • A lot of technology in this layout. I like how you call DS64 circuit a Brain. The computers are taking over. lol Mike you have a great job & Hoppy Shop. • Cheers from Michigan
Hey mike I am new to n scale and I am working on a layout plan. My question is this, how much room do I need to have a horse shoe turn. Everything I've seen and read so far says at least two feet. I plan to use the kato track. I just need to know so I can start my bench work.
Mike, Does this problem ONLY happen when the ds64s are powered from track power, or does it also persist when running them on external power (assuming both the layout and the DS64s come on at the same time)? I'm trying to figure this out with my JMRI+Zephyr+PR3 based system. Thanks!
They do it either way and with external power they throw WITHOUT the Loconet cables connected. I assume this means it is a signal that comes from within the DS64 and NOT the command station. Thanks , Mike
***** Oh okay, so if I power them externally (as opposed to track power), and have the loconet cables connected when I power everything on, then they WON'T go insane even if my Zephyr hasn't quite finished coming on yet?
K4Robotics Nope they will go crazy sometime either way , but only the first time the layout is turned on after not being used for a day or so. Thanks , Mike
***** okay, thanks for the info. Also, I'm just curious, what do you use to power your DS64s? Do you have a recommendation on what I use to power 4 of them, expanding to a total of around 7 in the future? I was originally going to use a PC power supply, but the one I had ended up being toast, so I have to buy some kind of power supply now.
K4Robotics Digitrax recommends a PS14 for each one but I think it is overkill. Any 14V power supply should work and loop them from one to the other. PS , I tried a ps14 to each but not a fix. Mike
Can You Please have some one check your CC, it is really bad, there is a lot of people that really would like to use the CC. I am hearing but I have friends that are not and they would enjoy your site because they are all the time looking for hobbies. I for one like to read along just so I know what to buy or do but the CC is so messed up it will scare people away. Thank you
Mine do that and I do no use the loco net yet. I use the rail to power them ,but thought A separate power supply may be the remedy,but have not got around to it yet. Digitrax needs to fix this issue with them rather then us having to adapt for their dysfunctional product not powering up properly before it activates it's outputs randomly. I thought it was some sort of self test until I found all my turnouts out of sync. Thanks for Sharing this Mike.
Ya it's not a perfect world.Had a idea about those outdoor cheep solar lights. They charge a battery . A battery or capacitor alone would discharge and back to square one. But a little help keeping the power up wile they are in sleep/low draw mode may help.Just a crazy thought.
Too bad about the cheap Chinese time delay relays. There are a lot of good time delay relays that the pins and schematics are there to help you. I guess you put a big sign at your manual switch to REMIND old timers or some young guys too.
This was posted in 2014 and the time did not work regardless of maker. Digitrax answer was to leave the DS64's powered up all the time and that seems to work. Mike
just delay the turning on of the DS64's. I have a seperate 11.5V buss for my DS64's and an inexpensive Delay Timer Switch Module seems to solve it. It delays the power up of the DS64's by about 9 seconds, enough time for command station to figure itself out!! $12 for five modules!! Wire them according to the markings on the board and should be fine ;)
These are the kind of video's I really appreciate , thank you Mike . I don't use electric switches of any kind on my layouts ,but I may use them on my big layout once I acquire the space for it .This knowledge will most certainly help me because I like Digitrax products .
Uh Oh , that means you will have to remember this video down the road!!!!
LOL
Mike
***** I added this video to my likes and favs so it would easier to remember lol. Dave .
ruatrainman2 There you go , a plan !
Mike
i have over two dozen DS64s on my layout run by 4 JMRI panels using JMRI panel pro. the Omaha experts here recommend i set up a startup "configure button" on the panel. the purpose of the button is it initialize all the tortoises after startup by setting all the switches to "normal". also it was suggest that all my DC-64s run through one dedicated DCS200+ which is what i have done.
Hi Mike
Just saw your video about the DS64 klicken. I have 3 MACROS set up, after I turn on my system, to set all my switches or Accessories to where I like to have them. You can chain many Macros together and every Macro controls 8 accessories
Thanks Mike for clearing this up for me. I have noticed this on my "winter" dining room table layout, and was wondering what was going on. It doesn't bother me a lot though, because I am using JMRI to control the layout and have predetermined routes set up in the panel. I just click "Initialize Routes", and everything goes to a default setting.
Thanks Ron , Mike
Thank you so much for posting this information, very important to know!
Thx Mike just about to install my DS64’s, so this is very timely for me...
Hey Mike, I am stuck with track power for my DS64s as I have the ESU ECoS 50210 and therefore no LocoNet. Is there any way around this issue using track A and B? I've experienced the same crazy synapases when I boot up the ECoS command station. At this point it is merely a nuisance.
I use Digitrax Mike and any information that has to do with the system helps, I'm planning to install something like it in the very near future. So thanks a lot for the tip and info. RT
Thanks RT,
Mike
Mike, Thanks for this video and warning. I use NCE Switch Kat's, but still appreciate the heads up. You might look at a little $5 delay relay we are using to stall our scenery start ups (we were overloading our power supplies). It is the H3Y-2, and it can be purchased through eBay. It works for us and is adjustable to 1 minute delay.
This is probably the same problem I had with their DS51K's, and the reason I had to change to the Switch Kat's in the first place. Thanks to your pursuit of the problem, I may get to use those DS51K;s after all.
Thanks for the tip Terry, I may look for these.
Mike
Thanks Mike for sharing this with us. I use Kato track on my N scale layout and I was thinking about using the DS64.
Thanks , I do not know if other DCC systems work the same with them or not.
Thanks , Mike
***** I have a Digitrax system so I appreciate the info.
Randy
Randy Piasecki Thanks Randy , Mike
I"m a newbie and so much of this is going straight over my head...*sigh* I am using Kato unitrack for both standard track and my turnouts. First question Mike, why do people use those God awful huge solenoids underneath the track bed to control their turnouts, when you can just use Kato's Unitrack turnouts? The Unitrack turnouts eliminate the need for them right? Second question, do I still need some kind of Digital Decoder such as the DS64 when using the Unitrack turnouts and are they compatible? Hopefully Mike you'll read this, or someone else who can answer it. Thanks everyone in advance!
Yes you can use them with Kato if you desire.
Some folks just can not get into Kato. Why do people buy Yugo's when they could of had a Corvette? I have no answer here.
Mike
Hey Mike great video that really helps me I'm putting in my DS 64 and my tortoise is now but I'm going to have a totally separate bus line that goes to a separate Transformer that's pretty powerful and I'm going to wire it to the track power there and turn the throttle down and we never turned a Transformer off so I'm hoping not to have any problems thanks Gary
Hi Mike had a real quick question can you use the k a t o 3-way connectors to the k a t o turnout plug-ins if you're wiring two together
Kato and Yes they will throw together.
Mike
Hi Mike -
Hope your weekend is going well. I wanted to ask - I've go a very small dcc Kato layout with just 1 Turnout and I seem remember that you did a video about how to make a switch to replace Kato switch controller. Right now I have to have my old kato controller setup just for that one turnout - a PITA. Did I mis-remember? (At 62 I'm allowed some latitude in that direction...)
www.fiferhobby.com/how-to-make-kato-turnout-control-switches/
@@N-Scale that's the one, thanks!
Good to know mike. I have been using the NCE Switch-Kats and they seem to work well for me.
do those work with kato turnouts
trackspike64 Hi - They are made specifically for the Kato turnouts and you can attach LEDS to them for signals or toggle switches as well.
Maltux1 Could you send me a diagram of the LED hookup to the shop please?
Thanks , Mike
***** I sent you the PDF of the switch-kat to your email. It is on the last page. They have really been great for me. I had a little help from Mark Gurries as I was shorting them out.
Maltux1 how much are they and where can I get them , saw a toggle set up on e bay that does the same thing but it was a kit form with a electronic board and some stuff I had to solder to the board ., hard to put together
Mike would all the turnouts on a layout be controlled by one DS64 Turnout Control?
I can't find anything about how connect my DS64 to my DCS51. So, on the official DS64 manual, it says to connect to track via TRKA and TRKB. Would I still need to connect it to my track if I have it connected via Loconet cable to my DCS51?
No you would not as long as the DS64 was being powered by a PS14 as well.
Thanks , Mike
Hi Mike thanks for all the great videos this question really doesn't have anything to do with the DS 64 just so happens I saw this video I want to run Kato track on a plastic table would that work or should I cover the table with wood or foam thank you
I would likely put foam under it just for scenery purposes. I no longer use wood under my 2" foam
Thanks Mike for another good video. Thanks again for all the help, your really good and making videos...Gerry from Minuteman N scale layout.
Thanks Gerry , Hope it helps.
Mike
Hi Mike I just had a quick question I was told it's better to use shorter leads to your bus but the k a t o are fairly long with their Plug and Play system are they okay to use
Yes the small length is not an issue.
Mike
@@N-Scale thanks but I was asking if the leads are too long is that an issue like the cata 35 in Leeds
@@digitaljoeredding And I said no they are not an issue
Thanks Mike very interesting .I'll be using my MRC Prodigy Advance on my new layout so what works with it for turnout control ?
Chers Glynn
Well I guess you would have a choice of any stationary decoders by any maker as they will just be that, decoders.
Mike
Thanks for that Mike
I just got a DCS52 and is plugged into USB and power. When I turn the power off the DCS52 stays on and lit but the track power is off. Will the DS64 problem apply to this scenario as well? Asking because I'm working on power wiring.
I am not sure there !!
@@N-Scale I'll order a DS64 soon, so I'll let you know what I find out. :-)
Just found this; very informative.
I'm curious .. what is the setting of OpSw6 in your DS64's ?? Factory default (thrown) is the outputs power up automatically. The option (closed) is the outputs do not power up until they receive a command. I wonder if that would have made any difference. I don't have a DS64 to fiddle with.
I will have to look into that.
Thanks , Mike
N Scale How To Channel We set all 13 of or DS64's at the club to Opt Sw 6 Closed and Opt Sw 8 Closed and the problem seems to have magnified. We had more switches throw with them set this way.
I am lost with this problem.
Mike
Hi Mike • A lot of technology in this layout. I like how you call DS64 circuit a Brain. The computers are taking over. lol Mike you have a great job & Hoppy Shop.
• Cheers from Michigan
Thanks Gary , Mike
Hey mike I am new to n scale and I am working on a layout plan. My question is this, how much room do I need to have a horse shoe turn. Everything I've seen and read so far says at least two feet. I plan to use the kato track. I just need to know so I can start my bench work.
I would really need to see the plan but yes I would go at least 24" . On something like that , the bigger the better.
Thanks , Mike
thanks mike, i love your videos. you have taught me a lot. Love the layout. i look forward to your next update.
bhuddaloyd I am glad to have you taking looks and getting info.
Mike
Hi Mr Fifer, why would my Kato #6 turnout be getting hot?
How is it being thrown??????
@@N-Scale Remotely with a DS64
@@stevecook9340 Is the DS64 set to throw Kato turnouts???
@@N-Scale Yes.
@@stevecook9340 Then I have no idea. they only get hot when power is applied too long.
Sorry
Yes I have experienced this too. Now I know what solutions exist. Thanks,
Thanks Mike, Mike
Good to know, Mike... Thanks! Bruce
Thanks Bruce , I hope it helps.
Mike
hey Mike... thanks for posting this info.. i'm sure it will help a lot of guys
vinny
Thanks Vinny , It took me a while to get this issue resolved.
I am still experimenting with timers.
Mike
Whish there was a video on programming the ds74 the directions are very poor
Mike,
Does this problem ONLY happen when the ds64s are powered from track power, or does it also persist when running them on external power (assuming both the layout and the DS64s come on at the same time)?
I'm trying to figure this out with my JMRI+Zephyr+PR3 based system.
Thanks!
They do it either way and with external power they throw WITHOUT the Loconet cables connected. I assume this means it is a signal that comes from within the DS64 and NOT the command station.
Thanks , Mike
***** Oh okay, so if I power them externally (as opposed to track power), and have the loconet cables connected when I power everything on, then they WON'T go insane even if my Zephyr hasn't quite finished coming on yet?
K4Robotics Nope they will go crazy sometime either way , but only the first time the layout is turned on after not being used for a day or so.
Thanks , Mike
***** okay, thanks for the info. Also, I'm just curious, what do you use to power your DS64s? Do you have a recommendation on what I use to power 4 of them, expanding to a total of around 7 in the future? I was originally going to use a PC power supply, but the one I had ended up being toast, so I have to buy some kind of power supply now.
K4Robotics Digitrax recommends a PS14 for each one but I think it is overkill. Any 14V power supply should work and loop them from one to the other. PS , I tried a ps14 to each but not a fix.
Mike
Can You Please have some one check your CC, it is really bad, there is a lot of people that really would like to use the CC. I am hearing but I have friends that are not and they would enjoy your site because they are all the time looking for hobbies. I for one like to read along just so I know what to buy or do but the CC is so messed up it will scare people away. Thank you
The CC is a TH-cam function and I have no control over it or how it reads my voice. I would love to fix it but I can't.
I am very sorry, Mike
Thanks🚂😊
Mine do that and I do no use the loco net yet. I use the rail to power them ,but thought A separate power supply may be the remedy,but have not got around to it yet. Digitrax needs to fix this issue with them rather then us having to adapt for their dysfunctional product not powering up properly before it activates it's outputs randomly. I thought it was some sort of self test until I found all my turnouts out of sync. Thanks for Sharing this Mike.
I agree but the only cure is to leave them powered up all of the time. They need a larger keep alive capacitor or a battery in them .
Thanks , Mike
Ya it's not a perfect world.Had a idea about those outdoor cheep solar lights. They charge a battery . A battery or capacitor alone would discharge and back to square one. But a little help keeping the power up wile they are in sleep/low draw mode may help.Just a crazy thought.
Too bad about the cheap Chinese time delay relays. There are a lot of good time delay relays that the pins and schematics are there to help you. I guess you put a big sign at your manual switch to REMIND old timers or some young guys too.
This was posted in 2014 and the time did not work regardless of maker. Digitrax answer was to leave the DS64's powered up all the time and that seems to work.
Mike
just delay the turning on of the DS64's. I have a seperate 11.5V buss for my DS64's and an inexpensive Delay Timer Switch Module seems to solve it. It delays the power up of the DS64's by about 9 seconds, enough time for command station to figure itself out!! $12 for five modules!! Wire them according to the markings on the board and should be fine ;)
We tried that and it did not work. Digitrax answer was to leave them powered up 24/7.
Thanks , Mike
@@N-Scale wow, not really a solve. I only gave three so if my railroad grows, I may have issues too...
@@UBME2 I do not know but we leave ours on 24/7