EDITED
You'd might want to go with a DC power supply. The DS64 calls for a DC supply. The SE8C calls for a 12vac or 15VDC supply
The PS515 is a 15 VAC
Springfield PA
Another option is to throw one of these on the output to convert to DC. Voltage will be 12-14 volts DC.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062584
The DS64 can use 14 - 16v AC through either the Aux Pwr jack or the TRKA/TRKB inputs (But DC only through AX1/AX2), so the PS515 should work fine as long as you connect it to the correct power inputs.
And since the DS64 pulls a max of 300 ma, if my math is correct the PS515 should be good for 16+ DS64's.
Keep in mind, though, that it's NOT recommended to share power supplies between PM42's and other devices. Not sure about the other ones you mentioned, but I do know that holds true for at least the PM42's (and maybe the BDL168's?). You may want to check on that if you were planning on sharing that PS515 with anything besides the DS64's.
Thank you very much for your input. When you make reference to connecting my power supply to the correct inputs, which inputs are referring to? Those on the DS64's, AX1(-) and AX2(+)? When using the PS515, do I simply "daisy chain" the power leads from the PS515 to the first DS64 to the next DS64,...and so on...
To use the PS515, the AC has to go in th emodular power jack on the back, or else to the track connections. The connector on the back is a 2.1mm coaxial jack, you can get plugs for them at Radio Shack. Run a 'power bus" and tap off at each DS64. ANd wire each one the same to avoid any phase issues or sneak paths through other means like the Loconet cable.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Here's a link to the manual
http://www.digitrax.com/ftp/ds64V5.pdf
It says you can hook AC to the modular power connector, not the trka/trkb inputs.
The manual is full of DC suggestions. When that's the case I tend to follow what they suggest.
AC can be connected to the track A and Track B inputs. AC or DC can be connected to the 2.1mm coax jack. The track terminals and coax jack are connected to a bridge rectifier on the board. If the track connections are used for power, loconet will have to be connected to send commands to the DS64.
Do Not ever connect AC to the AX1 and AX2 terminals. You will fry the DS64 and possibly other components connected to loconet. Connect only DC to these terminals.
If you are a member of the Digitrax Yahoo group, there is a file in the files section explaining DS64 power options. Complete with illustrations.
Martin Myers
Here's the link to the file:
http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/cG7yTF-X9_lGJGiOb-XIne2CCvhz1b_PSttguFOfAMEQZjfkBgU6JNCR8xd5wqd0P02LXIH0_TgL2G_YulnjZoO2DQc/DS64%20Power%20Options.pdf
Note it is probably right since the file is still there but it is not from Digitrax.
Another note on the first page is there are no guarantees he has it 100% right.
I would take the time and just call digitrax tech support and ask them.
Linking to Yahoo Groups files is even less effective than Photobucket - every view is like a temporary URL that goes away quickly. And for most groups you have to join before you cna view the files section. Suffice to say the document in question was generated from tracing the circuit board ont he DS64, and the AX1 and AX2 terminals do not go through the bridge rectifier on the board so NEVER EVER connect AC to those terminals. There are also issues with using actual track power - the glitches and shorts on live track seem to make some DS64s loose their minds after a while and become unprogrammed. This does NOT happen when you use a fixed AC source on the track power terminals and rely on Loconet to get the commands to the DS64. So if you do not feel like buying a bunch of 2.1mm power plugs, run a 15VAC power bus and drop connections to each DS64 on the track terminals. Same still goes - I would make sure the trk a terminal always connects to the same wire - like wiring a track bus/ It may not be absolutely critical but why tempt fate with an out of phase connection?
The problem with connecting multipe device types to the same power source is that some Digitrax devices have a single diode half wave power supply and others have a full wave bridge rectifier. This cna cause ground issues where it is tied to one leg of the AC power supply in the half wave types, and this can cause sneak paths between devices over the Loconet cable and other issues. Like to like is usually fine - ie one supply for all DS64s, one suppyl for multiple PM42s. But do not mix devices on one power supply unless it explicitly says it's ok in the manuals.