I have installed Digitrax Super Chief. Locos are going great.
Commenced installing Tortoise Tortoise Switches using a DS64 staionary decoder and I am having problems. I have programmed the decoder correctly and are getting movement but not enough to throw the turnout.
Initially I had the DS 64 connected to the track bus and when this did not work connected the ds64 to a separate 12 volt pack. The result was the same.
The tortoise throws a turnout with no problems when conected analog connected with a toggle switch.
I am doing something incorrectly has anybody got any ideas?
Welcome aboard.
Are you POSITIVE that you have set all the options correctly on the DS64? The one that sets it to slow motion switch motors in particular?
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
I agree with Dave, that you need to double-check your programming. "Some movement" sounds like the DS64 is still set for solenoid switch motors.
Some other DS64 suggestions, that while not a direct fix for your issue, may still be helpful:
1) Using a separate power supply instead of track power was a good move, and should be retained for three reasons. First, DS64's have been known to lose their programming when track powered and there's a short. Second, if there is a short and it's caused by running a loco up to a turnout that's thrown against it, you can still throw that turnout to correct the short. And third, DCC power is expensive (cost of the booster). Using DC is cheaper.
2) Seriously consider getting a PR3 and using LocoNet Checker to program your DS64's (and JMRI for just about everything else). It REALLY makes it life easier. Want to set the DS64 for slow-motion switch motors? Tick the box and click the button to write it to the decoder. Have a DS64 that's lost ALL it's programming? Bring up the profile you saved, and click that "write" button again.
Good luck, and let us know how it turns out. I have nine DS64's on my layout and they all work well.
EDIT: Fixed typo.
TR01Just had a look at DS 64 instructions i9t states that maximum power required is 300ma at 14vdc although else where it mentions 12 -14vdc. I have only been using a 12 volt dc Could this be the issue
No, the 12 volt supply is not the problem. In the twin coil mode, the DS64 supplies a short duration 20 volt capacitive discharge. In the slow motion mode, the DS64 supplies a continuous DC voltage aproximately equal to the input voltage. A Tortoise REQUIRES the continuous voltage for at least as long as it takes the motor to run to the end. It can operate on much lower voltages, just slower. Some people use lower voltages because it makes the Tortoise quieter. If you are in the twin coil mode, the voltage will not be present long enough to completely throw the switch.
The DS64 is shipped from the factory set up for solonoid operation. YOU MUST CHANGE IT TO OPERATE A TORTOISE.
The instructions to change it to stall motor (Tortoise) machines are on page 5 of the manual that came with the DS64.
it sounds like the DS-64 is in twin coil switch mode (Default mode from the factory). For Tortoises you need to switch it to stall motor mode. This can be done by holding the OPs switch until the green and red LED's blink alternately. Next, use a switch command and set switch 01 to closed. Press the OPs switch button again to exit programming mode until the red stops blinking (a few seconds). this is on page 5 of the digitrax manual.
As previously stated. it is a good idea to have a seperate power supply for them. This will allow you to throw the turnout if you happen to short out the DCC power by running a switch.
12 volts works just fine the DS-64's. I have 10 of the them running off of a old computer power supply.
Colorado Front Range Railroad: http://www.coloradofrontrangerr.com/
Put a meter across the inputs of the Tortoise. You should see +12 volts when it's thrown one way, and -12 volts when it's thrown the other way. This will be a constant DC voltage. If the DS-64 is in twin-coil mode, all you will see is a brief pulse and then nothng until you throw it again.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
what is a loconet checker?
Loconet Checker is a software program that works with several different Loconet interface devices to configure various accessory devices like the DS-64, BDL-168, PM-42, etc. While JMRI can also config these devices, IMO Loconet Checker does a better job of it. Only downside is Loconet Checker is Windows only, it won't run on a Mac or wih Linux (other than in a virtual machine or via something like Bootcam that lets you run Windows on the Mac.). JMRI runs on all platforms.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
If you drilled a 3/8 hole for the throw bar there may not be enough room for it to move, also make sure you have the tortoise centered and square with the turnout. I drilled 1/2 holes so i had enough room for movement and changed the wire out with the heavier piano wire. Might be something else to check before you get to far ahead. jim.
Hi All
Success with ds64 and turnouts switches.
I was not changing them to slow motion correctly (although I was following the instructions in pack). The problem was I was not using the DT 402 swicth fuction on the throttle correctly.
Checking the voltage on the output as was suggested in the forum is a great step in trouble shooting. Also the comments on installing the tortoise were useful
Many thanks to all who contributed.
gondola1988 If you drilled a 3/8 hole for the throw bar there may not be enough room for it to move, also make sure you have the tortoise centered and square with the turnout. I drilled 1/2 holes so i had enough room for movement and changed the wire out with the heavier piano wire. Might be something else to check before you get to far ahead. jim.
While that is good advise in general, the OP said it works OK if he doesn't use the DS64.