I have a few questions as to how to set up the Digitrax components to work together without smoking either.I own a DCS 200 that I wish to control my layout with and an older DCS 100 (with speaker type connectors) that I'd like to use as an automatic reversing module.Both are tested and run beautiful.However,all the instructions I found is that the DCS 100 can be made an automatic reverser quite easily but only when mated with either a DB 100 or DB 150 booster,in wich case the DCS 100 becomes the command station.Obviously not what I want since I have a more versatile DCS 200 for this task.So my question is...how do I set up the DCS 100 so that it acts simply as a reversing booster and not interfere with the DCS 200's digital control.
Digitrax recommands that when you use one or more boosters,each one should have its own power supply.Does anyone know why?Is it a matter of input polarities that need matching?Or is it simply to avoid total shut down in the advent of power supply failure?I have a power supply that has more than sufficient power to handle both the DCS 100 and DCS 200 together on separately fused circuits.Why can't I do this?
My DCS 100 is an older version (still new never really used) so doesn't have all the functions that the DCS 200 has (I believe it's five compared to twelve).So,if it can be made a booster under the DCS200 management,will it convey all the DCS 200 functions to the layout or does it need to be upgraded?I will have it done if necessary but would rather not if not really required.
I've searched all the Digitrax booklets I have on hand with these items but since this kind of setup wasn't planned by Digitrax,there is no definite instruction for it.It may be impossible but I'd like to have them working together as I have them on hand and wouldn't have to invest any more on another booster.Thanks.
Jacktal I have a few questions as to how to set up the Digitrax components to work together without smoking either.I own a DCS 200 that I wish to control my layout with and an older DCS 100 (with speaker type connectors) that I'd like to use as an automatic reversing module.Both are tested and run beautiful.However,all the instructions I found is that the DCS 100 can be made an automatic reverser quite easily but only when mated with either a DB 100 or DB 150 booster,in wich case the DCS 100 becomes the command station.Obviously not what I want since I have a more versatile DCS 200 for this task.So my question is...how do I set up the DCS 100 so that it acts simply as a reversing booster and not interfere with the DCS 200's digital control. Digitrax recommands that when you use one or more boosters,each one should have its own power supply.Does anyone know why?Is it a matter of input polarities that need matching?Or is it simply to avoid total shut down in the advent of power supply failure?I have a power supply that has more than sufficient power to handle both the DCS 100 and DCS 200 together on separately fused circuits.Why can't I do this? My DCS 100 is an older version (still new never really used) so doesn't have all the functions that the DCS 200 has (I believe it's five compared to twelve).So,if it can be made a booster under the DCS200 management,will it convey all the DCS 200 functions to the layout or does it need to be upgraded?I will have it done if necessary but would rather not if not really required. I've searched all the Digitrax booklets I have on hand with these items but since this kind of setup wasn't planned by Digitrax,there is no definite instruction for it.It may be impossible but I'd like to have them working together as I have them on hand and wouldn't have to invest any more on another booster.Thanks.
To change a DCS100 to booster only, you must close OpSw02 . To also make it an autoreversing unit close OpSw03. Download the SuperChief manual and go to page 117 for the DCS100 configuration options. You can run both boosters on the same power supply with separate fuses. Most folks don't have a 10A power supply. Digitrax makes the PS2012 that can power up to 4 boosters in the exact configuration you are describing. I have a DCS100 and 2 additional boosters and use separate supplies but that is because I was planning to separate them by a distance.
Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/
Thanks very much for the answer.I had seen the OpSw 02 but was scared to try it as it is one of the OpSw that has the "Do not change" mentionned pretty clearly.Since I consider the Digitrax techs to be much smarter than I in this field,I was hesitating to say the least.Thanks again.
In addition to closing Op Switches 2 and 3, I suggest changing the CMOS battery in that DCS100. It's a 2032 coin cell battery that can be obtained at many locations. I've even found them in the local CVS. A fresh battery will keep those settings for you when the power supply is turned off. A dead battery will cause the DCS100 to power up with its default Op Switch settings.
Martin Myers
Digitrax also sells the 'BOOSTERTERM' that will upgrade you to the current connection type. The 'extra' function options avauilable on newer DCS100/200 command stations can be had with a mail-in factory upgrade(about $50, IIRC) I have never done this because I could really care less about being able to control all of this extra 'sound' features.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Thanks again for your kind answers gentlemen.I have tried it and it works great.I haven't tested the "reversing" yet but the DCS100 does operate as a booster.Locos keep going when I short the DCS200 powered track so that says it all.As far as the number of functions that the DCS100 has,I believe it is irrelevant in this case as the DCS100's digital control is therefore in "sleep mode" and doesn't control the layout in any way so every function that the DCS200 has (I think it's twelve) should work on the DCS100 booster controlled tracks just the same.To be tested but since I have only one active sound loco that may not have all its sounds within the return loops doesn't worry me any way.
JacktalMy DCS 100 is an older version (still new never really used) so doesn't have all the functions that the DCS 200 has (I believe it's five compared to twelve).So,if it can be made a booster under the DCS200 management,will it convey all the DCS 200 functions to the layout or does it need to be upgraded?