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Bachmann EZ Track Turnouts

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  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: US
  • 971 posts
Bachmann EZ Track Turnouts
Posted by alloboard on Sunday, November 11, 2012 9:57 AM

     How can one wire and integrate a Bachmann EZ track turnout in to a Digitrax DCC system. I have a DB150 with a DT402D duplex radio throttle, and a DS-64 switch controller. This system is connected to my PC via the Digitrax PR3. Should I buy a separate turnout switch machine or can I integrate the Bachmann EZ track turnout and their switch controllers into my DCC system. I did not see any instructions on converting to DCC in any of my Digitrax manuals or the Bachmann EZ track manual. I did simply connect my Bachmann EZ track via metal track connectors as one would connect the tracks, but how would I wire the 3 wire green cable into my DCC system? There was also a short circuit on the Bachmann EZ track switch itself, so I had it electrically isolate it with rubber track connectors Should I simply purchase a stationary DCC decoder or wire it into my Digitrax DS-64. If so how will I wire it? The manual that came wit it describes wiring to seperate switch machines only. I searched this site on wiring Bachmann EZ tracks to DCC and I did not find anything yet. What should I do?

  • Member since
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  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Sunday, November 11, 2012 5:31 PM

The turnout you have is one of the older ones and wasn't made to be operated via DCC. It is possible to wire it to a capacitance discharge switch and have a stationary decoder operate that. It's still being operated the way it was meant to be operated, just a DCC system is tripping the capacitance discharge switch.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
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  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: US
  • 971 posts
Posted by alloboard on Monday, November 12, 2012 6:32 PM

     I appreciate your help. You must be right regarding the older Bachmann EZ track switch. The turnout came with a wired push button switch which activates the turnout. Is that the capacitance discharge switch, or would I have to purchase that separately. How will I wire the capacitance discharge switch to a DCC decoder or my Digitrax DS-64. Will I trip the capacitance discharge switch by using the switch function on the Digitrax DT402D throttle?

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Monday, November 12, 2012 6:43 PM

 The three wires from the Bachmann turnout will connect directly to one of the outputs of the DS64. The DS64 has a capacitive discharge supply built in. You will need to program the DS64 for solenoid turnouts. FOr best operation the DS64 should be powered with an auxiliary power supply, like a PS14, as shown in the instructions.

           --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: US
  • 971 posts
Posted by alloboard on Monday, November 12, 2012 7:09 PM

     You've helped me out allot thanks so much. My DS-64 is powered by the PS14. So I should cut of the black terminal plug at the end of the three wire green cable and connect it straight to my DS-64.

  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Monday, November 12, 2012 7:36 PM

alloboard
So I should cut of the black terminal plug at the end of the three wire green cable and connect it straight to my DS-64.

That would work.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
15 year veteran fire fighter
Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 6:58 AM

 I don't know how Bachmann identifies the wires in the 3 wire cable, but Atlas ones, the center is the common wire. Each DS64 output has 3 terminals, one for each direction plus a common.If it's hooked up wrong, the turnout will operate in one direction but not go back, it won;t break anything. If it works in both directions, but is backwards, flip the outer two wires.

             --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    February 2014
  • 17 posts
Posted by Teufel Hund on Sunday, April 27, 2014 8:33 PM

Thanks! You answered my question too!

  • Member since
    November 2013
  • 1 posts
Posted by KENNETH H COLE on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 5:52 PM

I have four of the older double track crossover switches and one of them shorts out my dcc when running across one of the frogs with a centipede tender from rivarossi, none of the others do this, any ideas how to fix problem. Switches are powered by DS64 digitrax controllers. Have had no problems from any other engines or tenders.

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