I currently use a db150 as a command station for my layout. I am thinking about getting a dcs 100 and using the 150 as a booster. What are the beniifits of using a dcs 100 over db150 they are priced conciderably higher than the db150. Also i am getting to the point on my layout in which i want to do a little more with my dcc my wiring on my layout is not really blocked off. The rails are but not the wires that lead to the busses. If i were to put a diagram of my layout on a forum would anyone be ok with helping me figure out the best way to wire my layout? I am learning but have a long way to go. it seems there is no end to what you can do these days with dcc. Thanks Scooter
Through the mountains not over them Moffat/ frontrange
Scooter
The DCS100/200 Command Station has a separate Programming output that can be used even when the layout is running!
It has 120 slots so you can run more than the 22 limit on the DB150
There are a number other things but these are probably the most impotant
The DB150 makes a great Booster!
BOB H - Clarion, PA
120 simultaneous locos vs 22, fast clock, routes, and a dedicated program track with readback are the main differences.
You can get most of the features, but still with the 22 loco limit, by using a Zephyr Xtra as the command station.
OR you could get a PR3, this will interface your computer to the DB150 for control and setup PLUS it can also hook to an isolated piece of track to do read/wrtie programming.
If you have no need to run more than 20 or so locos at one time, there's not much point in buying a DCS100. If your layout will host lots of operators and you can have that many trains running at the same time, then it might be worth it.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
The benefits of the DCS100 over the DB150 is that the DCS100 has more slots, and it has provisions for a stand-alone programming track with readback.
As far as wiring your layout, you first have to decide what you want to do. Then you can ask specific questions, such as, "I want to do XX using component YY, and I have "this question" (whatever it might be) about how to wire it."
The DB150 will program to a specific loco on the main. You just need to select Ops mode when selecting a programming mode (Po on the DT402). Ops mode will only program tot he selected address. Any OTHER program mode on a DB150 WILL program every loco sitting on the track.
I had a similar question which I posed to Digitrax Tech staff, they recommended that I use the DB150 as the main with a PM42 to subdivide for zones and then use the standard Zephyr for programming and running a separte zone such as the yards. This works for me, it might work for you too.
Kay.Div. use the DB150 as the main with a PM42 to subdivide for zones and then use the standard Zephyr for programming and running a separte zone such as the yards
use the DB150 as the main with a PM42 to subdivide for zones and then use the standard Zephyr for programming and running a separte zone such as the yards
I've heard that if you do this there will be a speed change as your locos cross from the DB 150 controlled zone into the Zephyr controlled zone due to their different voltage outputs. Anyone have experience with this?
Dean
30 years 1:1 Canadian Pacific.....now switching in HO
Depends on the voltage setting on the DB150. The HO setting on the DB150 is about 2 volts higher than the Zephyr's fixed output. So there will be a slight speed change. For that reason, my layout is powered soley by the DB150, my Zephyr's track output runs my stationary decoders.
rrinker Depends on the voltage setting on the DB150. The HO setting on the DB150 is about 2 volts higher than the Zephyr's fixed output. So there will be a slight speed change. For that reason, my layout is powered soley by the DB150, my Zephyr's track output runs my stationary decoders. --Randy Thanks Randy, I might go that route as well, or use a Tam Valley booster for my stationary decoders and run the layout with my Zephyr. I'll only be running six or eight stationary decoders and one to three locos.
Thanks Randy, I might go that route as well, or use a Tam Valley booster for my stationary decoders and run the layout with my Zephyr. I'll only be running six or eight stationary decoders and one to three locos.
I mostly run alot of main lines because my layout is all modern. I have a few siding and industry but not enough to justify a whoile other conrtol unit for it. I also run a lot of sound on my layout and need a good amount of amps. might spend the money on the dcs100. i have heard the pm42 is a good idea because it helps keep an even voltage to your layout.
PM42 does nothing to balance voltages, the track power simply flows in and out via relay contacts. What it DOES do is prevent a short in one section of your layout from shutting down the whole thing. Only the area controlled by the breaker section feeding the short will shut down, the rest will keep working.
Here is a rough sketch of my layout and the wiring. I have 2 psx-ar on my layout one for the whole top loop and one for the bottom loop at the end of the double mainline run. So i actually kind of three different main buss lines. One for the top loop, bottom loop and in between the 2 psx-ar i believe. At this point i have all rails connected directly to the buss about every 8-12 feet. I have 2 DS64 so far i need one more yet but they are connected to the main buss lines one on the top loop buss and the other on the middle buss. I guess here is my question if i have 2 psx-ar units on my layout and the power is routed through the psxar how do i go about blocking off different sections of my layout for ect the double main on the upper level block one of those lines off so when i go to eventually put in sensors for running my layout through the computer it will identify an occuppied block so a train does not enter that section of track? Also since my ds64 is connected to the main buss and loconet will it send power to sections that should be blocked off even if the switch is off for that block. I know im probably making things and sounding more complicated than it is. I'm just trying to understand how all these electronic work. If you have any good ideas on how to automate my layout so i could use the pr3 to run my layout and set up routes, it would be appreciated. Thanks<a href="http://s1227.photobucket.com/user/scooter20555/media/upperandlower0002.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee425/scooter20555/upperandlower0002.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo upperandlower0002.jpg"/></a><a href="http://s1227.photobucket.com/user/scooter20555/media/upperandlower0001.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee425/scooter20555/upperandlower0001.jpg" border="0" alt="lower layout photo upperandlower0001.jpg"/></a>