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Digitrax DS64 - does it 'forget' the programmed addresses?

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  • Member since
    July 2008
  • 1,206 posts
Posted by mfm37 on Saturday, November 27, 2021 8:29 AM

I have a couple of DS64's mounted on NTRAK modules that are stored in a shed subject to the prevailing temps of the MidAtlantic area. They remembered their settings. Recently they were in the Mid Eastern Region NMRA convention after sitting for 1 1/2 years due to the pandemic/ Their settings were still set as programmed.

da1
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Alberta, Canada
  • 219 posts
Posted by da1 on Friday, November 26, 2021 10:04 AM

This is a testiment to the stability of the tech we use.

When I restart the train-room my biggest tech issues are forced updates of the PC running JMRI for layout automation, and updates of an old tablet used as a wireless throttle.  Those two device pretty much claimed my first evening back.

D

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • 2,572 posts
Posted by John-NYBW on Friday, November 26, 2021 8:47 AM

da1

Another data point.

My layout sits idle and unpowered May-Nov.  When I turn it on all the digital devices wake up remembering who they were last May.

The Layout is controlled by a Digitrax DCS100 and DB150 booster.

The I/O devices are Digitrax DS64 (7), Team Digital SRC16 (3), Team Digital BlocD8 (2) and RRCirkits TC MkII (1).  All I/O devices are separately powered by wall-worts connected to the layout master ON-OFF switch.  The TC MkII is new last year, but all other devices have functioned without issue for a decade.

For what it's worth, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Dwayne A

 

I'm pretty much in the same situation and I don't lose my addresses after the long layoff. I think I remember one time I had to reprogram a loco's address but I can't remember which one it was or what kind of decoder was in it. 

The biggest issue for me after the long layoff is cleaning the track, vacuuming the mouse droppings, and repairing other damage the little critters have done. I use mouse bait during the cold weather months but I just don't get in the habit of doing it in the summer when I rarely go down to the basement. I should get down there and run the trains once or twice a month but I just don't get around to it. 

  • Member since
    January 2021
  • 32 posts
Posted by Oldngrey on Thursday, November 25, 2021 6:12 PM

'da1': Sounds encouraging. I shan't worry then. Non issue....
I use a dedicated Meanwell power supply for all my DS64 and soon another 9 DS74's. I just figured all those darned 'wall worts' would be a nuisance. :)

da1
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Alberta, Canada
  • 219 posts
Posted by da1 on Thursday, November 25, 2021 10:18 AM

Another data point.

My layout sits idle and unpowered May-Nov.  When I turn it on all the digital devices wake up remembering who they were last May.

The Layout is controlled by a Digitrax DCS100 and DB150 booster.

The I/O devices are Digitrax DS64 (7), Team Digital SRC16 (3), Team Digital BlocD8 (2) and RRCirkits TC MkII (1).  All I/O devices are separately powered by wall-worts connected to the layout master ON-OFF switch.  The TC MkII is new last year, but all other devices have functioned without issue for a decade.

For what it's worth, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Dwayne A

  • Member since
    January 2021
  • 32 posts
Posted by Oldngrey on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 9:27 PM

I don't use track power either, but then again, I've never been in a position where I've left the power off to the entire layout for 2 weeks!

Yeah, losing the SE8Cs would be the ultimate bad day.

  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: From Golden, CO living in Puyallup (Seattle), WA
  • 751 posts
Posted by Renegade1c on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 8:06 PM

I have never personally experienced this and I have 7 DS64's on my layout. I do, however, power them from an external power supply and not from the DCC bus. 

I have heard that they tend to lose thier programming when powered from the DCC bus. 

I can't speak for the BDL-168 because I do not use it. I use RR cirkits products for block detection. 

I do have two SE8c's on the layout and niether have ever lost their programming. that would be an a PITA to fix if they did lose their progamming. 

Again all my devices are powered from external sources and not from DCC power.

I do use the Acculites breakout boards as well and they are a lifesaver. 


Colorado Front Range Railroad: 
http://www.coloradofrontrangerr.com/

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  • Member since
    January 2021
  • 32 posts
Digitrax DS64 - does it 'forget' the programmed addresses?
Posted by Oldngrey on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 7:28 PM

As the topic says, does the Digitrax DS64 (and any other products they sell like the BDL168) lose their programmed IDs, addresses and CVs?

I saw a YouTube vid that said that if you didn't power them for more than a couple of weeks, they could/would lose their addresses. 

I had always assume config variables would be stored in non-volatile memory. I haven't seen anywhere else mention this as an issue, so wondered if anyone here had experience of this happening.

Thanks.

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