I have 7 DS64 switch controllers on my layout and they work great. All programmed to the switch #s. I built a little Christmas tree layout with five turnouts. So I ordered two DS64 swithc controllers. Not available because they have been upgraded to DS74.
So I got two DS74s. Following the direrctions to press and hold the ID button for 3 sec and the two lights blink alternately like they are supposed to do. I enter Select Accy then the switch address and the enter and then 1 or 2. According to the DS74 directs, the alternating lights should stop blinking and the four switch addresses will be programmed sequencially from the number I entered.
The Lights don't stop blinking therefore the settinngs didn't take effect. The DS74s both work however from the factory they are set to 1 2 3 4 in a reverse order...strange. the Powewr Cab controls the switches with the same process as to program the DS74. But since neither DS74 accepted the base switch address, when I select sw 1, both DS74s throw two different switches.
So the Power Cab works with the DS74 but you can't set the base switch address. I did the digitrax ticket email and their response was a quote from the directions! so I resonded and they said they don't know NCE equipment to call them! NCE said that if the Power Cab was controlling the switches and the same commands are used to set the base switch address, then it is Digitrax issue!
UGH!
Any help out there?
Dan
Dan to the forum. You are under moderation until the management is sure you aren't selling Borat's sister, which is not long.
Can't help you with your problem but the groups.io NCE group is usually helpful. I don't know how many people in that group mixes and matches with Digitrax, but that and the Digitrax group is another option for you, if no one can help here.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Hello All,
According to the review of the Digitrax DS74 in the January 2022 Model Railroader magazine; pg 60-61, this unit uses the Digitrax LocoNet protocol.
LocoNet is a proprietary protocol to Digitrax.
Unfortunately, other DCC systems that don't use Loco Net can't activate this unit.
Paragraph five states:
"Is a DS74 right for you? If you don't have a Digitrax system or LocoNet emulator, the ability to line routes across multiple accessory decoders isn't available to you. The DS74 sends turnout commands for other turnouts over LocoNet."
NCE does not use LocoNet.
Your option would be to research a LocoNet emulator.
Sorry to be the "Bobby Bummer"!
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
jjdamnitUnfortunately, other DCC systems that don't use Loco Net can't activate this unit.
That is incorrect. The DS74 can receive commands from the track without the use of Loconet.
jjdamnitParagraph five states: "Is a DS74 right for you? If you don't have a Digitrax system or LocoNet emulator, the ability to line routes across multiple accessory decoders isn't available to you. The DS74 sends turnout commands for other turnouts over LocoNet."
For routes to operate across multiple units, they have to be ble to talk to each other. They can't do that through the DCC track bus, so they have to have Loconet. That doesn't affect routes on a single DS74 or DS74s not using routes.
CSX RobertFor routes to operate across multiple units, they have to be able to talk to each other. They can't do that through the DCC track bus, so they have to have Loconet. That doesn't affect routes on a single DS74 or DS74s not using routes.
Do you have a solution?
Or, do you just want to criticize...
jjdamnitDo you have a solution?
No.
jjdamnitOr, do you just want to criticize...
I did not critize anyone, I just corrected some wrong information.
What CSX Robert stated is correct, and is the same way cascaded routes work on the older DS64's.
When a DS64 or DS74 route is triggered, and it cascades to the address(es) on another DS64/DS74, those commands are relayed via LocoNet, NOT via packets on the track.
So while you may be able to program a DS64/DS74 without using LocoNet, you cannot use cascaded routes without it.
(As an aside, for the DS64's at least, powering them via track power is really not recommended because a "noisy" track signal, from shorts or whatever, tends to cause them to lose their programming. I'm not sure if that also applies to the DS74's, probably because they're new enough on the market there isn't enough of a user base yet. But that's why all my DS64's are powered by a dedicated 12VDC bus instead of track power. They (and my cascaded routes) all work just fine!)
I know you can't do routing. I don't need digitrax routing NCE does it through the cab. The DS64 allows the NCE set the switch addresses, the DS74 doesn't appear to. That's the problem!
I guess I didn't word my issue correctly! I know that digitrax doesn't allow routing unless you have their loconet! Don't care about routes!
the issue is trying to set the base switch address in the DS74! They are set from the factory at 1,2,3,4. The new DS74 has you set your base address, for instance: 5. So the next three switch addresses would be 6,7, and 8. This has nothing to do with routes!
I have two DS74 controllers on a simple figure 8 for Christmas. I want one DS74 set as per factory of 1,2,3,and 4. I want the second DS74 set to 5,6,7, and 8. This has nothing to do with setting up routes!
so when I select switch 1, two different turnouts switch because both DS74s are set to 1,2,3,and 4! I don't know how else to explain this
Find someone with a Digitrax system and a DT602 updated to SubVersion 5.0 or higher, or a July 2021 or later IPL. Take one of the DS74s to them and they can program new addresses following the Digitrax documentation.
Lee