Potomac Module Crew's Railroad Shop
Potomac Module Crew's Railroad Shop - DCC Booster Notes
This page contain list of topics dealing with Digitrax boosters, throttles and loconet items including setups.
Some of the information may seem out dated but some people are still using parts of the systems simple because it works.
- Digitrax Command Stations and Boosters:
- Digitrax Throttles:
- Digitrax Loconet:
- Digitrax Auxiliary deviecs (DS54, etc):
- Java Model Railroad Interface (JMRI):
Digitrax Command Stations and Boosters:
Digitrax DCS100 OPSW Settings:
First things first. Record your current OPSW setting for before doing else.
Now on to goodies:
1- OPSW setting do stop currently at OPSW #47. However, any thing above OPSW #47 is not used at present (July 1998).
2- When it say '-reserved- DO NOT CHANGE' , it means exactly that. Which is why you need to record all the setting. But...there is one exception: when you want to use DCS100 as a plain booster.
3- If you run more than 10 locomotives at a time and/or do locomotives change out frequently, set OPSW#44 to 'c'. This expands the refresh slot from 22 to 120.
4- To make a second Chief just a booster, change OPSW#02 to 'c'. Make note of change on the unit.
If you need a copy of the default settings, click here. The file is MS Excel 6.0 (.XLS) and includes the PMC setting.
OR
You can view it on-line and print: DCS100 OPSW
Digitrax Startup and Shutdown processor for two or more boosters
- When powering up the system, always power the master station booster first followed by seconded booster unit. Keep the master station booster in Sleep mode time all booster are powered up.
- When powering down the system, always put the master station booster in Sleep mode first, then power down the second booster first then master station booster.
- Failure to follow the above process results in no track power from either booster even thou the light indicate power to the track.
- You can have two or more DCS100 online. However, the second and above DSC100 must be set to booster mode. See item listed as "Setting Digitrax DCS100 to Booster mode" This is not listed in the manual of 1/97.
Setting Digitrax DCS100 to Booster mode
To set master station to booster mode:
1- Make sure you have recorded your current settings.
2- Change OPSW #02 to 'c' (close). This will set the booster into normal booster mode.
3- Change OPSW #03 to 'c' (close). This will set the booster into non-auto-reveser if need.
4- Change OPSW #05 to 't' (thrown). This will set the booster into normal booster mode.
5- Make note of change to the unit so you know you have change it.
6- Turn off power to the DCS100 and wait 30 seconds.
7- Connect loconet to DCS100 then power up the unit.
To set booster mode to master station:
1- Power down the DSC100 and wait 30 seconds.
2- Disconnect the Loconet.
3- Power up the DSC100 unit.
4- Change OPSW #02 to 't' (thrown). This will set the booster into master booster mode.
5- Change OPSW #02 to 't' (thrown). This will set the booster into auto-reverser if need.
6- Change OPSW #02 to 'c' (close). This will set the booster into command station mode.
7- Remove the note for the change to normal booster.
8- Turn off power to the DCS100 and wait 30 seconds.
9- Connect loconet to DCS100 then power up the unit.
Operational setup from NRMRC (NTRAK)
North Raleigh Model Railroad Club (NTRAK) has posted at thier web site the expericance of using DCC on a large N-Scale layout.
They have some good and a list of do's and don'ts. Most items listed at their web page, PMC have dealt with in the past.
However, there are some items worth doing for future show inlcuding using dual Loconet -- one for UP-3 and throttles, the other for booster only, and check list for system startup.
Click here to see the items: Operating with Digital Command Control on NTRAK Layouts.
PMC's Digitrax DCS100 failure at June 6, 1998 show
PMC's Digitrax Chief failure that occur on June 6, 1998 was caused by a lose ribbon cable which connects the two circuit boards inside the Chief's case.
This problems has been in the making for at least year or more.
Some of the problems that show up where: 1) lost engines from hand controllers, 2) engines move without commands being sent, 3) lost of track power even though the indicator shows track power and 4) hand controls act funny in that they lose connect with master and dim then come back to life.
The cause to the problem was the unit was been missed handle during transportation between shows.
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Digitrax Throttles:
Digitrax DT-200 minor problem (Predate 1997)
Old DT-200 (before mid 1997) have a minor problem when used with DT-100's and Chief system.
It does not affect any operation but can be annoy when you look at the LCD Data Display.
It flash in odd manner with no sense.
The only way to check to problem is to open DT-200 but that will void your warranty unless your past it.
However, if you do open, check the chip with large hand painted letters.
Known bad chips are HJ, HH, to possible HA.
Any chip with HK and higher (HL, HM, etc.) are OK.
This information given above was confirm through sources I can not reveal.
Digitrax DT-100 Throttle knob control lost problem and fix
This problem had shown up in the Digitrax list group in November 1999 and at our show.
The signs of problems, even after the knob is tighten (see below) is lack of response in the knob, you turn down while it turns up monumental then down and no response.
The problem is in the potentiometers unit itself which will require replacement.
It is best to sent the unit back to Digitrax for repair and you may need to pay for it.
An other solution that has surface recently is to replace the unit your self.
Stay tune, I will have more on this item.
Digitrax DT-100 and DT-100R Throttle lose knob problem and fix
This problem is common on our group with DT-100 mostly and few DT-100R.
The fix is to get hex wrench (size XX) and tie the nut backup.
Some of the problems result from manhandling, transportation between show and the temperature changes in the setups.
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Digitrax Loconet:
Setting up Loconet with more then two booster and UP-3's:
Coming soon... some day... maybe...
UT-1, Loconet and UP-3 power problem and solution:
The UT-1 throttle has no battery internal and relies on the Loconet for it's power.
However, the Loconet is design to carry some power current, but it can be over extent.
This results in a drop of voltage that is need for the UT-1 which in turn cause the UT-1 to lose it's mind or at least the locomotive your where controlling.
One solution that would to use the UP-3 external track connect which does solve the power drop in the Loconet.
However, there is one major draw back on this method in that if there is a track short, even one spit second, this also knock off UT-1.
The best solution and the one strongly recommend is to use the 12v plug-in on the UP-3.
This solution get around the problem above and provides a reliable sources of power.
This solution will power at least 3 UP-3 in a row.
Cable make-up guide:
Coming soon... some day... maybe...
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Digitrax Auxiliary deviecs (DS54, etc):
Open:
Coming soon... some day... maybe...
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Java Model Railroad Interface (JMRI):
Open:
Coming soon... some day... maybe...
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