Digitrax Products

Summary: A listing of Digitrax products

Digitrax

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Local Home Page Products (Multifunction Decoders) Comparison of Throttles FAQ Misc Hints Digitrax Transponding

This list is by no means a complete and comprehensive list.

Starter Sets

Current Products

• Digitrax Zephyr Express Basic Set - DCS52 Command Station/Booster (3 Amp)/Throttle Easy to Use All-In-One Unit, LT1 LocoNet Cable/Decoder Tester, Complete Manuals, For all scales
• Evolution Advanced Premium Set DT500 IR Ready Throttle, DCS210 Command Station/Booster, UP5 Universal Panel, LT1 LocoNet Cable/Decoder Tester, Complete Manuals, with PS615 power supply. For all scales
• Evolution Advanced Duplex Premium Set DT500 Duplex Radio Throttle, DCS210 Command Station/Booster, UR92 Duplex Receiver Panel with PS14 power supply, LT1 LocoNet Cable/Decoder Tester, Complete Manuals, with PS615 power supply. For all scales
• Evolution Express Advanced Premium Set DT602 IR Ready Throttle, DCS210+ Command Station/Booster, UP5 Universal Panel, LT1 LocoNet Cable/Decoder Tester, Complete Manuals, with PS615 power supply. For all scales
• Evolution Express Advanced Duplex Premium Set DT602 Duplex Radio Throttle, DCS210+ Command Station/Booster, UR93 Duplex Receiver Panel with PS14 power supply, LT1 LocoNet Cable/Decoder Tester, Complete Manuals, with PS615 power supply. For all scales

Retired Sets

Main article: Digitrax Products/Retired Starter Sets

Chronology

• Challenger, 1993
  • The First Digitrax DCC System. Demonstrated at the 1993 NMRA Convention.
  • Digitrax Challenger with Version F Software was the first DCC system to receive an NMRA Conformance Warrant.
• Big Boy, 1994
• Chief, 1996
• Genesis and Empire Builder: 1998
• Challenger and Big Boy are retired at this time
• Zephyr, 2002
• Retirement of the Genesis (Replaced by the Zephyr)
• Zephyr Xtra, 2015
• Zephyr Express, 2019
• Evolution Advanced with DCS210, 2016

Comparison of Digitrax starter sets

Command Stations

Starter sets come with a command station, see the appropriate starter set for details on the command stations.

DCS 240

The DCS 240 Advanced Command Station isn't part of a starter set.

• Three LocoNet ports
• Supports up to 400 slots and 400 throttles, full read and write programming, route capacity, USB connection and separate programming track connections.
• Five or Eight Amp output depending in power supply.
• EZ Routes and Loco Reset
• Integrated USB connection for use with computers.
• Two and Four digit addressing, up to 9999 addresses, 30 functions available.
• Automatic shutdown if command control signal is lost to prevent runaways.

The programming outputs on the DCS240 do not require a programming track booster for sound decoders.

DCS210

This Command Station/Booster is obsolete. See the DCS210+ entry below. It is part of the Evolution Advanced starter set.

Features (DCS210/DCS210+)

• Three LocoNet ports
• Full LocoNet Capabilities: Easy plug ‘n' play installation and system expansion
• Run up to 100 locos and 100 throttles in command station mode.
• Provides additional power in booster mode.
• Intelligent Auto Reversing Booster.
• Read/Write programming with CV readback.
• Two DCC outputs.
• Built in 5/8 Amp Digital Command Control Booster.
• Many options are user customizable.
• Pushbutton Routes & Clear Loco Stack.
• Over temperature & short circuit protection, auto reset.
• N, HO, and large-scale layouts with custom voltage trim
• Track Status indicator shows voltage and signal type (DCC or “Zero Stretch” Analog Signal for conventional operation.)
• Stabilized Track Drive Output.
• Over Voltage Protected.
• Auto shutdown on signal loss to prevent “runaway” trains

Note

The DCS210 command station does not have a USB interface.

DCS210+

This command station replaces the DCS210, which is identical except for the addition of the PR3/PR4 capabilities and a USB interface. It also features increased power on the programming outputs, like the DCS240 and DCS52.

It is only available as part of a set.

Retired Digitrax Command Stations

DCS100

The DCS100 is a combination DCC Command Station & 5A Booster. Support up to 120 locos and 120 throttles (See slots). Full read/ write programming, route capability, and a separate programming output: run and program at the same time.

The DCS100 was the base command station/booster for the Chief, Super Chief/Super Chief Xtra sets. Introduced with the Chief set in 1996, it was the first Digitrax integrated Command Station/Booster.

DCS200

Eight Amp version of the DCS100

DCS50

Digitrax Zephyr Command station and booster. 2.5A output. (Retired in 2010 when the DCS51 replaced it.)

Great for upgrading your basic LocoNet system.

Boosters

DCS50

Uses

The DCS50 is a basic All-in-One booster. You use the DCS50 as a booster to power the decoders.

Features/Capabilities

1. Throttle/Command Station/Booster All-in-One
2. 1 LT1 LocoNet/Decoder Tester
3. Approximate size: 7.25" x 5.5" x 2.75"
4. Ten slots
5. 2/4 Digit Addressing
6. 2.5 Amps - 12V - Safe for N/HO scale
7. 2 Jump ^TM Ports
8. 9983 Locomotive Addresses
9. 999 Switch Addresses
10. And More...

Note: The DCS50 and DCS51 are superseded by the newer DCS52

Official Website

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_boost_dcs50.php

DB150

Uses

The DB150 is a command station/Booster.

Features/Capabilities

1. Command Station/Booster
2. 5 Amps
3. Twenty two slots
4. And More!

Official Website

DB150

DB200 Plus

1. Eight Amp output
2. Auto Reverse
3. No command station capability

DB200 OPTO

Opto-isolated version of the DB200 plus. For use on common rail wiring.

1. Eight Amp output
2. Auto Reverse
3. No command station capability

Retired Boosters

• DB100, 5A booster, 1995 (1st generation)
• DB100A, Auto Reversing version, 1998 (2nd)
• DB100+, similar to the DB100, with auto reversing, 1999. Third Generation of the DB100, shipped with Big Boy set.
• DB99: Early booster, discontinued in 1995.

Throttles

Digitrax offers a number of throttles with a variety of features. Some throttles are included with a starter set, but can be purchased by themselves as well.

Main article: Digitrax Products/Digitrax Throttles

Retired Throttles

Main article: Digitrax Products/Digitrax Throttles - Retired

• 

  UT1

• 

  DCS50 Zephyr

See the Digitrax website for all the details on current and retired products.

Mobile Decoders

Please see the Digitrax Mobile Decoders page for a complete list of mobile decoders.

Accessory Decoders

Debating which accessory decoder is for you? Check out the Digitrax Stationary Decoders page for tips, suggestions, and comparisons.

DS78V

DS78V Stationary Servo Decoder

Eight 9G servo decoder for 2-position slow-motion turnouts.

• Configurable to control eight 3-position semaphores.
• 16 System Routes, with EZ-Route setup.
• Routes remotely editable using DT602 with latest software.
• 16 input lines for Switch and Detection inputs.
• Supports two DSXC4 input connector boards and cables.
• Supports two BD4N’s for block detection reporting.
• Supports 8 DSXCP1 Fascia control and direction indicators.
• Supports DSXCP1 indicating ‘servo in motion’.
• Optional DCC track input for limited feature capabilities.

DSXSV9

9G mini servo system for turnout or motion control.

• DS78V Instructions
• DSXS9V Instructions

DS74

Quad Switch Stationary Decoder

The DS74 is a new product.

• Solenoid or Slow-motion turnouts.
• Configurable for on/off control of 8 layout lights.
• Plug and play wire connectors.
• Works with compatible LocoNet Systems.
• Stabilized and adjustable output voltages.
• Option switches for configuration.
• On-layout programmability via LocoNet.
• 8 Routes
• Routes directly editable
• 8 Switch and Detection inputs.
• Firmware updateable

The DS74 can only drive one Tortoise or similar turnout motor per output.

DS64

The DS64 Accessory Decoder allows you to install and operate your turnouts directly through any DCC system that has turnout control. The DS64 can operate various turnout motors - solenoid turnout machines to slow motion motors. A summary of the features:

• Operates four turnouts.
  

  DS64 mounted under layout, driving 8 slow motion machines
  • Slow motion machines. Can drive up to 2 per output
  • Solenoid (snap) machines
• Switch inputs for turnout control
• LocoNet Control
• Integral capacitor discharge.
• Operates from track power or a separate power supply.
• Buffered switch inputs.

DS44

Although this may be Digitrax's lowest cost accessory decoder, it still packs a punch for those needing turnout control for slow motion machines. Summary of features:

• Control 4 slow motion turnout machines from your DCC throttle.
• Quick set up for sequential addresses (like the DS54)
• Independent address set up also available (you can choose any stationary address for each turnout machine)

DS51K1

Decoder for single Kato Unitrack turnouts. Recommended for HO scale.

SE8C Signal Decoder

The SE8C can drive as many as 32 signal heads with many popular LED signal types.

It can also be used to control up to 8 slow motion turnout machines as either turnout control or control for semaphore type signals.

Power Management

PM4

PM4 PCB. Four relays, one per channel. Card edge connector behind relays connects the PCB via an edge connector (not shown)

Power manager, 4 outputs, each output can function as an auto reverse module or circuit breaker (not both). It can be supplied by multiple boosters, or only one. Various parameters can be altered, including trip current for the circuit breaker.

This unit requires some patience soldering all the wires to the edge connector. Amendment: HO Scale rail joiners can be soldered to the wires making up the harness. The rail joiners may then be slipped onto the solder tails of the card edge connector and soldered in place. Slipping heat shrink tubing over the joint will protect it from accidental shorts and cross-connections.

Mounting the unit requires #5 or smaller screws, or the edge connector can be mounted and the card inserted. Amendment: If the card edge connector is cross-drilled at the mounting flanges and attached to the face of a board or panel, the screw should pass through a 3/16" spacer sandwiched between the screw mount end of the PM4 and the mounting surface. This should be used to keep the board level in the connector and not strain the contacts unevenly.

Auto Reversers

Digtrax offers the AR1 for auto reversing in reverse loops.

The Digitrax BXPA1 is a LocoNet Auto reverser with added features for Detection, Transcending, and Power Management.

Utility Panels

Digitrax makes a number of utility panels, which are used to connect throttles to the throttle bus, in this case, Digitrax's LocoNet.

Utility Panel Notes

Also see Digitrax Wireless Notes

The Utility Panels provide power to the throttles plugged into them when connected via LocoNet. For more reliable operation, the use of an external DC Power Supply is recommended. There is a jack for power.

Track Status LEDs: Two screw terminals are provided on the rear, which may be connected to the power bus. This is optional and not required for normal operation.

• When track power is on, the LED will be lit.
• When Zero Stretching is in use, the colour of the LED will change according to the direction of the locomotive.
  • To check, select Loco 00, set throttle to "99", and toggle the direction. The colour indicated will change.

There are five RJ jacks.

• Two on the front for throttles
• Two on the rear for Loconet
• One on the side for Loconet
  • This jack lacks Rail Sync. It is used to connect one accessory to your LocoNet

LNRP/LNRP Xtra LocoNet Repeater Module

The LNRP LocoNet Repeater Module isolates and protects large LocoNet configurations. It permits greater expansion of the LocoNet bus system. The LNRP allows "protected" sections of LocoNet to continue operating when a fault occurs, automatically reconnects to the faulty section when the fault is cleared.

This UP has been replaced by the LNRPXTRA LocoNet Repeater Module

Main article: LNRP

UP5 LocoNet Universal Interconnect Panel

The basic Utility Panel, which allows you to connect two tethered throttles, and includes additional LocoNet connections. There are connections to allow the track power to be indicated on the panel front. An LED on the front panel can be used to indicate local track power conditions.

The rear has two connections for LocoNet, and a third connection on the side. The side connection lacks RailSync, but can be used for a throttle or another Loconet device that does not need Rail Sync. It cannot be used for connections to more than one device.

The front connections are intended for use with a throttle. The front jacks use a diode OR'ed connection to the Rail Sync lines to provide power to the throttle. Using other devices (loads) as well as cable arrangements can cause issues with downstream devices connected via the front panel.

Devices such as boosters, the LNRP, accessory decoders and occupancy detectors require both Rail Sync and LocoNet connections for proper operation. They should be connected to the rear jacks only.

UP6Z LocoNet Universal Panel and 3 Amp Z Scale Voltage Reducer

This device has 6 LocoNet jacks, and reduces the track voltage by 4 or 6 volts for Z scale DCC operation. It does not look like the other utility panels.

UR90 IR Receiver Unit

Similar to the UP5, except it has an Infrared (IR) eye to detect IR signals from IR capable throttles. Can handle up to 10 throttles. For stable IR operation, several are usually needed, as the throttles work best in line-of-sight mode with the panels. (They work much the same as the IR remotes for a television.)

Radio Panels

Main article: Digitrax Products/Radio Panels

Also see

Main article: Digitrax Products/Wireless Notes

UP1, UP2 and UP3

These Universal Panels have been discontinued.

Networking and Computer Software

LocoNet WiFi Interface

Main article: LNWI

LNWI or LocoNet Wifi Interface is a device that allows you to connect WiFi devices to LocoNet.

• Instruction Manual
• Product Page

This device was announced in August 2017.

UR92 DigiGroup Setup Utility

Software provided by Digitrax to enable advanced users to configure their duplex system. Requires an IBM PC compatible computer.

If the software detects a UR92 on LocoNet you can read the current Duplex Group Name, RF Duplex Channel and the Password.

Edit any of these settings and upload these values to any UR92 connected to LocoNet. The start channel scan allows a quick scan of the available channels to see how much signal (and possibly interference) may be present at your location. The graphics show the peak signal and average detected during scanning. Useful in helping setup the layout for optimum Duplex performance.

JMRI now includes a utility called the Duplex Network ConfigurationTool. This tool will do the same things as the DigiGroup Setup utility.

Further Reading

DCS240

• DCS240 Review
• DCS240 Standalone Programming

Category:Manufacturers