Man, without a doubt, hands down, one of the BEST demonstrations/tutorial of an electronic device.. Great camera angle, great explanations and just a job well done my friend!!!!!! If you can’t hook up this device after watching, you need to stick with Tomar ground throws…………well done. I will refer back to this video when I’m ready to install mine. FANTASTIC
Thanks! One thing to consider is I used 5 as an address for demonstration, but using an address like 40 or 50 would be best. Good luck with your DS74 install!
Thanks Harold. One thing to consider, when I say that I put address 5 in the DS74, that is just a number, you can use any number 10, 50, 75, whatever. When I reprogram my DS74's in the future I will change the 5 to something else. I don't want to you think it has to be 5.
Fantastic I'm loving watching all this coming together. I find it fascinating how all the technology as evolved from when I was kid, I always look forward to watching your updates Steve keep them coming
Thanks, Greg! I'm glad that the model railroad hobby has embraced technology, I think some of that is what makes it appealing to me. And, for being 1/87 scale many of the models are of good quality. I think the model railroading hobby scratches many of the itches armor modelers have and many of the armor modeling skills can be brought over to model railroading. We'll see together how this unfolds as I build my first layout.
terrific video! came across your video doing some research on the digitrax products was wondering where I was going to find a place to talk to somebody about them and you mentioned Litchfield station in Avondale. I live in Glendale just north of the 101 and west of the 17 so it's a easy drive down to the store, I'm so glad I saw your video. I decided I want to build a layout in my dining room. I am getting ready to go to Lowe's to buy the wood to make the platform. my dining room is 12' x 10' so I want to make a pretty nice layout in N gauge.
10x12 would make for a real nice shelf layout in N scale. Yes, take a drive over to Goodyear/Avondale to get your parts. He gives you a 5% discount for cash transactions. One thing about my video, where I use the number 5 when programing the DS74, I would recommend that you use a double digit number like 20, 30, 40, etc., instead.
Thank you very much for your reply. I wasn’t sure how you would attach all 4 temporary switch black wires to the 5 volt source on the DSXC4 since the volt source has room for just two wires.
Thank you so much Steve. So clear. Question: can you have 4 temporary switches connected to the DSXC4 at once? Since each switch has two wires, one for the DSXC4 switch terminal and one for the 5 V power source, how can a wire from each of the 4 switches use the 5 V source at once? It doesn't look like there is room for all 4 wires, one from each switch, to connect to the 5 V source at same time. Thank you.
Yes, you can have 4 switches connected to the DS74 at one time. All 4 will share the same 5 volt supply terminal. A suggestion would be to set your address to 40 or 50 rather than the 5 that I used.
Thanks for the video. My question is can the DS74 be activated with pushbuttons and also Loconet ? In other words can the Tortoise be thrown locally via the pushbottons but also remotely using a throttle via loconet?
Yes it can. I recommend setting the address to 40 or higher, not 5 like I show in the video. If choosing 40 the outputs should automatically be 40,41,42,43. Select switch with your throttle and then the address number.
Great Video... Would you know if the DS74 will work with other DCC systems? I know that with the DS64 to operate with other DCC systems, you just need to connect the "BUS" line into the power terminal and the DS64 would receive the commands from the DCC system that way. I can not find any info on tis topic. Everyone that I have found that is using the DS74 has a Digitrax Station.
If you have several momentary switches do they all share the 5v input on DXC4. I am trying to understand all the digitrax stuff and it get a bit complicated
When I power down and power up my layout, the DS74 does not work until I remove the PS14 plug in adapter and then it works properly. Recently, I experimented with an NCE P114 only to find the DS74 operates without issue when I power down and power up the layout. What is your experience when powering the DS74 on, off and on?
John, I haven't had any trouble with the DS74's. As I show in my most recent video I am using a DC power supply to power the DS74's, not the PS14. I don't know why that would make a difference though. Is you DS74 connected to your command station through the loconet? If so, maybe unplug the loconet cable and see if that makes a difference?
@@SPSteve Thanks Steve, watched your recent video re the DC power supply and had a further question. Just starting to finalize the wiring on my layout but as I am new to the hobby, the electrical side of this is all new to me so thank you for your patience and understanding.
What a rip off, the DS64 is $60 and the DS74 is $80 plus you needs extra parts... Just like what happened with the DCC Specialties PSX-AR The new unit is more and is just way to big.
That's progress for you. I paid $63 for the DS74 and $13 for the DSXC4 at Litchfield Station. So, essentially $76. None of the normal vendors have any DS64's. There are a few on Ebay but they're one here, one there at $60+ and shipping, so it is almost a wash. Regardless, I had to have them to control my Tortoise machines.
@@SPSteve I just looked up the MSRP. Did look for the discount rate etc. I can not understand not including the button edge on any switch machine type device. but have noticed on multiple items that you have to buy this for extra. Same with NCE
@@IMRROcom maybe it's trying to reduce the size? I don't know? The DS74 does have some additional functions like lighting control, so you get a little and give a little.
Man, without a doubt, hands down, one of the BEST demonstrations/tutorial of an electronic device.. Great camera angle, great explanations and just a job well done my friend!!!!!! If you can’t hook up this device after watching, you need to stick with Tomar ground throws…………well done. I will refer back to this video when I’m ready to install mine. FANTASTIC
Thanks! One thing to consider is I used 5 as an address for demonstration, but using an address like 40 or 50 would be best. Good luck with your DS74 install!
Thanks for demystifying the Digitrax instructions. This video was just what I have been looking for...Harold
Thanks Harold. One thing to consider, when I say that I put address 5 in the DS74, that is just a number, you can use any number 10, 50, 75, whatever. When I reprogram my DS74's in the future I will change the 5 to something else. I don't want to you think it has to be 5.
Fantastic I'm loving watching all this coming together. I find it fascinating how all the technology as evolved from when I was kid, I always look forward to watching your updates Steve keep them coming
Thanks, Greg! I'm glad that the model railroad hobby has embraced technology, I think some of that is what makes it appealing to me. And, for being 1/87 scale many of the models are of good quality. I think the model railroading hobby scratches many of the itches armor modelers have and many of the armor modeling skills can be brought over to model railroading. We'll see together how this unfolds as I build my first layout.
terrific video! came across your video doing some research on the digitrax products was wondering where I was going to find a place to talk to somebody about them and you mentioned Litchfield station in Avondale. I live in Glendale just north of the 101 and west of the 17 so it's a easy drive down to the store, I'm so glad I saw your video.
I decided I want to build a layout in my dining room. I am getting ready to go to Lowe's to buy the wood to make the platform.
my dining room is 12' x 10' so I want to make a pretty nice layout in N gauge.
10x12 would make for a real nice shelf layout in N scale. Yes, take a drive over to Goodyear/Avondale to get your parts. He gives you a 5% discount for cash transactions. One thing about my video, where I use the number 5 when programing the DS74, I would recommend that you use a double digit number like 20, 30, 40, etc., instead.
Thank you very much for your reply. I wasn’t sure how you would attach all 4 temporary switch black wires to the 5 volt source on the DSXC4 since the volt source has room for just two wires.
Superb wiring harness job on your layout. New sub today. Looking forward for your next video. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Vince, much appreciated!
Thank you so much Steve. So clear. Question: can you have 4 temporary switches connected to the DSXC4 at once? Since each switch has two wires, one for the DSXC4 switch terminal and one for the 5 V power source, how can a wire from each of the 4 switches use the 5 V source at once? It doesn't look like there is room for all 4 wires, one from each switch, to connect to the 5 V source at same time. Thank you.
Yes, you can have 4 switches connected to the DS74 at one time. All 4 will share the same 5 volt supply terminal. A suggestion would be to set your address to 40 or 50 rather than the 5 that I used.
Great video man! I have been having some trouble understanding how the ds74 bxp88 and a bxpa1 would be wired together. Any ideas ?
Thanks for the video. My question is can the DS74 be activated with pushbuttons and also Loconet ? In other words can the Tortoise be thrown locally via the pushbottons but also remotely using a throttle via loconet?
Yes it can. I recommend setting the address to 40 or higher, not 5 like I show in the video. If choosing 40 the outputs should automatically be 40,41,42,43. Select switch with your throttle and then the address number.
Thanks for taking the time to answer. Much appreciated. @@SPSteve
best of luck with your layout!@@MrSkytop35
Great Video... Would you know if the DS74 will work with other DCC systems? I know that with the DS64 to operate with other DCC systems, you just need to connect the "BUS" line into the power terminal and the DS64 would receive the commands from the DCC system that way. I can not find any info on tis topic. Everyone that I have found that is using the DS74 has a Digitrax Station.
I don't know. I've only used the Digitrax system so I don't know if it is compatible with other systems?
If you have several momentary switches do they all share the 5v input on DXC4. I am trying to understand all the digitrax stuff and it get a bit complicated
If you mean DS74, yes the switch's will all share the black +5V
@@SPSteve thanks
When I power down and power up my layout, the DS74 does not work until I remove the PS14 plug in adapter and then it works properly. Recently, I experimented with an NCE P114 only to find the DS74 operates without issue when I power down and power up the layout. What is your experience when powering the DS74 on, off and on?
John, I haven't had any trouble with the DS74's. As I show in my most recent video I am using a DC power supply to power the DS74's, not the PS14. I don't know why that would make a difference though. Is you DS74 connected to your command station through the loconet? If so, maybe unplug the loconet cable and see if that makes a difference?
@@SPSteve Thanks Steve, watched your recent video re the DC power supply and had a further question. Just starting to finalize the wiring on my layout but as I am new to the hobby, the electrical side of this is all new to me so thank you for your patience and understanding.
@@johnmcdermott6220 no problem, John. I'll help if I can.
What a rip off, the DS64 is $60 and the DS74 is $80 plus you needs extra parts... Just like what happened with the DCC Specialties PSX-AR The new unit is more and is just way to big.
That's progress for you. I paid $63 for the DS74 and $13 for the DSXC4 at Litchfield Station. So, essentially $76. None of the normal vendors have any DS64's. There are a few on Ebay but they're one here, one there at $60+ and shipping, so it is almost a wash. Regardless, I had to have them to control my Tortoise machines.
@@SPSteve I just looked up the MSRP. Did look for the discount rate etc. I can not understand not including the button edge on any switch machine type device. but have noticed on multiple items that you have to buy this for extra. Same with NCE
@@IMRROcom maybe it's trying to reduce the size? I don't know? The DS74 does have some additional functions like lighting control, so you get a little and give a little.