DCS100

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  • Setup | DCS100/200 DB150 | DCS50 Zephyr | Slot Server

The DCS100 is a LocoNet Command Station which features 120 slots and an extra Programming Track connection.

• The LocoNet connection is not opto-isolated, so make sure the current detection circuits are.

Failure to do so may result in damage to the feedback encoders, the DCS-100, and other devices on the layout from unintentional short circuits. Note that Digitrax makes an opto-isolated version of the DCS-100 (and the DCS-150 booster) which can be special ordered by your dealer.

The DCS100 can be configured by setting various option switches (OpSw). You may want or need to configure the DCS100 to work with your hardware. Rocrail itself does not need any specific option switches set. See chapter 28.0 DCS100 Option Switch Setup found in the Super Chief Manual for more information on configuring option switches.

We list some of the more important switches below.

• OpSw 44: Expand slot refresh area from 22 (Big Boy compatible) to 120

For big layouts 22 concurrent running loco's are not enough, so it is always advisable to set this option to get 120 slots available for running loco's.

• OpSw 20: Disable address 00 or analog stretching for conventional locos.
• OpSw 25: Disable aliasing
• OpSw 28: Disable DS54 interrogate commands at power on. (Unnecessary LocoNet traffic if they are not used for setting switches.)
• OpSw 33: Allow track power to restore to prior state at power on.
• OpSw 34: Allow track to power up to run state, if set to run prior to power on.

If you want to run Motorola decoders with the DCS100, you should first read chapter 29.0 Multi-Format Operation in the Super Chief Manual. You must configure at least some of the option switches to work with the Motorola protocol. Read the notes below on Motorola support for some additional information.

For stationary decoders:

• OpSw 9: Allow Motorola trinary switch packet command echo for switches 1 - 256.
• OpSw 10: Expand trinary switch echo range from 1 - 64 to 1 - 256, when OpSw 9 is "c".
• OpSw 11: Make trinary switches 57 -64 long duration (1 sec) ON period, when OpSw 09 is "c", use for uncouplers, etc.

Use these settings to allow control of M turnouts, uncouplers, etc. via k83, k84, or 74440 decoders. Note that you should set the turnout switch time in Rocrail to 0, since the DCS100 will automatically send OFF commands 500ms after Rocrail sends the initial ON command (see OpSw 9, above).

For mobile decoders:

• OpSw 12: Motorola trinary/AC digital mobile decoder addresses 1 -80 allowed. (User must status edit loco types to "x1")

For mobile decoders:

• OpSw 21-23: These switches combine to set the global system default type for "NEW" loco selections as per this table:

• Motorola I and II, will run mFX under Motorola II. Functions f0 through f4 supported.

• The documentation for trinary support is very poor and requires experimentation to get working.
• Swap any MM only decoder for a multi format or 100% NMRA DCC decoder where possible.
• Disable analog support in the decoder when mixing Motorola and DCC decoders on the same layout.
• If mobile decoders respond poorly, swap the Rail A and Rail B connections at the DCS-100.
• If the mobile decoders are working, but the stationary decoders are not, swap the red and brown leads at the stationary decoder.