It shouldn't be to hard to get this to work and you could use JMRI to program the DS64, in fact, JMRI has a utility specifically for configuring the DS64, which should be easier than using a throttle. Since Loconet is peer-to-peer, the LocoBuffer and DS64 can talk to each other without a command station. The command station does normally provide Loconet power and termination, which would have to be supplied. The LocoBuffer can provide the termination(it has a jumper setting for it). An easy way to add the power is using a Digitrax UP5 throttle panel and PS14 power supply(this would require you to connect the DS64 and LocoBuffer to the front connectors on the UP5). Another option for the power would be to wire one end of a Loconet cable to a power supply with pins 1 and 6 tied to +12 and pins 2 and 5 tied to ground.
Hey thanks, that’s more info than I got from hours of searching the net. :thumbs_up: I’ve had the DS64 in a shopping cart for a few days and I’m going to go ahead and buy it along with the LocoBuffer. I have one more question. All this searching and reading about DCC stuff has got me wanting to buy the NCE Power Cab starter set and I was wondering if all this stuff I’m buying now will be compatible.
The LocoBuffer is not compatible with the Power Cab. The DS64 can not communicate with the Power Cab using Loconet, but it can be triggered by the Power Cab(or any DCC system that can send accessory decoder commands) through the track inputs.
Ok, this changes things. Can I program the DS64 with the Power Cab? I can live without the LocoBuffer as long as I can program the DS64. If the DS64 is not compatible with the Power Cab then I got to change my plans. I only know about the DS64 because I originally planed to get the Zephyr and I studied every accessory that Digitrax had to offer. I do not know anything about the Power Cab except that I like the hand set and a friend of mine recommended it over Zephyr. I don’t know what NEC has in the way of accessories that are equivalent to the DS64, BD4 or the PM42. I’m going to try to find a NEC catalog and see what’s available. I might have to go back to Digitrax. I’m glad I did not buy anything yet.
I haven't been modeling long, so I don't really know what works with what. I found links to this site while perusing a dedicated NCE forum on Yahoo Groups. Those guys were all over using thise circuits with Digitrax components cause Loconet is recognized. Team Digital Home
For the last two years I have planed everything around Digitrax, but these last couple of days has been a real eye opener. I didn’t realize that there were so many alternatives. I want to buy a DCC system right now, but I just got to wait. I’m helping my daughter buy a house so I can take over her room as my own train room. wink:
