Product Support for: Command Stations & Boosters -> LocoNet® Advanced Command Station (DCS240)

Notes on IPL updating the DCS240: Using the DCS240 USB to PC connection is the fastest and most reliable way to IPL/download any DCS240 firmware using DigiIPL II and the correct product update file(.dmf) from the Digitrax web site. Do not use earlier versions of DigiIPL for updating the DCS240, Only DigiIPL II should be used.  It is also possible to do an IPL/download to a DCS240 via LocoNet using an e.g. MS100, PR3 or compatible PC connection.  This method is considerably slower.

When I turn on the DCS240 and system, the DCS240 beeps 10 times and track power goes off. When I retry turning on track power, the 10 beeps occur again and the track power stays off. What is happening, and how do I fix this so I can run trains? The DCS240 actively scans for conflicting Command Stations at Power up, any time Track power is turned ON, and additionally about every 2 minutes.  If another Command Station is detected the DCS240 will issue 10 long beeps and the Track Power is turned off.  The DCS240 will not allow track ...

When I hook up my USB cable to my PC the DCS240’s blue USB led turns on, but Digitrax DigiIPL II, LocoMon and SoundLoader II utilities do nothing when opened. What is the problem? The blue USB led lit on the DCS240 means that the complex USB Enumeration and startup sequence has successfully completed.  Be sure to select the correct COM port number that is now associated with this DCS240 in the software you are trying to use.  You can see this COM number appear in the “Ports (COM & LPT)” entries of e.g. the Device Manager function of Windows, ...

The DCS240 offers 400 locomotive slots and can support up to 400 throttles.  These slots can be broken down in to standard slots and expanded slots.  There are 120 standard slots in the DCS240, these slots are accessible using any Digitrax throttle.  There are an additional 280 expanded slots available to DT402 R2 (tethered and Duplex) and later throttles.  The DCS240 identifies the throttle type being used and assigns and adjusts the slots accordingly.  Expanded capability throttles are given the Expanded slots first, leaving the standard slots available for legacy throttles.  All this is done in the background and will ...

The PS615 is the Digitrax recommended power supply for the DCS240 in 5 amp mode.  For operations at 8 amps the PS2012 is the recommended power supply. When using the PS2012 special wiring considerations need to be used when powering both the DCS240 and legacy boosters from the same PS2012.  Leagacy boosters are defined as the DCS100, DCS200, DB150, DB200 or DB100.  Please see the separate article “Powering your DCS240 with a PS2012” and the additional notes below. The DCS240 may be powered either using the barrel plug connector or the screw terminals labeled “+” and “- “. The barrel ...

When I plug in a DT402D throttle to LocoNet using a DCS240 as my Command Station, it flashes the display as normal then fades and continues to reset. Make sure you have a charged battery installed in your DT402D.  The DT402D is attempting to power on the RF24 radio in the throttle and register with the UR92.  Without a battery it cannot draw enough power from LocoNet to complete this procedure. If you plan to use your DT402D as a tethered throttle it is recommended that you use throttle options to turn off the throttles duplex radio capabilities.  Press OPTN ...

The DCS240 uses different combinations ofthe PWR, PROG, NET, TRACK STAUSand USB indicator to provide a visual indication.  The indicators can show what mode the DCS240 is in as well as errors and indications.   Indications Meaning PWR GREEN winking off every 3 seconds as a “Heartbeat”  The DCS240 is powered on in Command Station Mode, Normal Operation Mode.  PWR RED winking off every 3 seconds as a “Heartbeat”  The DCS240 is powered on in Booster Only Mode, Normal Operation Mode.  PWR off blinking on GREEN or RED every 4 seconds  The DCS240 is in SLEEP mode. (GREEN = Command Station Mode) ...

Updating and Using DT402R R2 and DT402 IR R2 throttles with your DCS240. Access to expanded slots in the DCS240 are only available to Tethered DT402 throttles with IR and Radio(RF1) throttle options set to off and DT402D throttles.  By default these options are set to OFF in the DT402 R2. DT402R throttles can access expanded slots in the DCS240 if IR and Radio(RF1) throttle options are set to off.  The DT402R will still operate in simplex radio mode with the DCS240 however it will only have access to standard slots. Practically, this means that you have two options for ...

DCS240 FAQ   I’m getting a “StealZap” or message on my DT402 rev 2 throttle. What is this? This is a feature that helps prevent having the same address selected on multiple throttles and creating unexpected operations.  When you steal you are truly stealing control of the locomotive instead of sharing it as was the case before the DCS240 and DT402 R2 firmware were released. When using a DT402 R2 throttle with an Advanced Command Station featuring expanded slots, each throttle ID is associated with the Loco Addresses it has selected.  When you select a Loco that is selected on ...

Connecting a PS2012 DC power supply to an “Advanced Booster”  DCS240 and sharing with older Command Stations and Boosters: The 2016 US DOE external power supply Efficiency requirements effectively require using DC input power and supplies for new-design products including our Advanced Command Stations/Boosters.     Digitrax does not recommend sharing a suitable DC supply for an Advanced type unit like a DCS240 with older Legacy Digitrax Command Stations/Boosters designed to run on AC output transformers. This is because the common Booster Ground (typically pin 4’s) and negative power return wires have a diode offset in non-Advanced (AC input)  units ...

The DCS100, 200, 240 and DB150 use several beeps and clicks that can be used as diagnostic tools that will help you debug a number of error conditions.   DCS100/200 Audible Sounds 1 Beep           DCS100/200 has powered on successfully or has sent a programming command. 3 Beeps         A loco address has been "purged" due to non-use. This is informational only and is normal. 4 Beeps         Booster short circuit shutdown. Fault Alarm. 6 Beeps         Command station already present in system. When two command stations are operating on the same system, you may experience unexpected results. 7 Beeps         DCS100/200 CMOS battery low ...

When DCC locos enter a brake section with braking on, they will receive braking commands from the command station instead of normal DCC operating commands. DCC locos in this braking section will come to a stop. When you throw the switch to allow normal DCC commands, the DCC locos will resume normal operation. Once the DCC loco has left the brake section under normal DCC power, simply return the switch to the break position so that the next DCC loco will stop in the section. This is useful if you want to have trains stop at stations around the layout ...

Digitrax Query Mode: The new generation of Digitrax Advanced Command Stations and other new products from ~October 2016 onwards include some convenient new self-diagnostic and external diagnostic capabilities and methods, to help keep LocoNet systems and devices healthy and working optimally, without requiring additional tools. The DCS240 and DCS210 Advanced Command Stations include “Query Mode” diagnostic information that can be interrogated or read-out using enhanced capabilities of DT500 throttles. Advanced Command Station Query information is grouped into six broad groups of data/diagnostic information displayable by a DT500/DT500D: “Lnt”: LocoNet Device Type/product info “ELE”: Device Electrical information, voltages/currents, etc. “Lnt”: LocoNet ...

This is a feature that helps prevent having the same address selected on multiple throttles and creating unexpected operations.  When you steal you are truly stealing control of the locomotive instead of sharing it. When using a DT402 R2 throttle with an Advanced Command Station featuring expanded slots, each throttle ID is associated with the Loco Addresses it has selected.  With a when you select a Loco that is selected on another throttle the second throttle will take ownership of the Loco and it will be deselected from the first throttle. By first throttle will display “StealZap” meaning it has ...

DT402 R2 Release Notes Access to Expanded Slots Updating the DT402 to R2 gives the throttle access to expanded slots in the DCS240 Advanced Command Station.  Access to these expanded slots are only available when IR and Radio(RF1) options are set to OFF in your throttle.  This means that throttles working in IR mode or Simplex Radio will not have access to the expanded slots.  Simplex Radio throttles(DT402R) will have access expanded slots if radio(RF1) is set to off and the throttle is plugged in.  It is recommended that throttles be factory reset after upgrading the firmware to R2.  By ...

Notes on IPL updating DT402 Throttles to R2 DT402 throttles can be updated to R2 using any compatible PC connection, including the DCS240 and PR3.  Always make sure you are using the latest version of DigiIPL to update your hardware. When updating DT402D throttles the RF24 module must also be updated to the latest RF24 firmware. After updating the DT402s to R2 it is recommended that you reset the throttle to factory default. If you encounter any issue updating your DT402 throttle, the IPL update process can be repeated to resolve any issues.  Occasionally running the update twice or 3 ...

Digitrax command stations have Option Switches that care used to customize their operation.  Command Station option switches should not be changed unless you fully understand what you are trying to accomplish.  Information on these Option Switches is included in each command station's manual.Be sure that you are changing the correct Command Station Option Switches as the unit can be crippled by closing the wrong switches.  NEVER CLOSE OPTION SWITCH #1!!Clearing your Command Station's Mobile Decoder SlotsMost command station problems are caused by filling up the command station's available slots by the following:1.  Operators failing to zero the speed of unused ...

The DS64 is a powerful stationary decoder. If you have tried to program this stationary decoder and are having problems, there are several things that you can do before contacting Tech Support for further help. Is the DS64 receiving enough power? The DS64 can be powered in several different ways. Although it is possible to power the DS64 from track power, this has been a source of problems for many operators due to low voltage. This typically arises on a railroad that is using power in excess of the capacities of its power supplies. Have you programmed all four addresses ...

  This document outlines the power requirements for Digitrax LocoNet accessories.  To simplify wiring, Digitrax recommends providing individual power supplies for like accessories.  For example a power supply or power buss which only powers the PM42s.  A power supply or power buss used solely to power multiple DS64s.  UR9x and UP5 panels can be daisy chained provided adequate current is provided to properly power all the panels.  Through the use of individual power supplies, the chance of Ground Loops or sneak paths back to ground is minimized.  Using individual power supplies will also make troubleshooting much easier.  Many Digitrax LocoNet ...

IPLING From time to time the latest DT602 family throttle firmware will be updated and will be posted on the product support page.  These updates may slightly modify the DT602's operation, based on customer feedback/requests and priority support issues discovered. If you are happy with the operation of your DT602, and have no issues or new features you may want, it is not required to perform an available update. All DT602 family throttles should only be firmware updated or IPL'd while plugged directly into a working LocoNet. The Digitrax provided DMF file for field updating DT602's can be used for IPL of any ...

Digitrax Complete Train Control By Zana & A.J. Ireland Digitrax Complete Train Control makes reliable, realistic train operation and simplified layout wiring a reality. Digital Command Control is incorporated within the Digitrax system to let you control multiple trains independently on the same section of track without blocking. In the real world, engineers control the speed and direction of real trains. Engines operate under their own power independent of the track. Each engine has its own motion characteristics like how fast it speeds up (acceleration) and how long it takes to slow down (deceleration). A locomotive's performance is influenced by ...

LNWI Advanced Options Status LEDs: The LNWI has two status LEDS Green ID indicator and a Red OPS indicator.  The state of these indicators can be interpreted to provide status information and also some useful diagnostic insights. Table 1: Status LEDs LED Status Indicates Green ID indicator mostly lit, winking OFF every 3 seconds LNWI is powered and connected to LocoNet Green ID indicator mostly off, blinking ON every 3 seconds LNWI is powered and LocoNet is not connected or sleeping Green ID indicator winks OFF LNWI received a good LocoNet Message Red OPS indicator blinks ON LNWI received a ...

Digitrax series7 mobile decoders have many industry standard Configuration Variable (CV) numbers and values, as well as numerous Digitrax custom CV numbers and definitions or controls. The series7 CV values are a superset of older Digitrax FX3 series3 and series6 decoders, already covered in Digitrax Decoder Manual V2 on the Digitrax Web site. The “CV8 to 8 default” columns indicate current factory defined value after writing a value of 8 to CV8, using; Service mode programming track or Mainline Operations Mode Write to the active decoder address. An entry with value/xx indicates a xx number invokes the value before the ...