Product Support for: Command Stations & Boosters -> All-in-one Command Station/Booster/Throttle (DCS51)

DCS51 Messages Oooo              Short circuit shutdown -br-                DCS51 is set up as a booster BuSY              DCS51 is in programming mode and another command was issued before the first completed (press "EXIT" key) -cS-               DCS51 is powering up as the command station cccc               Current overload (too many locomotives in power district) dir                 DCS51 is in programming mode (press “EXIT” key) d nd              Open circuit on programming track (programming mode) d nA              No acknowledgement from decoder (programming mode) d nr               Not able to read decoder (programming mode) Er L               MU could not be set up (address already part of an ...

How to disable command station capability in a DCS51 (Zephyr Xtra) or DCS50 (Zephyr) so it will operate as a booster and throttle without command station capabilityIf you have outgrown your Zephyr Xtra or Zephyr and have moved up to a more powerful command station, you can disable the command station capability in your DCS51 or DCS50 and continue using it as a booster and throttle in your system.Digitrax operators who upgrade from Zephyr to more powerful command stations for their systems can change Zephyr into a Booster/Throttle by setting OpSw 02 to closed. Changing DCS51/DCS50 Option Switch 02 to closed to disable command station capability: ...

  Digitrax DCS51 (Zephyr Xtra) Operating Instructions by Dan Bourque v1.0 Selecting a locomotive or consist 1.         Press the “LOCO” key (display will flash) 2.         Enter the address of the locomotive or consist             - For a consist, the address will normally be the lead locomotive             - For a 3-digit locomotive number, use “0” for the first digit 3.         Press the “LOCO” key again (display will stop blinking) 4.         Move the direction selector on the throttle to either “Forward” or “Reverse” 5.         Move the speed knob until train moves   Dispatching (releasing) a locomotive or consist ...

1. Disconnect the wire harness from the LT1.2. Plug one end of the LocoNet cable being tested into the LT1.3. Connect the other end to the cable into on of the LocoNet ports on your DCS50. Make sure the Track Status Indicator Dot is lit.4. All four LEDs on the LT1 will light if the cable is good. LEDs may not all be the same brightness, this is normal. NOTE: Only three LEDs will light if the Track Status Indicator Dot is not lit.5. If any of the LEDs fail to light, recrimp the plugs on the LocoNet cable and ...

Performing factory decoder reset using Digitrax Zephyr Xtra (DCS51) or Zephyr (DCS50)Overview:To reset a Digitrax decoder to factory defaults the user must set CV08 to a value of 08. It is recommended that this procedure be performed on the dedicated service mode programming track using direct mode programming.Procedure:1. Place the decoder equipped locomotive on an electrically isolated service-mode programming track which is connected to Programming Outputs Prog 'A' & 'B'.2. Press the PROG MODE key until “dir” appears in the LED display.3. Press the STEPS CV key. (The LED display should read “t###” with the # symbols replaced by actual digits)4. Enter “08” using ...

Note: The programming shortcut for 4-digit addressing outlined in the Digitrax Zephyr manual will not work to program the Tower 55 decoder in any programming mode on the Zeyphr throttle due to a programming timing issue with the DSC50. Please use the procedure referenced in this bulletin to access this feature.Note: If the DCS50 or DCS51 is being used as a command station with a DT400/DT400R throttle connected via the Loconet ports, then the programming shortcut for 4-digit addressing outlined in the DT400/DT400R throttle manual will work to enable the 4-digit address capability of the decoder when using the DT400/DT400R throttle ...

  How do I program the PM42 Op Switches with a DCS50 (Zephyr) throttle? The PM42 OpSw settings are used to set up the PM42, adjusting the trip current, short circuit management (including sensitivity), and/or auto-reversing. Note: The factory default setting on all PM42 OpSw's is “thrown” or “t”. Follow the steps outlined below to program the OpSw settings of the PM42 using the keypad of a Digitrax Zephyr. 1. Connect the PM42 to the Digitrax Zephyr with a standard LocoNet cable. 2. Connect the PM42 to an external power source; Digitrax recommends the PS14. Note: Before entering Switch Mode ...

Problem: PM42 Short Circuit/Auto-Reversing failure when used with Zephyr (DCS50/DCS51)The PM42 is designed to control 4 independent power subdistricts that can be set up as either a “Short Circuit Manager” (the factory setting) or as an “Auto-Reversing Controller.” The PM42 factory setting for trip current is 3 amps. The trip current can be modified to settings from 1.5 amps – 12 amps to accommodate the needs of your system. In addition, each of the 4 power subdistricts can be set for slow, regular, faster or fastest short circuit management.While a trip current of 3 amps will work with most boosters, ...

If Zephyr DCS50/DCS51’s display shows FuLL this means that it has reached the limit of 10 (20 for the Zephyr Xtra) locomotive addresses that it can manage at one time. If you want to select additional addresses, you will need to release one or more loco addresses before you will be able to select other locomotives to run.The DCS50/DCS51 runs a “purging” routine that helps eliminate addresses that have not been used for a period of time to make slots available for running other addresses.If you see this "FuLL" message while you are operating, you can release locos that you ...

Q: Can you have two command stations on the same layout? A: No. If you try and run with two command stations you will experience what we usually refer to as "shocking, horrifying results." Two command stations on a single layout is often a problem with modular layouts. You can disable the command station capability in Digitrax Command Station/Boosters so that you can use them as boosters only to add more power to your layout.For the DCS100 to disable command station mode:1. Set Op switch 2 to "c" 2. Set Op switch 5 to "t" 3. Set it to auto ...

  To reset the DCS51/DCS50 to factory settings: If you change command station option switches and experience unexpected results, just set OpSw 39 to “c” (closed) to reset the unit to the original factory settings. 1. Press the PROG key. The display shows the last decoder programming mode used. 2. Press the SWITCH key. The display shows the last switch used and its commanded position. 3. Use the numeric keypad to enter the number of the Option Switch you want to change; in this case 39. 4. Press the "c - / CV-WR (lower right of keypad)" key to set the ...

When using an AR1 with the Zephyr Xtra, we suggest you change Option Switch 18 to Closed (OPSw18='c').  Option Switch 18 extends the DCS51 booster short circuit shutdown time from 1/8 to 1/2 second.  By increasing this Option Switch setting to 1/2 second, this allows the AR1 to change the track polarity before the DCS51 booster reacts to the momentary short caused when the train passes over the reversing section gaps.   To change Option Switch 18, do the following:   Press PROGRAM Press SWITCH Press 1 Press 8 Press c (CV-WR, lower right) Press EXIT   You will still ...

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 ...

  My layout is in N scale, with an 85 foot double track main, a 12 track storage area, small yard, and engine facility. The layout measures 10 X 14 with two helices. There are a total of 34 engines, many of which are with their trains in the storage area. All of the already made-up trains (11) have two or three engines on them, ready to be brought up via a helix to run on the railroad. Currently, the road is divided into six parallel blocks (DC); 12 blocks in all. In the future, I plan on adding a ...

The DT402 & DT400 can program and readback CVs with the DCS100 or DCS200 (Super Chief) or the DCS51 or DCS50 (Zephyr). You must use the programming track for this unless you are using Ops Mode with transponding installed to allow for Ops Mode readback.  Infrared and simplex radio throttles must be plugged in to LocoNet to read back CVs & their values.  Duplex radio throttles do not have to be plugged in for reading back CVs.Systems with a DB150 command station (Super Empire Builder) are not able to read back CV Values programmed into decoders. To read back CV values: 1. Place the decoder ...

Q:  Can I add a booster to my Zephyr? A:  Yes. Since the DCS51 Zephyr Xtra and DCS50 Zephyr are equipped with LocoNet, adding additional boosters is easy; you simply divide your railroad up into power districts and add the boosters and their individual power supplies. These are connected together using LocoNet cables. Because the Zephyr Xtra is rated at 3 amps and the Zephyr is rated at 2.5 amps: most boosters have higher ratings, you may want to have the Zephyr control a smaller area that has fewer power consumers (locomotives, lighted passenger cars), such as a main line ...

Changing of the value of a DS54 Configuration Variable using your Zephyr Xtra (DCS51) or Zephyr(DCS50) is easy if you follow the steps listed below. 1) Disconnect the DS54 from the LocoNet, aux power source, all inputs and all outputs. 2) Short the pins of the Enable Link. 3) Connect the DS54 track terminal inputs to the Zephyr isolated programming track. 4) Connect the yellow (feedback) wire from any DS54 Output (A, B, C or D) to either rail of the Zephyr isolated programming track. 5) Zephyr Programming Steps.  6) Remove yellow (feedback) wire connecting the output connector to the Zephyr isolated programming track. ...

Note: Zephyr (DCS50) has been superseded by Zephyr Xtra (DCS51) which is available in an EU version that comes with the appropriate power supply.  This article only applies to the original Zephyr (DCS50)Q: I´m a foreign model railroader, and I want to buy a Zephyr without power pack. The instruction manual says that I can use a 18 Volt DC trafo in order to power the Zephyr. Can you suggest a way to connect a Zephyr DCS 50 to German current (220/50)? A:  In the North American market, Digitrax recommends the use of a dedicated PS315 power supply or equivalent for use ...

Does your throttle say slot=max ?This means that the system's capacity to handle operating locos is full. The DCS100 can run up to 22 or 120 addresses at the same time. If you have the slot=max message, be sure that all locos that are not running are released from throttles or set DCS100 OpSw 44 to closed to increase the number of address slots available to 120. The DCS100 command station that comes with all Genesis, Empire Builder and Chief series starter sets are set with a factory default of 22 slots.  So, once you begin to operate significantly more locos, you may need to ...

There are many transformers and power packs that can supply input power for Digitrax boosters & command stations. Most regular DC train control packs do not have enough power to supply the full power potential of the a 5 or 8 amp booster, since they were designed to only run 1 locomotive in a blocked system. To get the full power potential of your booster, you must use a power supply that can supply enough power. Check with your local Digitrax dealer to see which transformers are available. If you are using a Zephyr Xtra, please use ONLY the power supply ...

Zephyr Xtra (DCS51) and Zephyr (DCS50) systems can program Soundtraxx Tsunami decoders using Blast Mode Programming on the Mainline.  Blast Mode Programming will program EVERYTHING sitting on the main line track so, you MUST remove everything from the track that you are not programming or use an isolated piece of track connected to Rail A & B. NOTE: Track power must be ON during Blast Mode Programming.  Blast Mode programming will work with all sound decoders not just Tsunami. You will not be able to read back CVs using Blast Mode Programming.  To use Blast Mode Programming with Zephyr, close ...

Shutting Down Your Zephyr when you are finished running.Some users prefer to release all addresses active in their system before shutting down. This can prevent unexpected results when you power up the layout again.  There are two ways to do this. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________To release addresses one at a time (this is optional):1. Press the LOCO key. 2. Enter the loco address on the numeric keypad. The display will flash the Function Indicator Dot and the loco address. Press the LOCO key again.3. Set the Throttle Knob to STOP.4. Press the EXIT key.5. Repeat for all locos/addresses used in your session._____________________________________________________________________________________________________Alternately, you can clear all ...

Q:  How do I program the PM42 Option Switches (OpSw) with a DT400 throttle? A:  The PM42 OpSw settings are used to set up the PM42, adjusting the trip current, short circuit management (including sensitivity), and/or auto-reversing. Note: The factory default setting on all PM42 OpSws is “thrown” or “t”. Follow the steps outlined below to program the OpSw settings of the PM42 using the DT400 series throttle with any Digitrax command system. 1) Connect the PM42 to a DCS50, DCS51, DB150, DCS100, or DCS200 with a standard LocoNet cable. 2) Connect the PM42 to an external power source; Digitrax ...

  Zephyr Xtra                             Super Empire Builder Xtra                            Super Chief Xtra                                                Command Station DCS51 DB150 DCS100 Current Rating 3 Amps 5 Amps 5 Amps or 8 Amps Throttle DCS51 DT402 DT402 Throttle Controls Single Knob, Direction Switch Dual click encoder throttles Dual click encoder throttles Function Control F0-F29 F0-F29 F0-F29 Keypad Full Numeric Keypad Full Numeric Keypad Full Numeric Keypad Display Large LED Multi-line Backlit LCD Multi-line Backlit LCD Throttle Capacity 20 22 120 Loco Capacity 20 22 120 Loco Address Range 00-9000+ 00-9000+ 00-9000+ Stationary Address Range 01-999 00-999 00-999 Turnout Position Reporting Yes, last command sent Yes, last ...

Q:  Using Digitrax systems to program an MRC AD310 decoder is especially confusing because the MRC Command 2000 uses several "switches" and "levers" rather than standard CV numbers. A conversion chart for the 10 possible MRC engine addresses would be a wonderful help to us old-timers. A:  The documentation available from the manufacturer of this decoder is incomplete. Many older decoders such as this one are not able to recognize all the digital packets in use by more modern DCC Systems. What we have learned is the MRC AD310 is: Programmable up to 127 (1~127) locomotive addresses Programmable for either 28 or ...

Testing for Tower 55 DCC Equipped Locos after 4 Digit address programming:Note these instructions are the same for both DCS50 Zephyr and DCS51 Zephyr Xtra1. Press the LOCO key on the DCS50. (The LED display should begin flashing)2. Enter the 4-digit address that was programmed in the procedure above using the numeric keypad. (The LED display should be flashing “####” with the # symbols replaced with the 4-digit address that was keyed in)3. Press the LOCO key on the DCS50. (The LED display should display “####” solid and the locomotive sounds should start up)4. Select FORWARD with the direction knob ...

Before sending your Digitrax Command Station or Booster in for repair try these simple steps to see if you can “bring it back from the dead” and save a possible trip to the repair shop.1. Nothing is respondingIf there are NO LEDs lit on the front panel of the Command Station or Booster: Check the power supply to the unit to make sure that it has not been knocked loose in the power socket and that the socket is powered. Check the connections from the power supply to Track A and Track B connections on the front of the unit ...

  Zephyr Xtra Super Empire Builder Xtra  Super Chief Xtra Command Station DCS51 DB150 DCS100 Current Rating 3.0 Amps 5 Amps 5 Amps or 8 Amps Throttle DCS51 DT402 DT402 Throttle Controls Single Knob, Direction Switch Dual click encoder throttles Dual click encoder throttles Function Control F0-F28 F0-F28 F0-F28 Keypad Full Numeric Keypad Full Numeric Keypad Full Numeric Keypad Display Large LED Multi-line Backlit LCD Multi-line Backlit LCD Throttle Capacity 20 22 120 Loco Capacity 20 22 120 Loco Address Range 00-9000+ 00-9000+ 00-9000+ Stationary Address Range 01-999 00-999 00-999 Turnout Position Reporting No Yes, last command sent Yes + actual ...

Q:  I'm wanting to know how to MU two locomotives together that are in a tail to tail configuration. I know that this can be easily done with a DT400 or DT402 throttle but not sure how to do it with the Zephyr. A:  Make sure all the locos in the consist are traveling in the same physical direction on the track (both going to the left or to the right). Remember that "reversing" takes place in the locomotive not on the track, so it is important that the engines be traveling in the same direction when they are MU'd.  ...

 OpSw Setup Enter OpSw mode by pressing the OpSw button.  The OPS and ID light will flash alternating RED and GREEN. Use your throttle in SWITCH mode to set switches to thrown or closed to match your desired OpSw setting.  There are currently no published OpSws for the BXPA1. If you erroneously set an OpSw, the BXPA1 can be factory reset by setting OpSw40 = Closed Trip Speed Pot The Trip Speed Pot can be adjusted to set the speed at which auto reversing and power management is resolved.  Turning the pot clockwise will make the speed slower and turning ...

This Atlas Snap-Track layout appears in the Atlas Model Railroad Company's book "Beginner's Guide to HO Model Railroading". It includes a reversing section which can be controlled with a Digitrax AR1. DC Control For DC operation, Atlas specified an Atlas Controller (for the reverse loop), two Atlas Selectors (to control eight track segments) and seven controllers for the railroad's turnouts. DCC Makes Things Simple With DCC, the wiring of this railroad is considerably simpler. Because each locomotive has a unique address, the section insulated gaps and the two Selectors are not necessary. Likewise, the Controller is replaced with the AR1 ...

  MU (Multiple Unit) OperationsIt is not uncommon to see two, three or even four diesel locos pulling in consist at the front of a train. Sometimes, there is a locomotive added in the middle of the train or at the end of the train to give “helper service” to the head end locomotives. This is called Multiple Unit Operation or MU operation. With DCC, each locomotive is separately controlled. But in the case of MU'ing we would like to have more than one locomotive address controlled by a single throttle to simplify MU operation.Your DCS50 uses universal consisting to ...

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 ...