Digitrax DS64/74 vs 2x DS52

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I'm getting close to the next interlocking on the new NCR and so I'm looking at the next stationary decoder purchase.

I saw Digitrax just released an updated DS64 the DS74 which seems to have integrated manual overrides (which is kinda nice).

But then I saw something interesting: a DS52, which can control two turnouts is $19 at Yankee Dabbler. But the DS64 is $48, which is $8 more than just getting two DS52s.

Is there some reason that the DS64 (and the 74) is not linearly more expensive (ie, it's not $40)? Following the normal rules of CPGs, I'd expect it to be cheaper than two of the 2x decoders, but it's the opposite. What gives?

[Rivet Miscounter]

LocoNet.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

LocoNet.

Ohhh. So you can read back what position a switch is in from the DS64/74s, but not the 52, right?

[John]

what he said .. the 52 does not have loconet .. so it gets its information from the track bus -- I have one -- they work ok .. but a bit of a pain to program .. also don't have input for block detectors .. but if you don't need them .. cheap option

[John]

Ohhh. So you can read back what position a switch is in from the DS64/74s, but not the 52, right?

right .. but if you use JMRI - readback is over rated .. since JMRI will update a panel from the loconet traffic ..

[Rivet Miscounter]

Ohhh. So you can read back what position a switch is in from the DS64/74s, but not the 52, right?

Yes.   Not only feedback, but you can control the turnouts via LocoNet as well. (versus from track power or separate bus)

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Yes.   Not only feedback, but you can control the turnouts via LocoNet as well. (versus from track power or separate bus)

Got it, thanks!

Thanks to JMRI, this is all stuff I'm not terribly concerned about. Hooray for saving a few bucks.

[Carolina Northern]

Ed,

On my last layout (what I'm doing now may never be called a layout), I used nothing but 52's from YD. They worked well - never a problem. My control panels were old Kindles showing JMRI screens and the turnouts worked reliably. I've known lots of people who could not say that about their 64's. YMMV

Don

[Ed Kapuscinski]

52s it is then!

[Rivet Miscounter]

I'm really curious about the DS74s.  (I have one on order)

On the plus side, the DS74s are a smaller form factor which is REALLY nice.   The 64's were space hogs which was a challenge for small layouts.

I heard the 64's had their issues so hopefully the 74's are more stable.   I never really had issues with mine, but I never did anything advanced with them.  The great thing I loved about the 64's (and now 74's) was the ease of having the built-in local pushbutton control capability.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I heard the 64's had their issues so hopefully the 74's are more stable.   I never really had issues with mine, but I never did anything advanced with them.  The great thing I loved about the 64's (and now 74's) was the ease of having the built-in local pushbutton control capability.

Oh yeah, the pushbutton thing is pretty nice. I like that now they make buttons to go along with it too. I'm a big fan of plug n play stuff like that.