toolongtoremember Posted October 13, 2018 Share Posted October 13, 2018 (edited) Hi there, Anybody know whether the AD-S8sx as seen here - https://www.dccconcepts.com/product/cobalt-ip-dcc-decoder-sx-solenoid-motor-drive-8-way-output-2/ is any good? I originally bought Hornby accessory decoders, but theyre being returned to the shop today to exchange for a different decoder because they were too under powered. Also can anybody recommend me a good reverse loop module? I have the Hornby one but I think I will also return that because I am just not confident of the quality. Kind regards.. Edited October 13, 2018 by toolongtoremember Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold BoD Posted October 13, 2018 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 13, 2018 If you do buy, make sure you do get the newer version with the power off memory. The older ones don't have this and you can identify them by them not having a plastic cover. I have the older ones and, apart from the memory issue, they work well and do exactly as they say. Because they are grouped as 8, cabling runs can be a bit longer than with individual ones mounted closer to the points but they have enough 'kick' to overcome this provided you use the recommended gauge wire. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
toolongtoremember Posted October 13, 2018 Author Share Posted October 13, 2018 The newer one, brilliant I have all my point wires with 24awg and the layout is only 5x2 foot. Each point will be within 2 foot of a decoder anyhow as they will be staggered along the length. Will this work? Also using with railmaster and elink from Hornby with 1amp power supply, I will have to up rate this to 4 amps? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
toolongtoremember Posted October 13, 2018 Author Share Posted October 13, 2018 I forget to say, the power bus is 16awg Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold BoD Posted October 13, 2018 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 13, 2018 According to DCC concepts the power consumption is managed so it should work from 1A. Once the capacitors are charged it should use minimal power anyway. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
toolongtoremember Posted October 13, 2018 Author Share Posted October 13, 2018 Brilliant tha ks for that info! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JST Posted October 13, 2018 Share Posted October 13, 2018 I have 4 of them and they work extremely well. As has been said, the ADS8SX is much better that it's forerunner the ADS8fx. I use a Hornby Elite which delivers 4 amps but I have the ADS8SX decoders on separate switches because when powering up from cold as the 32 CDUs suck all the power out of the Elite so that it "shorts" out. Switching the decoders in gradually sorted the problem. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
toolongtoremember Posted October 13, 2018 Author Share Posted October 13, 2018 I have 4 of them and they work extremely well. As has been said, the ADS8SX is much better that it's forerunner the ADS8fx. I use a Hornby Elite which delivers 4 amps but I have the ADS8SX decoders on separate switches because when powering up from cold as the 32 CDUs suck all the power out of the Elite so that it "shorts" out. Switching the decoders in gradually sorted the problem. That's absolutely brilliant information, I'd of certainly got stuck on that detail about the decoders draining the power from the DCC bus system. Now I know exactly where to start with my installation when I get them. Great to hear some real feedback about them too. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium newbryford Posted October 13, 2018 RMweb Premium Share Posted October 13, 2018 (edited) The ADS-8SX was developed off the back of experience with the earlier 8FX range, so is better as a result. Like any capacitor device, it takes time to charge initially, so the idea of switches to power up each one individually is a good idea. (It's a bit like trying to start a loos coupled goods train - it was done "one wagon at a time" As for reverse modules - you can't go too far wrong with the DCC Specialities PSX-AR. Just follow the instructions regarding staggered rail joints (or filled in gaps) and they work without any trouble whatsoever. Cheers, Mick Edited October 13, 2018 by newbryford Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
toolongtoremember Posted October 13, 2018 Author Share Posted October 13, 2018 Again thank you very much for some more brilliant information that will be put to good use, the only thing is I cant find a PSX-AR in stock in any retailer willing to ship to Ireland Will keep my eyes open though! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Mallard60022 Posted October 14, 2018 RMweb Premium Share Posted October 14, 2018 I use a separate Power supply (regulated) for my older version. Takes no oomph from the Track BUS es that way and my layout has only 1. 8Amps at the mo. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium newbryford Posted October 14, 2018 RMweb Premium Share Posted October 14, 2018 I use a separate Power supply (regulated) for my older version. Takes no oomph from the Track BUS es that way and my layout has only 1. 8Amps at the mo. The ADS can be powered with any suitable regulated supply and then controlled with pushbuttons/toggle switches. But if you want DCC operation, then they have to take power (and control) from the DCC bus. Typically, once initially charged, an ADS-8SX will take 120-250mA static current depending upon how many frog switch relays are turned on. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Mallard60022 Posted October 14, 2018 RMweb Premium Share Posted October 14, 2018 The ADS can be powered with any suitable regulated supply and then controlled with pushbuttons/toggle switches. But if you want DCC operation, then they have to take power (and control) from the DCC bus. Typically, once initially charged, an ADS-8SX will take 120-250mA static current depending upon how many frog switch relays are turned on. Oh of course. That's me being old school and I don't like operating my Fiddle without actually seeing the route set in sight not on screen. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crosland Posted October 14, 2018 Share Posted October 14, 2018 I have 4 of them and they work extremely well. As has been said, the ADS8SX is much better that it's forerunner the ADS8fx. I use a Hornby Elite which delivers 4 amps but I have the ADS8SX decoders on separate switches because when powering up from cold as the 32 CDUs suck all the power out of the Elite so that it "shorts" out. Switching the decoders in gradually sorted the problem. I have seen similar reports, the problem is not restricted to the Elite and/or its power supply. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crosland Posted October 14, 2018 Share Posted October 14, 2018 I use a separate Power supply (regulated) for my older version. Takes no oomph from the Track BUS es that way and my layout has only 1. 8Amps at the mo. The ADS8x does not have a separate power input when used as a DCC decoder. The power has to come from a DCC bus, whether from the track or a dedicated accessory bus. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Best Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 On 10/13/2018 at 4:01 PM, JST said: I have 4 of them and they work extremely well. As has been said, the ADS8SX is much better that it's forerunner the ADS8fx. I use a Hornby Elite which delivers 4 amps but I have the ADS8SX decoders on separate switches because when powering up from cold as the 32 CDUs suck all the power out of the Elite so that it "shorts" out. Switching the decoders in gradually sorted the problem. I also use the Elite and am looking to utilise 2 ADS8SX's (when they come back into stock). Would you advise switching them on separately to avoid the same issue or will I be OK with just 16 CDU's? R- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold beejack Posted February 1, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 1, 2019 On 10/13/2018 at 11:56 AM, BoD said: If you do buy, make sure you do get the newer version with the power off memory. The older ones don't have this and you can identify them by them not having a plastic cover. I have the older ones and, apart from the memory issue, they work well and do exactly as they say. Because they are grouped as 8, cabling runs can be a bit longer than with individual ones mounted closer to the points but they have enough 'kick' to overcome this provided you use the recommended gauge wire. The newer version also has a discharge button and led to confirm power has been discharged. Press the button until the blue led goes out before touching the unit or connections. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JST Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 3 hours ago, Roger Best said: I also use the Elite and am looking to utilise 2 ADS8SX's (when they come back into stock). Would you advise switching them on separately to avoid the same issue or will I be OK with just 16 CDU's? R- The Elite will be fine with 2 ADS8SX decoders. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Best Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 Thank you. R- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Radish Posted February 3, 2019 Share Posted February 3, 2019 After ive seen how powerful the digikeijs system is, i will now only buy their parts, they make every box you can think of and have great prices. Their reverse loop box is outstanding. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
WIMorrison Posted February 3, 2019 Share Posted February 3, 2019 On the reverse module I use there of these boxes https://dcctrainautomation.co.uk/ls-digital/4385-ls-digital-reverse-loop-modual-5410 and they are excellent value, simple and 100% effective. If you use Railcom then they work with it and pass the Railcom signal, plus they can work after the current sensor (e.g. DR5088RC or DR4088) if you are using automation. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
yelrow Posted February 3, 2019 Share Posted February 3, 2019 Have a look at Tam Valley. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold russ p Posted February 3, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 3, 2019 Sorry to go a bit OT but is the Hornby accessory decoder compatible with other companies systems? I had an Elite and two selects but replaced them with a gaugemaster prodigy system . The reverse loop modules work fine but I haven't installed the accessory decoder because I assumed it wouldn't work Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium melmerby Posted February 3, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 3, 2019 (edited) Of Reverse Loop Modules. I have used these (I have 2) and they are superb as they don't rely on shorting the track. https://www.ldt-infocenter.com/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=en:ksm-sg Works fine with block detection as well. Keith Edited February 3, 2019 by melmerby Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete the Elaner Posted February 4, 2019 Share Posted February 4, 2019 21 hours ago, russ p said: Sorry to go a bit OT but is the Hornby accessory decoder compatible with other companies systems? I had an Elite and two selects but replaced them with a gaugemaster prodigy system . The reverse loop modules work fine but I haven't installed the accessory decoder because I assumed it wouldn't work It should do. Think of your system in 2 sides with the command station in the middle. Everything 'Throttle side' is proprietary, so for example you cannot use a Gaugemaster handset with an NCE PowerPro (although I seem to remember 1 exception to this). Everything 'Power side' is NMRA compliant, so just like you can use any loco decoder because it pulls everything from the power bus, you should be able to use any accessory decoder because it connects in exactly the same way. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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