nigeltaylor

I was talking rubbish in the above. It works only if the reset is made within a few seconds. However I have found that the DR5000 will reliably power up with three ADS2-SX decoders connected. As I use nine of these i have wired six through two conveniently placed switches. So now power up, wait a moment, close switch one, wait a moment, close switch 2. Not ideal but works every time.

More tests show that the ADS decoders (8 total) are pulling just on 4 amps for a second or two after initial power up falling rapidly to virtually zero. I did not want to start more physical work with wiring and switches to solve an issue that should be fixable in allegedly quality software/product. So pressing on today I found the fix for this. It works fine and is easy. In the DR5000 software. Click on 'settings'. Then click on 'Turnouts' You will see that there is an 'on time' setting. The factory default is 2500ms. Simply reduce this to around 200ms. Save and close. Job done with no additional wiring work. The layout is using 8 ADS_2sx decoders operating 16 turnouts and 1 AD8-sx decoder operating another 8 Cobalt motors. All are operating perfectly and the DR5000 sets/resets with a single click. Amazing that Digikeijs or Hattons couldn't tell me this.

This is for information and any comments. I have used a Digikeijs DR5000 controller for several years to power my Layout. Originally the layout consisted of a laptop running the DR5000 powering four DCC Concepts ADS-8sx decoders operating Peco solenoid point motors. Performance was faultless. The DR5000 powering up successfully every time. Very 'short circuit' tolerant. The DCC decoders efficiently operating frog switching. Moving back to the UK some of my kit including the decoders was unavoidably discarded. I have built a new layout and, with difficulty, obtained 10 new ADS-2sx decoders. Now on power up the DR5000 trips on a short circuit. Thorough testing reveals no short. If the DR5000 is rapidly reset seven or eight times at power up it remains connected and functions perfectly. If a real short occurs it will reset first time if done promptly otherwise repeated resets are again needed. I have tried another DR5000 with the same result. Clearly DCC Concepts have changed the spec, I guess of the capacitors, in their new offering causing this problem. I could install switches at each decoder and crawl about under the table switching them on one at a time after power up but this is not really a fix. So disappointed with DCC Concepts after terrible delivery problems and now this issue with what was previously a reliable and very functional product.

Interesting reply Andy. Could this mean you have some 2nd hand ADS8-sx units for sale??? Take your point about additional outputs for signals. The seep does have LED outputs but the solution is as pricey as the 'Concepts' Digital servo solution. Just looked at the Train Tech PC200 with Capacitor Discharge on board. Much cheaper at £45 for a 4 output unit but no additional outputs. Even the 'Concepts' digital seem to be out of stock until new year. Frustration indeed. Also I guess the decoders you now use are DCC's AD8-sx instead of ADS8-sx??

I am having big problems with my bank of four ADS-8sx decoders purchased some 5 years ago. Some individual decoders on each eight block are still working. On the faulty units I have replaced the capacitors (£4 for 10 RS Components) and this got a couple back. Some of the rest are either dead or pulsing the turnout continually in one direction. I am disgusted with DCC Concepts who after promising new ones available in September, then November then Christmas are now giving February 2020 as a possible. DCC Train automation tell me that the DR 4015 will not switch solenoid motors especially two together. Hornby and ESU likewise. A capacitor discharge unit as part of the decoder is a must. It would be a lot of work under the table to change the motors for digital servo motors and for me I would be looking at around £500 and only the DCC Concepts offering seems to have that beautifully simple addressing function. Also I like that reassuring click that solenoid motors provide as some turnouts are a distance from my laptop control station and the state can only be seen on screen. So I am looking hard at the Seep GMC-PM10D price £19.95 at Gaugemaster. Still an expensive option and much work but I keep the simple addressing function, they will change two turnouts simultaneously I keep that reassuring click as they change. I could then remove the DCC decoders get the blowtorch on them and bury them in the garden while promising never to use the words DCC Concepts again. I will report further.