I currently have the DCS210+ and will be using mostly JMRI for controlling turnouts and running locos. I have a few Tortoise switch machines that I want to use. Do I still need the DC74 with JMRI?? Thanks!
Assuming you meant the "DS74" quad switch stationary decoder... DS74 programming is not yet fully supported by JMRI. I think it has to do with Loconet configuration of the DS74, perhaps not DCC bus control. So, depending on how you want to control your DS74, you may or may not be limited with JMRI. You might keep an eye on the JMRI and Digitrax groups on groups.io for more information, if you don't get the info you need here. I am not a Digitrax system user, but I am considering using DS74's (which replaced the old DS64) to control my Unitrack (bipolar solenoid) switches via DCC.
Yeah, I meant DS74. I'll have to read up on the JMRI info some more as I want to have signals and block detection also.
IIRC the issues had to do with configuring it, not operating it, so you should be able to configure it with your digitrax throttle, and then operate it with JMRI. JMRI operations is a whole 'nuther can o' worms... Haven't got there yet. Enjoy the journey!
I just watched these 7 videos about JMRI. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBfdQkX57PXwvnIX8gum6Dj3ZnZZJTnjR If I understand correctly, in addition to my DCS210+, to control switches, have block detection, and signal logic with JMRI, I just need the Digitrax SE8C. Would that be correct?
I've never considered an SE8C, since I do not have slow motion point motors (I have two-wire bidirectional solenoids), and I don't have Loconet. But it looks like the SE8C may do what you want. The description is a little confusing about whether it has 8 outputs that can be either signal or point motor controls, or 8 of each.
The SE8C will drive the turnouts and signals, but you will still need to do block detection. The SE8C has block detection inputs, but does not actually do the detection. Digitrax's BD4N, BXP88 and BDL168 do block detection, but you can also use other manufacturers devices or DIY circuits, as long as they have a +5V to +22V output for occupancy. The SE8C only has 8 eight outputs capable of driving semaphores or slow motion switch motors. It has 48 additional outputs (multiplexed to 96) to drive LEDs, although you do not have individual control over each output because they are grouped to drive 32 signal heads.
