Digikeijs (Digirails) DR5000

RCMan Jan 23, 2018

  1. RCMan

    RCMan TrainBoard Member

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    Do anyone use this system and the accessories?

    Would like to get some feedback on this system.

    https://www.digikeijs.com
     
  2. MegaBlackJoe

    MegaBlackJoe TrainBoard Member

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    It's a European product and it's mostly popular in Europe, so I would try to search on European forums. It's also popular in Russia, I can give you the link, if you are interested, but you will have to use Google translate to read.

    So far, I have heard it's popular - this product offers good features at a price smaller than its major competitors, there are many protocols and buses supported, plus there are extension modules available. The product is developing steadily - they release new features via firmwware updates. As far as I know - there are no hardware throttles yet, but they are likely to introduce it in future.

    It should also be cheaper than major US DCC brands like NCE and Digitrax.
     
  3. RCMan

    RCMan TrainBoard Member

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    Yes, I like to possibilities of this system.

    TCS is coming out with a new command station and wireless throttle.

    Showing it this weekend at the Amherst Show.
     
  4. TrainzLuvr

    TrainzLuvr TrainBoard Member

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    I have been thinking about getting a DR5000 as well. I presently own a Roco Z21, although it's like new as I haven't really used it much, so if anything I'd sell it to get DR5000. I do like their various accessories, which is what drew me to Digikeijs at the first place.

    What I read on the various posts elsewhere on the web is that DR5000 firmware is still "work in progress" which kinda concerns me. Most of the functionality appears to work and Digikeijs is continually improving it, but I guess some people have found it lacking or glitchy.

    FWIW, it's just a hear-say and not my first person account...
     
  5. RCMan

    RCMan TrainBoard Member

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    There is not one DCC system that dose not have some bugs still to be fixed. Look at your phone and the update you are always getting.

    The Digikeijs website had two updates on it.
     
  6. chadbag

    chadbag TrainBoard Member

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    I run a DR5000. No problems so far. I am still a beginner. I also have their booster — mainly to learn about running two power districts, not out of any need yet.

    One nice thing about most of their modules (occupancy detectors, switch controllers, booster, etc) is that they work with any command center (or for most — with any command center that supports loconet).

    I have it with two of the RailCom occupancy detectors and 2 of their switch controllers.

    I use two Roco Z21 WiFi throttles with it (DR5000 supports it OOB) and want to get one more plus a Roco / Fleischmann wired version of the same throttle.

    I also have a Digitrax WiFi Adapter so i can run WiThrottle compatible stuff.

    As a SW engineer by trade, I have a long term plan to program my own iPhone/iPad/Mac control system.

    I started with a simple NCE PowerCab which I still use to set up temporary kitchen table setups.
     
  7. EsK

    EsK TrainBoard Member

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    Did you finally get the Digikeijs DR5000? Mine is arriving tomorrow. Have also ordered the block detector DR4088LN-CS.
    In case you did go in for the Digikeijs, please let me know if there are any tips/tricks during the setup!

    Thanks,
    EsK
     
  8. RCMan

    RCMan TrainBoard Member

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    I have helped a large club on their new layout use the Digikeijs Products, been testing them for over a year now, have several local club members converting over to the DR5000 withe Roco Multi-Maus throttles and love them better than using a phone.
    Now converting my DC layout over to Digikeijs using Railcom and Asymmetrical Block Stopping with JMRI.
    Dennis
     
  9. EsK

    EsK TrainBoard Member

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    I have the DR5000 all set and the Layout Panel operates with JMRI/ Engine Driver on Android. The locos and turnouts can also be operated with Z21 app on Android.
    Now that I have the option of creating a LocoNet, am looking at setting up blocks to detect occupancy, the ultimate purpose being to run trains automatically.
    As I am reading the JMRI documentation on Blocks, am finding it a bit difficult to understand how to set up & create blocks and the like. Is there some other reading material or tutorial available that I can refer to, please?
    Thanks,
    EsK
     
  10. RCMan

    RCMan TrainBoard Member

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    JMRI documentation and videos are not that good and are lacking for your purpose.

    It took me months of searching for this requirement, I also wanted Railcom and it took a long time before JMRI had that working using Loco-net. Yes, Loco-net.You need to have the lastest production version of JMRI first. V4.18.

    I am planning to get a series of videos together to setup primarily for this. Just got the get use to the Video editing some more.

    Dennis
     
  11. EsK

    EsK TrainBoard Member

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    Have you had a chance to work with Train Controller-Bronze or iTrain? As I am yet a beginner, am going to look at JMRI's Logix first.

    I have updated to V4.18 & Railcom is good to have but I don't have any RailCom decoders as yet & I am not a DIY person for changing deocoders on N scale locomotives! So no Railcom for me just yet.

    EsK
     
  12. RCMan

    RCMan TrainBoard Member

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  13. EsK

    EsK TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks! The ESU RailCom transmitting unit looks exciting.
    It states "this small transmitter is installed in addition to the locomotive decoder or individually in a cab driving trailer and is simply soldered to the wheel pickup...".
    Since I am loath to tinker directly with the locomotives, does this mean that a separate small rolling stock item with this transmitter unit installed, can be paired with a particular locomotive to achieve location detection?

    In the meantime I have created all the blocks, with detection and also configured them with their sensors on the PanelPro Layout. I wanted to know if JMRI virtual signals & Logix can automatically stop (and then restart) any train from running into or colliding with another already running on the layout, depending on block occupancy detection.
    I am not interested in controlling a particular train, just looking for collision avoidance.

    P.S.: Have joined the Digikeijs@group.io group created by you
     
    Last edited: Mar 27, 2020
  14. RCMan

    RCMan TrainBoard Member

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    EsK likes this.
  15. EsK

    EsK TrainBoard Member

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    Really appreciate all the assistance!

    I don't think the Bachmann & BLI locomotives that I have, have the ABC function available.
    So, as suggested by you I might need to go the ESU Railcom transmitting unit way. That would yet leave me with evaluating whether JMRI would work or it would need to be TC or iTrain.

    Will put up my query on the JMRI group to get some ideas there.
    Thanks again!
     
  16. RCMan

    RCMan TrainBoard Member

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    Let us know your findings.
     
  17. RCMan

    RCMan TrainBoard Member

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    Here is a video I made: It has two omissions:

    1. In the Table>Blocks, make sure you uncheck the “USE CURRENT” boxes if checked.

    2. Do not use the "Reporter Labels" for Block Content, that only gives you the raw data, use the BLOCK>Content labels in each block, then the ID-TAGS information will work.

     
  18. mtaylor

    mtaylor Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I purchased some locos from IronPlanetHobbies and they included a printout talking up the DR5000. I have only owned Digitrax products and have used JMRI to some degree in the past (I am not an expert and a bit rusty now). The DR5000 looked really interesting with it's cross vendor compatibility. I then found myself watching several YouTube videos on it and it seems impressive. I was all set to embark on a new Digitrax setup but now I am thinking a hybrid approach looks very interesting, especially the ability to use multiple throttles from other vendors.

    One thing I am curious about, with Digitrax, it is a simple process to Consist multiple locos together and likewise break the consist. Is this possible with the DR5000?
     
    chadbag likes this.
  19. RCMan

    RCMan TrainBoard Member

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    The DR5000 is very compatible with Digtrax equipment and many other DCC equipment.

    ESU, Lenz, NCE, Digitrax, Z21, etc.

    Consisting is better on the DR5000 and gives you 120 slots.

    Dennis

    https://groups.io/g/Digikeijs/wiki/Home
    This was just discussed yesterday on this forum.
     
    mtaylor and chadbag like this.
  20. TrainzLuvr

    TrainzLuvr TrainBoard Member

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    If you don't need a Command Station right away, wait for the TCS one - should be out coming soon. It will include support for the new NMRA LCC protocol alongside all the other bells and whistles. It will go great hand in hand with their UWT-100 throttle (own one and like it a lot).
     
    mtaylor likes this.

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