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Locked No feedback with Digitrax DCS240

 

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Wayne,

Conventional English understanding would make you think that a 'Shorted' LocoNet would be a bad thing. However it just means that pins 3 & 4 are both connected to the LocoNet. In fact this is a good thing, not a bad thing, because it improves the redundancy of the connections. The LocoNet is a duplex connection only at the computer end. On the network itself there is just a single electrical signal? (LocoNet) and a ground. Both the LocoNet and ground are normally two wires with the same information for redundancy. The Railsync lines (1 & 6) are differential signals that drive the boosters. (Rail A and Rail B) If one of those goes bad, then there are issues.

Dick :)

On 8/16/2019 1:14 AM, Wayne Swearingen wrote:

I may have found a possible problem.. correct me if I'm wrong.?


This PDF: ?page 9 has the following diagram:

?

Condition

LEDs Lighted

Comment

OK

3

The outside Rail-sync LEDs should always light, and either one of the two inside LEDs should light

OK, Properly Phased

3

LEDs 1, 2 and 4 should light.

OK, Reverse Phased

3

LEDs 1, 3 and 4 should light.

Both LocoNet + and ¨C shorted (Note)

4

All 4 LEDs should light.

Any Other LocoNet Device Connected

4

All 4 LEDs should light.



I know for sure I had a couple cables test with four LED's and no throttle connected. In my tired mind I think I figured three is good four is better and didn't give it much extra though since Digitrax didn't say anything in their write up about four lights and no throttle.?
So that being said, if Digitrax didn't mention anything about four lights no throttle is the above information accurate? And, why can I run things just fine but the feedback is messed up? My thinking would say that nothing should work with shorted LocoNet.?


Wayne

?
 

On Sun, Aug 18, 2019 at 12:33 PM, dick bronson wrote:

Wayne,

Conventional English understanding would make you think that a 'Shorted' LocoNet would be a bad thing. However it just means that pins 3 & 4 are both connected to the LocoNet. In fact this is a good thing, not a bad thing, because it improves the redundancy of the connections. The LocoNet is a duplex connection only at the computer end. On the network itself there is just a single electrical signal? (LocoNet) and a ground. Both the LocoNet and ground are normally two wires with the same information for redundancy. The Railsync lines (1 & 6) are differential signals that drive the boosters. (Rail A and Rail B) If one of those goes bad, then there are issues.

Dick :)

Dick,?

I get what your saying and that does make sense. However, I still have the initial problem I started with and only a couple cables had four lights. As you mentioned LocoNet being duplex at the computer end.. Maybe one of the cables that is "shorted" is messing that up??


Wayne
 

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Wayne,

A short from 3 to 4, which is indicated by both LT1 lights lighting, will not cause any issues! It actually makes the LocoNet more robust because, for instance, if you have accidentally used a cable with a reversed connector things will still work. Look someplace else for issues.

Have you done the 'Monitor LocoNet Stats.' check? If that shows 'Raw Data' with empty boxes, then the interface isn't working properly in the first place. Not having a DCS240 myself means that I can not help any further.

Dick :)

On 8/19/2019 10:19 AM, Wayne Swearingen wrote:

On Sun, Aug 18, 2019 at 12:33 PM, dick bronson wrote:

Wayne,

Conventional English understanding would make you think that a 'Shorted' LocoNet would be a bad thing. However it just means that pins 3 & 4 are both connected to the LocoNet. In fact this is a good thing, not a bad thing, because it improves the redundancy of the connections. The LocoNet is a duplex connection only at the computer end. On the network itself there is just a single electrical signal? (LocoNet) and a ground. Both the LocoNet and ground are normally two wires with the same information for redundancy. The Railsync lines (1 & 6) are differential signals that drive the boosters. (Rail A and Rail B) If one of those goes bad, then there are issues.

Dick :)

Dick,?

I get what your saying and that does make sense. However, I still have the initial problem I started with and only a couple cables had four lights. As you mentioned LocoNet being duplex at the computer end.. Maybe one of the cables that is "shorted" is messing that up??


Wayne

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