©2002 Digitrax, Inc
www.digitrax.com
19
will plug into one of the 4 occupancy LED headers on the BDL162 and solder
LEDs to the wires to create an array of LEDs (see Figure 6). By plugging this
display array into one of the 4 occupancy LED headers (Figure 5, marked
A,B,C & D), you can see the state of the zone and occupancies for that header.
This allows you to easily check the zone sensitivity (typically 22 Kohms to
give detection). This also aids in the determination of detection number and
activity for a track detection section. Many detection problems are related to
wiring problems or poor connections to the detection section rather than to the
actual BDL162. By using the display array, you can eliminate the wiring issues
from the equation and be sure that the BDL162 is set up correctly.
Remember, if the zone power is OFF, the occupancy LEDs should be set up so
that they will be on to be sure that signaling systems or a CTC/dispatcher will
see the detection section in its most restricted aspect.
13.4 LocoNet Debug
If you are using LocoNet for reporting, be sure that the configuration is correct
for your usage. In normal operations the red “option” LED will blink ON
briefly when valid LocoNet messages are seen confirming a good LocoNet net-
work connection.
13.5 Analog Locomotives
The motor inductance of analog locomotives may in some installations cause
cross talk among the BDL162 detection sections. The addition of a 220ohm,
3 watt, wire wound resistor between the booster track terminals (Rail A and
Rail B on Digitrax boosters) will typically reduce the effect of this cross talk.
Simply use a leaded resistor as a jumper between the booster's two track termi-
nals.
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Radio or TV Interference: (this information is MANDATED by the FCC) This
equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equip-
ment is operated in a residential environment. This equipment generates, uses
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accor-
dance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interfer-
ence to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference
by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
©2002 Digitrax, Inc
www.digitrax.com
18
1122..00
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The BDL162 is ready to set up four transponding zones with the addition of an
RX4 Transponder Detector. Transponding allows two-way communication with
rolling stock equipped with a transponding decoder or a stand alone transponder.
Many of the Digitrax Premium and FX
3
decoders are transponder-equipped.
You may need to set the decoder CV61 value to enable transponding. The set up
for transponding operation is covered in the RX4 Installation Manual and in the
Digitrax Decoder Manual.
Transponding allows you to keep track of where individual transponder-
equipped rolling stock is located on your layout. Your dispatcher can keep bet-
ter track of trains, knowing exactly where each train is located. Additional
applications include surround sound specific for each loco, automated train
control, and remote layout operation. Transponding also allows Operations
Mode Read Back of decoder CVs while operating your trains on your layout
providing you additional control over your locomotives.
If you are planning to use Digitrax Transponding with your BDL162 please
allow space to install the RX4 Transponder Receiver as shown in Figure 3.
Additional information about transponding can be found in the RX4 instruction
manual and on the web in the Digitrax Application Notes and Technical
Information Section/Advanced Transponding Application Note.
1133..00
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13.1 Packet Reception
Be sure the green ID LED is ON & is “winking” off about every 2 seconds.
This means that correctly formatted DCC packets are being decoded from the
left most (Railsync) pin of the RJ12 LocoNet socket. For DCC detection, the
same DCC packet signal that drives the booster must be connected to the RJ12
socket's left most pin. If you are using LocoNet and you do not see the green
LED blinking pattern described, check to be sure that the system is powered up
and your LocoNet cable connections are good. You can use your LT-1 to test
the LocoNet cables if you suspect there is a problem with them. If the green
LED on the BDL162 is not lit, check the external power connections.
13.2 Mode Indication
The winking on the green ID LED indicates the primary BDL162 mode. A sin-
gle wink indicates standard Digitrax compatible Direct Home track wiring and
detection logic will be used, a double wink indicates Common Rail wiring and
detection logic is to be used. For Common Rail, all 4 BDL162 zone connec-
tions must be made to the System Common ground point. Be sure the BDL162
configuration is appropriate for your usage.
13.3 Occupancy Debug
Use the LT5 provided with your BDL162 as described in Section 11.2. You can
also build a simple LED display debugger as follows. Use a 10 pin plug and
cable such as DigiKey (1-800-DigiKey) part number M1AXA-1036R-ND that
