Occupancy detection
Posted
#251691
(In Topic #13828)
Full Member
Is it possible to avoid "black holes"?
I have the DIgitrax controller going to the Digikeijs DR4088 (similar to the BDL168) for track occupancy detection - no problem. I do have sections on the layout which use Tam Valley Depot auto reversers. Up to now I have powered them direct from the controller but that leaves a big section of track with no detection and hence potential collisions if a train stops or splits. I have just tried treating them as a normal section and feeding them from the DR4088, as per the attached diagram, but the auto-reverser always draws about 40mA which makes the DR4088 think the track is always occupied. Has anyone come across this before as I would rather like to avoid 2.5mtr sections resembling a "black holes".
Posted
Legacy Member
The only problem that may occur is if you have coach lighting but that would be a problem even you have short blocks.
Brian
Last edit: by Briperran
OO gauge DCC ECOS Itrain 4 computer control system
Posted
Full Member
John at Digitrains had suggested I contact DCC Train Automation as the main Digikeijs importers so this morning I gave them a call. As soon as I explained my setup they immediately said there was no way to have an auto-reversing section with the DR4088 and Tam Valley auto-reverser and get track detection because of the way the auto-reverser actually works. Two solutions were put forward, an LS-Digital autoreverser which works in a different way and can work with the DR4088 and a Digitrax BXPA1 self contained auto-reverser and train detection unit.
So I have ordered a Digitrax BXPA1 unit and will test it and report back. It does mean, if it works, that I will have three Tam Valley auto-reversers superfluous to requirements - ah well.
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