Digitrax BD168 & RX4

[hepkat63]

Hi all,

I have just received my BD168 and RX4s.  I have read all
the instructions and understand how it works - BUT are totally confused
as to HOW the RX4 actually detect anything?

I see the diagram and see how you place them two inches apart, next to the BD168 - ok.  But
how does that detect any trains?

My very SIMPLE understanding was that you put an RX4 underneath the
track you want to detect?   But they are all so close together - that can't be right?

Do you run additional WIRES from each one of the RX4 to the area of track you want
to detect from?

The manual is just SO confusing - it just shows you how to mount the
BD168 and RX4 under the board - ok, that bit is fine.

I just don't understand how the system detects your section.

Say I have one isolated track section two yards from where the RX4's
are mounted under the board - how does it detect trains there?     Do I have to run wires from the track
rails to the RX4 for that section?

The Digitrax diagram shows the different sections, but how does it link together
please?

Sorry, but I am just so confused !!  I just wish Digitrax had some short videos explaining this stuff - it is pretty hard for new guys to work out (or me anyway !)

Can anyone shed some light on this for me please?

[Stevert]

Well, I don't have any BDL168's or RX4's on my layout, but after looking at the RX4 manual it seems pretty clear.  To simplify:

1) The zone's common wire goes through through the hole in the RX1 in the direction specified;

2) Those "zone wires" need to be twisted/routed as specified, and the RX1's need to be separated as specified, to avoid crosstalk.

From that, it's obvious that the RX1's detect the current through the zone wire passing through it, just like any other transformer-based detector.

I suggest that you thoroughly read through the material again until you understand the concepts.  You seem to be mistaking "understanding what it's supposed to do" for "understand[ing] how it works".