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Smoothing out detection operation

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  • Member since
    May 2012
  • 602 posts
Smoothing out detection operation
Posted by NP01 on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 8:41 AM

So, my lone signal on the diverging leg of a turnout, protecting a switch and the main. It's green and the engine starts to rolle forward, it enters the mainline block, the switch is part of the mailine block so as soon as it enters the switch (through a pair of insulated joiners), the signal turns red. The engine continues ... Another half inch, and the signal turns Green again! Then another half inch, Red again. Happens with all engines, and they don't seem to be losing power as their sounds and their smooth forward motion are continuing. 

Why does the signal flip back and forth a couple times till it settles? Do I need more feederson the turnout?

NP. 

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: SE Minnesota
  • 6,847 posts
Posted by jrbernier on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 9:09 AM

  What are you using for detectors?  Many commercial detection circuits have an adjustable 'delay' in them to get rid of the described problem.

Jim

Modeling BNSF  and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Eastern Shore Virginia
  • 3,290 posts
Posted by gandydancer19 on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 6:55 PM

If I remember correctly, the BDL has a sensitivity adjustment that can be programmed to another setting.  You might try that.  Make it less sensitive, or just experiment with it.

Dirty track and dirty wheels may also have an effect.  I apply a drop of WD-40 to my finger and then wipe it on both rails and run the loco through it.  For me, this seems to improve the electrical contact between the loco wheels and the track.

Elmer.

The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.

(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.

  • Member since
    May 2012
  • 602 posts
Posted by NP01 on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 7:42 PM

BDL168 detectors. I will look for a delay option. 

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