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Digitrax BD4 & Circuitron FL-2

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  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Friday, May 15, 2009 6:54 AM

If the Circuitron 'control pin' is actually the source of power for the Circuitron board, then you'll have to put a relay on the output of the BD4 and use that to switch the power to the Circuitron board. Use a reverse biased diode across the relay coil so when the realy drops the back-emf spike won't damage the BD4. Is there an online copy of the Circuitron instructions somewhere?

                     --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • 2 posts
Posted by mikey on Thursday, May 14, 2009 10:32 PM

Thank you for the suggestion.  Tried it, but it doesn't work.  Putting the Circuitron control pin to BD4 pin2 gives a momentary (about two cycles) of operation, and then goes dark. At the same time, the Detector LED's illuminate at some reduced voltage.

 Mike

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Friday, May 8, 2009 10:58 PM

I think you want to connect pin 1 on the BD4 to the Circuitron ground, and pin 2 to the control pin on the FL-2. Or actually the otehr way around, pin 1 to the FL-2 ground and pin 2 to the FL-2 control pin. Then when section 1 detects a train, it will ground the FL-2 signal pin. I'm pretty sure the pin pairs on the BD4 act as switches to ground,

                             --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • 2 posts
Digitrax BD4 & Circuitron FL-2
Posted by mikey on Friday, May 8, 2009 8:34 PM

Does anyone know if these devices are compatible?  I am hoping to ground the Circuitron control signal through the Digitrax detector, but can't get successful operation.  When connected together, the flashers operate continually.  I have grounded the BD4's DS1 plug pin 1 to Digitrax ground.  The Circuitron control signal floats at 5V DC until grounded, and then draws 35 micro amps.

Any one have any ideas what needs to be done, or is it not possible?

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