Thank you guys for the information. I am new to this forum and would like to post a few pictures of the system. I can't seem to figure out the procedure to do that.
I am using all Digitrax loconet cables as well. As for the ground.. Are you talking about the ground wire from the DCS210 (Center Slot) to the ground on the BDL?
Thanks again!
-Ryan
I wouldn;t think a crossed cable would be the issue here - it WILL make a BDL168 not report transponding correctly, if transponders have been added, because the Railsync will be out of phase. THe described issue is the throttle shows voltage (meaning it's getting the Railsync power) but then goes no further - meaning the Loconet signal isn't getting there. The two Loconet lines are actually shorted together in various devices because they are just one side of the circuit - the two ground wires in the cable are the other side.
What we don't know is if the BDL168 is indicating occupancy actually back through the system, ie to JMRI or something. A cable missing half the pins between the DCS210 and the BDL168 would still allow the BDL168 ro light up the test LEDs when it detected a train in the block, but it wouldn't be able to communicate that information, and nothing plugged in downstream of it would work.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Additionally check that you have a seperate reference ground connected between the BDL-168 and the command station. This is not a earth ground but it is used to properly detect blocks. Without the ground in place the BDL-168 (also PM-42's) can act wonky.
Double check you do not have a 6 pin phone cable (crossover cable) in use. Digitrax cables are all data cables (straight through). That could potentially be your issue as well.
Colorado Front Range Railroad: http://www.coloradofrontrangerr.com/
Sounds like you may have a bent or folded over pin in one of the Loconet jacks, probably on the BDL-168 if everything works without that device plugged in. Examine the sockets carefully, there are 6 spring wires and 6 slots inside each socket, each should be in its own slot and not folded over or touching any others. Check the cable you are using between the DCS210 and BLD168 as well and make sure it is good. And possibly the Loconet socket on the DCS210, if you are plugging the BDL-168 into one, and the throttle into a different one when testing.
Hi Everyone,
I have recently hooked up a Digitrax BDL168 to the layout. The BDL168 is detecting trains as expected. The issue I am running into is that when I connect the BDL to the DCS with a loconet cable, the DT400 throttle becomes inoperative in that it only displays voltage on the screen. I cannot select or run locomotives either. I have tested the loconet cables and the DT400 throttle works just fine when the BDL168 is not connected via loconet.
Thanks for any help!