Sorry for the belated reply, I just found this thread. I found this on the internet somewhere. I did not create it. Apologies to the author if you see this! I found this extremely helpful. And it has been mentioned here before but the Accu-Lites Digitrax breakout boards are worth every penny!
>>>>I have started planning the track wiring for my layout. I have a Digitrax Super Chief system and will be using a PM42 for power management and a BDL168 for block detection. I have been reading through all the Digitrax manuals plus about a zillion blogs and message boards and think I have my overall track wiring strategy mapped out. I have posted a high-level diagram below--can y'all do a quick review and let me know if I have got this right? Thanks! I have only shown the details for the four blocks wired from zone 1 of the BDL168; the other three zones would use similar connections to 12 additional blocks. Also note that my turnouts at the ends of passing sidings are wired as independent blocks since I want to eventually have a prototypical CTC installation. By doing this, the turnout blocks will serve as interlockings or control points within the signal system.
Replies:
You do not need to gap the red rail side in the detection blocks. Also, if you need more than 4 detection sections in a given sub-district, you can wire the PM42 output to more than 1 BDL-168 input. You may then require more than one BDL-168.
1. Make sure to also wire the booster ground to the PM42 and BDL168.
2. You probably already realize this, but you each Detection Zone (DZ) doesn't need to have an exclusive Power Subdistrict (SD) feeding it.
3. Make sure you read through the manuals on wiring these thoroughly & you may want to buy some additional 44 pin connectors. I am wiring a similar set-up right now and have already miswired five 44 pin connectors.<<<<<
Use the reply button at the bottom to reply to a thread. The new post button at the top starts a new thread.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
In the Wiring diagram, it looks like the Block 1B & Block 1D are connected together. Did someone forget the two gaps for the right turnout?
Bob Frey
Website: http://bobfrey.auclair.com
Indeed!, someone did.
It has been corrected and the all important ground has been added. Thanks!