©2012 Digitrax, Inc.
www.digitrax.com
50
25.3.2MakingloconetCables
LocoNet typically supports a total cable length of up to 2,000 feet with no two
devices connected by more than 600 feet of cable. LocoNet wiring is totally
free-form. We do not recommend looping LocoNet back on itself.
Making your own LocoNet Cables is simple and cost effective. LocoNet wiring
consists of readily available wire and connectors. LocoNet uses flat 6 conduc-
tor wire and 6-pin RJ12 connectors. This kind of wiring is typically used for
telephone wiring. Most Digitrax dealers can make up LocoNet cables for you.
If you plan on wiring a large layout, you may want to invest in a good quality
set of crimpers so you can make your own LocoNet cables. The LT1 tester that
came with your Zephyr Xtra can be used to test LocoNet cables to be certain
they are good before you install them on your layout. Many layout problems
we see are related to LocoNet cables that were not built or crimped correctly.
LocoNet cables are wired pin 1 to pin 1. When you hold the plug with the tab
up and look into the end of the connector you will see the wires listed below in
the chart starting at the left side and moving to the right. (This is sometimes
called a “reversing cable” in the telecommunications industry even though it
really does not reverse).
We use the following wiring convention for all LocoNet cables/connections :
25.3.3testingloconetCableswithanlt1
1. Disconnect the wire harness from the LT1.
2. Plug one end of the LocoNet cable being tested into the LT1.
3 Connect the other end to the cable into on of the LocoNet ports on the back
of the DCS51. Make sure the
TRACK STATUS Light
is lit.
4. All four LEDs on the LT1 will light if the cable is good. LEDs may not all
be the same brightness, this is normal. NOTE: Only three LEDs will light
if the
TRACK STATUS Light
is not lit.
5. If any of the LEDs fail to light, recrimp the plugs on the LocoNet cable and
retest.
