Inc LocoNet Cable Maker Kit - Manual

ManualsBrandsDigitrax ManualsHobbyLocoNet Cable Maker Kit

LNCMK Contents:

▪

1 Cable Crimper Tool

▪

1 LT1 LocoNet Cable Tester

▪

1 50ft LocoNet Cable Pre-tested for use with LocoNet

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20 RJ12 Modular Plugs

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1 Instruction Booklet

Uses for LocoNet Cable Maker Kit

▪

Use with all LocoNet Cables and Throttles

▪

Make up LocoNet Cables for your layout

▪

Repair damaged RJ12 Modular Connectors

Using the LocoNet Cable Maker

1. Use the cutter blade to

cut the LocoNet cable to

the desired length. Make

sure that the ends are cut

squarely, not diagonally.

2. Insert the cable between

the stripper blades until it

touches the stop. Squeeze

the handle and pull the

tool so that the cable stays

perpendicular to it. If

done correctly the outer

insulation of the cable will

be removed without dam-

aging the insulation on the

inner wires.

3. Place an RJ12 modular

plug in the holder so

that the tip of the plug

is against the stop and

the gold contacts face

the crimper. Insert the

prepared cable into the

plug with the white wire in

the pin 1 position. Make sure that the inner wires are ush with the tip of the

connector and directly under the gold contacts, squeeze the handles FIRMLY

to set the contacts and secure the cable, thus completing the operation.

4. View photos on next page for a step by step guide.

LNCMK

LocoNet Cable Maker Kit

For All Scales

Complete Train Control

Run Your Trains, Not Your Track!

Stripper

blade

RJ12

Modular

Plug holder

Cutter

Blade

Cable Crimper Tool

Summary of content (12 pages)

PAGE 1
Complete Train Control Run Your Trains, Not Your Track! LNCMK LocoNet Cable Maker Kit For All Scales LNCMK Contents: ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ 1 Cable Crimper Tool 1 LT1 LocoNet Cable Tester 1 50ft LocoNet Cable Pre-tested for use with LocoNet 20 RJ12 Modular Plugs 1 Instruction Booklet Uses for LocoNet Cable Maker Kit ▪ ▪ ▪ Use with all LocoNet Cables and Throttles Make up LocoNet Cables for your layout Repair damaged RJ12 Modular Connectors Using the LocoNet Cable Maker 1. 2. 3. 4.
PAGE 2
Step 1: Cut Cable to Length Cut the LocoNet cable to the desired length. Make sure that the ends are cut squarely, not diagonally. Step 3: Strip Cable Squeeze the handle and pull the tool keeping the cable perpendicular to strip off outer insulation without damaging the insulation on the inner wires. Step 2: Insert Cable Into Stripper Insert the cable between the stripper blades until it touches the stop. Step 4: Position RJ12 Plug and prepared cable. Place an RJ12 modular plug in the holder.
PAGE 3
Test EVERY LocoNet Cable before installation as follows: 1. Commercial cable testers can be used to test LocoNet Cables. Follow the instructions provided with the cable tester to test cables without connecting them to LocoNet. Once the test is completed good, cables can be installed on the layout. 2. Every Digitrax Starter Set and LocoNet Cable Maker Kit includes an LT1 Loconet Tester for testing LocoNet cables. LT1 LocoNet Testers can also be purchased separately. LT1 LocoNet Tester 4 LEDs 3. 4. 5. 6.
PAGE 4
10. DO NOT leave the LT1 connected to a running layout, because it adds an extra unnecessary load to LocoNet. It is meant to be used as a simple temporary diagnostic tool only. LocoNet, the Digitrax Difference LocoNet is Digitrax’s method of communication between LocoNet compatible devices on a model railroad layout.
PAGE 5
data, amplify or boost the signal and output it to the track. RailSync can also be used as a source of power for low current devices such as throttles. The LocoNet data network capability can run on as few as 2 or 3 wires. Confusion may result in that the whole cable is termed a “LocoNet” cable but in fact carries the LocoNet data messages and also packet copy/connectivity functions.
PAGE 6
4. The two outside wires (pins 1 & 6) carry opposite phase copies of the master system rail packets, this is called RailSync. RailSync allows LocoNet boosters and other LocoNet devices to be connected anywhere along a cable run. This works even with cable runs of thousands of feet and in the presence of noise and interference. 5.
PAGE 7
LocoNet Wiring: LocoNet Cables LocoNet Cables must be reliable and well made, or you may see intermittent connectivity and spotty operation on the layout. If areas of the layout exhibit intermittent issues, bad cables may be the problem. Bad cables on your layout can be very frustrating and are completely avoidable by simply testing each cable before you install it on the layout. It’s easy to make LocoNet Cables using the tools in this kit.
PAGE 8
LocoNet Jacks and Throttle Jacks: All Jacks are NOT created equal: 1. LocoNet Jacks, like the ones on the back of all UP5s, are used for hooking up the LocoNet backbone. Additional LocoNet devices can be daisy chained from LocoNet jacks. 2. LocoNet Throttle Jacks, like the ones on the front and sides of all UP5s, for hooking up additional throttles or LocoNet devices that won’t be daisy chained to other devices. Additional LocoNet devices should NOT be daisy chained from Throttle Jacks.
PAGE 9
2. If the RailSync lines are OK. The two RailSync lines are driven as anti-phase copies of the track digital signal, and are driven with al 22 ohm output impedance so as they are loaded the voltages will drop, indicating the current load. These two lines should not be connected together, and this will cause excess current draw and low voltages. How to Check for Low LocoNet Voltage 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Prepare a short LocoNet cable with one end stripped to expose the wires inside the jacket.
PAGE 10
Very large layouts will benefit from using a LocoNet Repeater (LNRP) If more than 40 devices are on a single leg of LocoNet, or you get frequent interruptions as you plug in devices, this may indicate the need for an LNRP. 1. LocoNet Repeaters can be used to isolate areas of the layout from each other 2. Allows for troubleshooting with LocoNet fault indications 3. Proper operation of LNRP REQUIRES at least a 14VDC power supply. How to Check RailSync for Low Voltage How to Check RailSync for Low Voltage 1.
PAGE 11
6. Compare the Unloaded and Loaded measurements for RailSync; this voltage difference is a measure of how much power the RailSync loads are drawing. 7. If voltage is below 8 volts, make sure all UR92s, UR91s, PM42s, etc. are powered using PS14 or similar power supplies as required. 8. If this does not bring the voltage above 8 volts, power all throttles with batteries and/or power UP5 and similar panels using PS14.
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LNCMK 2443 Transmitter Road Panama City, FL 32404 www.digitrax.com Need Support? helpdesk.digitrax.